BMC injects P5OOm on new projects
Botswana Meat Commission (BMC), recently announced the commencement of two major projects, being the development of a new meat value addition and secondary processing plant, and the revitalisation of its tannery. The mega projects, which are expected to cost close to P500 million, shows BMC’s commitment to advancing Botswana’s beef industry, ensuring it remains competitive and sustainable in the evolving global meat market.
As part of BMC’s strategic initiative, the new meat value addition and secondary processing plant will enhance the value of beef products through advanced processing techniques. “This will enable BMC to offer a diversified range of high-quality meat products to both local and international markets,” said BMC. Speaking at the event, BMC Chief Executive Officer, David Tsheboeng, said, “Breaking ground on this project represents a bold step towards expanding our processing capabilities. Not only will this increase the profitability of the beef industry, but it will also create jobs and stimulate economic growth in our communities.” The value addition and secondary processing plant will produce processed beef products such as a variety of canned beef, pouched, smoked and cooked products. The plant will start off with a minimum of 10 new products that will be available in the local and regional markets.
The upgraded tannery will process hides to the blue leather stage, creating new opportunities for value-added exports. This will contribute to the development of Botswana’s Lobatse Special Economic Zone (SEZ), where additional investors will be encouraged to further process wet blue leather into finished goods such as shoes, bags, car seats, and jackets.The BMC Chief emphasised the broader implications of the tannery revitalisation: “This investment goes beyond infrastructure. It sets the foundation for Botswana to become a major player in the leather industry. By revitalising the tannery, we are positioning ourselves for long-term global competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.”
The tannery project includes the establishment of an on-site effluent treatment plant to meet wastewater treatment quality standards, ensuring environmental sustainability. Meanwhile, the Minister of entrepreneurship, Karabo Gare said, 'the projects – pointedly ‘aligns to our mandate which is to coordinate and promote value chain development, employment creation and entrepreneurship efforts in Botswana. The projects propel the BMC to pioneer a meat value-chain right from our home soil, the kind only assumed of renowned multinationals.'