Tsabong Multi-Species Abattoir Finally Commissioned After Years of Delays

Tsabong Multi-Species Abattoir Finally Commissioned After Years of Delays. After years of delays and budget overruns, the Tsabong Multi-Species Abattoir is now fully constructed and undergoing commissioning, with the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) confirmed as the operating entity.

This was revealed in Parliament by Acting Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, in response to a question posed by Honourable M. Lekutlane, Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi North.

The project, which broke ground in January 2021, was initially expected to be completed by July 2022 at a cost of P161 million. However, delays in procuring specialised machinery and escalating input costs pushed the total expenditure to P201 million, with final construction only concluding recently.

Dr. Dikoloti confirmed that smallstock farmers from Kgalagadi North were consulted during the early stages of planning. However, he noted that logistical challenges remain—particularly the sandy and lion-prone Tsabong–Lekgwabe/Tshane road, which complicates access to the facility. Discussions are reportedly underway between ministries to address transport and market connectivity concerns.

To help ensure a stable supply of livestock to the new facility, the Lobu Smallstock Farm has been revitalised, with two paddocks leased to private investors. The BMC will work with local farmers to promote consistent throughput and encourage regional participation.

For entrepreneurs and agri-businesses across Botswana, the abattoir presents a new opportunity to expand into meat processing, logistics, and value-added production. It also opens up potential for creating jobs and improving market access for smallstock producers in the Kgalagadi region.

As commissioning continues, local stakeholders are keeping a close eye on how the facility will be integrated into the broader livestock value chain.