Agriculture Positioned as Key Driver in Botswana’s Economic Transformation

Agriculture Positioned as Key Driver in Botswana’s Economic Transformation. Agriculture is being repositioned as a central pillar of Botswana’s economic diversification strategy, as the country works to reduce its long-standing dependence on diamonds.

Speaking at the Agri-Business and Investment Forum, Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe emphasized that expanding agricultural production is critical to cutting the national import bill and increasing export earnings through value-added products. He identified meat processing, crop production, and nutraceuticals as priority areas for developing competitive, export-ready goods.

The strategy forms part of the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), which places agriculture among the country’s priority growth sectors. Gaolathe noted that the sector is expected to support industrialisation, stimulate rural economies, and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people, women, and persons with disabilities.

Government has set a target to increase agriculture’s contribution to gross domestic product from 2 percent to 6 percent, aligning with broader efforts to diversify the economy and build resilience against global market fluctuations.

However, challenges remain. Keletsositse Olebile, Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, highlighted that compliance with international export standards continues to constrain market access for local producers. He stressed the need for greater support to equip farmers with technical knowledge, certification capacity, and production standards required to compete globally.

The forum underscored agriculture’s growing role in Botswana’s transformation agenda, as policymakers seek new growth engines beyond the diamond sector. With targeted investment and stronger institutional support, agriculture is being positioned as the “new diamond” in Botswana’s economic shift.