First Batch of Girolando Cattle Arrives as BDC Expands Milk Valley Project

First Batch of Girolando Cattle Arrives as BDC Expands Milk Valley Project. The Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) is accelerating the expansion of the Milk Valley Project (formerly Milk Afric) with the procurement of 1,000 Girolando cattle from Brazil, marking a significant step in strengthening Botswana’s dairy industry.

In an exclusive update, Managing Director Oteng Keabetswe confirmed that the first batch of 200 cattle is expected to arrive in Botswana within six weeks. He explained that earlier operational challenges had delayed progress, but these have now been resolved, paving the way for full-scale implementation.

“We will transport the cattle from Brazil using the safest possible routes, without compromising our European Union certification standards,” Keabetswe said. He added that technical partners will provide support over a 24-month period, focusing on skills transfer, farmer training, mentorship for agricultural students, and the adoption of global best practices.

The initiative is expected to strengthen Botswana’s commercial farming sector, while creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and agricultural development. Keabetswe emphasized the broader vision of the project: “We have already selected the first 200. Once they arrive, they will acclimatize. The people we are buying the cattle from will support us over a period of 24 months. We’re very excited about the project and look forward to the first milk, the first products, the first yogurt, and the first ice cream. Hopefully, the brand we build will become a preferred choice for our citizens and help realize the national economic sovereignty we aspire to.”

The Milk Valley Project represents a strategic investment in Botswana’s food security and economic resilience. By scaling up dairy production, BDC aims to reduce reliance on imports, create jobs, and foster a sustainable agricultural ecosystem that benefits both farmers and consumers.