Speaking at the second edition of the Local Manufacturing Summit this week, agro-processing consultant at NARDI, Dennis Maswabi, highlighted the significant potential of agro-processing to drive economic growth and diversification. Maswabi emphasised that with the right strategic framework, agro-processing could play a pivotal role in enhancing value addition, creating employment, and boosting exports.
"The agro-processing sector has the potential to become the cornerstone of our manufacturing industry,” he said. “By converting raw agricultural products into value-added goods, we can not only meet local demand but also compete in international markets, thereby contributing to the country's GDP.”
The national agro-processing strategy being developed by NARDI holds promise for revitalising Botswana's manufacturing sector and positioning the country as a key player in the global agro-processing market. The strategy will also focus on promoting sustainable practices, enhancing quality standards, and fostering innovation to ensure that local agro-processing businesses can thrive and expand.
Maswabi said there is a need for the development of a national agro-processing plant and turnaround strategy, adding that the intention is to pursue agriculture transformation.
“A process has been identified and what is going to be produced in what quantities. “Looking at the reports, there is a huge potential in the agro-processing industry,” he said.
Maswabi said the strategy suggests there is a need to redefine and reinvest in agroecological zones as well as establish three industrial plants in Selebi Phikwe, Pandamatenga, and the Mosisedi Farms areas.
The two-day Local Manufacturing Summit provided a platform for stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the future of local manufacturing and the critical role that agro-processing can play in this landscape.
NARDI's initiative comes at a time when there is a growing recognition of the need to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on traditional sectors.
As the strategy takes shape, it is expected to include specific measures to support Small and Medium Enterprises in the agro-processing sector, facilitating access to markets and enhancing competitiveness. Additionally, the strategy will likely emphasise capacity building and skills development to ensure that the workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a modern agro-processing industry.
Agro-processing has been seen as the missing link in the strategic objectives of the country’s horticultural ban. While certain fresh horticultural products have been banned, processed agricultural goods such as canned vegetables and packed salads, continue to flow freely across the border, minimising the potential benefits of the ban to local producers.
