Budget Speech 2025 – Ministry of Lands and Agriculture 2025
This year’s budget speech by Botswana’s Minister of Finance, Honourable Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, outlined a comprehensive and transformative strategy for the agricultural sector. With a strong focus on modernization, diversification, and sustainability, the government’s initiatives aim to position agriculture as a critical pillar of the nation’s economy.
Government has combined the lands and agriculture portfolios under the new Ministry of Lands and Agriculture in order to streamline services and thereby ensure expeditious provision of services.
Below are the key highlights from the speech for the Ministry.
P2.44 billion Ministerial Recurrent Budget
The proposed budget is intended to boost food security, support smallholder farmers and create jobs across the country. In addition, the budget will cover land policy formulation, implementation, monitoring, and management to enhance equity and productivity. The proposed budget will also cater for the subventions to the Land Boards, National Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NARDI), Meat Industry Regulatory Authority (MIRA), Botswana Meat Commission (BMC)-Maun and the Tsabong Abattoir.
P2.88 billion Development Budget
P2.88 Billion is proposed for the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture to transform and modernise the agricultural sector. The budget is intended for projects and programmes that will enhance agricultural productivity, food security, as well as development of sustainable farming practices that ensure long-term prosperity for all Batswana. The bulk of the budget will mainly support programmes that are aimed at supporting the country’s food security and agricultural export efforts.
The budget will also cover land management projects under this Ministry which include the preparation of Spatial Plans, Surveying of Plots and Land Acquisition in preparation for land allocation. Provision is also made for Land Servicing projects comprising Metsimotlhabe, Ghanzi Expansion Blocks 1 to 7, Maun CBD (Botshabelo Infill), Sir Seretse Khama International Airport Special Economic Zone, Mmopane Block 1, Chobe (Kachikau), Letlhakane (Letsibogo), and Kasane (Plateau and Nnyungwe).
Notable Points
Transforming Agriculture for Growth and Food Security
The government has committed to a bold and transformative agricultural strategy centered on optimal land use, enhanced labor productivity, and improved food security. This strategy will leverage technology and promote domestic and export competitiveness. By strengthening agriculture’s linkages with the manufacturing sector, the government aims to create value-added opportunities for farmers.
Revamping Agricultural Subsidies
A significant shift in policy will see the government moving away from supporting agricultural inputs and instead incentivizing higher output and productivity. A comprehensive Agriculture Financing Strategy will be developed to improve access to capital for farmers and agribusinesses, enabling them to scale their operations and improve efficiency.
Building Key Agricultural Industries
To reduce reliance on imports, the government will focus on developing a robust seed production industry and establishing an organic fertilizer industry. These initiatives aim to lower costs for farmers and strengthen Botswana’s agricultural value chain.
Diversification of Agricultural Production
The government is set to explore high-potential but underutilized sub-sectors, including hemp production. Leveraging Botswana’s world-class expertise in cattle breeding will also be a priority to enhance beef genetics. Furthermore, the growth of the dairy farming sector will be accelerated, positioning it as a high-value industry.
Ensuring Market Access and Fair Pricing
To ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce, a local Commodity Trading Platform will be established. Additionally, efforts will be made to improve small-scale farmers’ access to supply contracts with large retail chains—an area that has traditionally been difficult due to restrictive business practices.
Support for Cooperatives
Recognizing the transformative potential of cooperatives, the government will revamp the institutional and legal framework to build self-reliant entities. These cooperatives will play a crucial role in job creation, rural development, poverty reduction, and food security.
Climate Resilience and Sustainable Practices
Given the increasing impact of climatic shocks, the government is prioritizing investment in modern farming practices and green energy initiatives. These efforts will ensure long-term prosperity and sustainability for the agricultural sector.
A Sustainable Future for Botswana’s Agriculture
The government’s strategic direction for agriculture marks a significant step toward diversifying Botswana’s economy beyond its reliance on diamond revenues. By modernizing the sector, supporting innovation, and creating value-added opportunities, Botswana is paving the way for a resilient and competitive agricultural industry.
The transformative initiatives outlined in the budget speech provide a clear roadmap for the future of agriculture in Botswana. With a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, the government’s efforts promise to unlock the full potential of the agricultural sector and secure a prosperous future for all Batswana.
Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme
Additionally, renewed support for the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme is included to improve access to financing. This was mentioned under the Ministry of Finance Ministerial Recurrent Budget.
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Download a copy of the budget speech here.
