BITC assists Batawana Beef reach new heights
Botswana is better known for its thriving beef market. It is the second best- known export after diamonds. The beef sector has for decades made a mark in the international markets, beating peers from established countries. The state- owned Botswana Meat Commission ( BMC) has played a major role in driving the multi- million Pula sector, both at home and abroad. However, right in the tiny village of Toteng, near Maun, a strong contender in the form of Batawana Beef is emerging. By the look of things, the company is set to play an even more prominent role in the domestic beef market.
Through the assistance of institutions such as Botswana Investment and Trade Centre ( BITC), Batawana Beef, which is privately owned, has managed to cement its position in the domestic and export market. According to one of its directors, Jan Hendrik Stander, Batawana Beef is a medium throughput abattoir that can slaughter approximately 100 cattle per day with a deboning plant capacity of 6 tons.
“We support the local farmers through buying cattle directly from them on a competitive marketrelated price and same- day payment,” Stander told Botswana Guardian, adding that they also slaughter for the private butcheries daily. Some of the major products of this establishment are mixed meat cuts that are for the domestic and export market. The meats are also used for processing.
Stander was quick to point out that, their target market is those that provide the best Per/ kg, “as this will mean that our farmers will benefit from higher prices for their cattle and an increase in focused and intensive farming in this region. Currently, those markets elude us as we are in a red zone but nevertheless, we are working hard to penetrate these markets which include South Africa, Namibia, and other countries that value our free- range or grass- fed product.”
Penetrating the export markets, especially in the beef sector is not for the fainthearted. A lot of hard work and back- and- forth processes are supposed to be met before any meat can find its way out of the country. However, Batawana Beef has found its way into these lucrative markets.
“We are a Halaal accredited facility which is specifically needed to export to middle east countries, such as Kuwait and Dubai. Both these countries import from us. Prime cuts from our local feedlots are used for exporting to Mozambique as the need for quality and maturated meat is specified and a requirement,” explains Stander.
In addition, Botswana Guardian has learned that the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC) is also a major client of Batawana Beef. The miningrich country consumed as much as 40 percent of the company’s products. Stander has heaped praises on BITC for successfully helping them to penetrate the export market. “The Botswana Investment and Trade Centre helped us through their open communication to channel us in the right direction. Specifically, when we needed to open our markets to the Middle East countries,
their role was very valuable and encouraging to keep trying until we got it,“stated a satisfied Stander.
BITC was established 10 years ago as an integrated Investment and Trade Promotion Authority ( ITPA) with a mandate, encompassing investment promotion and attraction, export promotion and development, and management of the Nation’s Brand. The Agency continues to implement a robust export promotion program in line with the National Export Strategy.
Batawana Beef ’ s annual slaughter target is around 15000 cattle and processing around 1500 tons per annum. The company is even planning to increase production as demand rises. “We would like to expand our slaughter handling facilities so that we can accommodate more private slaughtering. The markets are also open to privateers and our facilities should be there for them to profit from,” added Stander.
The growth of companies is more often linked to strong partnerships. Batawana Beef has not been left behind. “Our strategic partnerships are all about the farmers. We are only here because of them, if we can offer our farmers the best possible competitive price Per kg, they will be assured of future herd growth, and we will be assured of being in the beef business. It’s as simple as that,” explained Stander.
The company currently employs 50 staff members. All staff members have been trained on international best Hygiene standards. The domestic beef sector is growing amid a myriad of challenges. Batawana Beef is not deterred by these challenges. In fact, the company projects a better future for the sector and the country as a whole. “The future looks very bright for Batawana Beef. Just like the future overall for Botswana is looking very good. It is all about good leadership, the availability of capital and investing in farmers, and continuing to open export opportunities,” said Stander.
He added that Batawana Beef directors are business orientated, in addition to being experienced farmers themselves. They understand, “the hardships and rewards the beef sector beholds.”