As farmers in Botswana awake to a new dawn, Botswana Trade Portal is here to help you make bigger moves in agriculture.
As local farmers adapt to an all-new level of pressure and expectation, the big-picture benefits for the nation at large are clear.
In December last year, the Ministry of Agriculture announced an immediate ban on the importation of 16 different product categories.
Closing the border to a wide range of fresh produce has created some shortages — and indeed some tension. Consumers in Botswana are not accustomed to going without their favourite produce.
However, experts on the ground at the ministry of Agriculture believe that these are short-term effects. As local farmers adapt to an all-new level of pressure and expectation, the big-picture benefits for the nation at large are clear.
The new import bans (which will be reviewed in two years) give farmers the chance to prove themselves on a national stage — and confidence to bet on the future. To upscale their operations in an environment which is conducive to growth.
Both rural and urban youth now have another avenue for wealth creation: pursuing lucrative ideas in specialised farming suddenly becomes a genuine career option.
Restricting certain imports also creates a sustainable boost to businesses which participate all throughout the agricultural value chain. These include fertilizers, seeds, tools, heavy equipment, irrigation, logistics, packaging — even banking and finance.
‘We encourage anyone who is a farmer, or indeed working in a farming-adjacent sector, to register on our platform,’ says Botswana Trade Portal Manager, Boipelo Baakanyang.
‘We will help you stay abreast of all the latest trade regulations, procedures, stakeholder announcements — and more,’ she says.
She emphasises that the Trade Portal is a free online service which is easy to navigate, and an essential resource for entrepreneurs, especially in agribusiness, who want to carve out a place in the market and make quick, confident decisions.
‘The Botswana Trade Portal will help you take advantage of this important window of opportunity,’ she says confidently.
To access the Botswana Trade Portal and become a member, simply click here.
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