Botswana launches poultry financing programme to strengthen local feed and hatchery capacity

BOTSWANA – Botswana has launched a revamped Poultry Financial Suite through the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), as the country moves to strengthen domestic poultry production, expand feed manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on imports.

The initiative forms part of Botswana’s broader push to build a citizen-led poultry industry, improve national food security, and create employment opportunities across the livestock value chain.

Under the programme, CEDA plans to finance 269 poultry farmers and support the establishment of three hatcheries expected to produce more than 18 million day-old chicks annually.

Authorities said the programme will also channel close to P1 billion (US$72 million) into poultry-related investments, including feed production, processing infrastructure and broader agribusiness development.

Speaking at the launch, Botswana’s Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroyaone Ntsima, said the initiative is designed to strengthen local production capacity while reducing reliance on imported poultry products and agricultural inputs.

Feed manufacturing identified as strategic priority

Officials said feed manufacturing remains one of the programme’s central focus areas as Botswana seeks to improve local supply chains and reduce production costs for poultry farmers.

The government views feed production as critical to supporting the expansion of broiler and layer operations, particularly as demand for locally produced poultry products continues to grow.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, David Tshere, officials described poultry as one of the country’s most scalable livestock subsectors with strong potential to generate employment and improve agricultural commercialisation.

The ministry said sustainable growth in the poultry industry will depend on stronger collaboration across the value chain, including hatcheries, feed suppliers, processors and farmers.

Authorities also highlighted the need for improved farm management practices, reliable production data and stronger technical support to ensure long-term sector competitiveness.

The programme places particular emphasis on supporting youth, women, rural communities and persons with disabilities, with officials positioning poultry production as a key driver of inclusive economic growth.

Industry stakeholders, including Botswana’s Poultry Liaison Committee, contributed to shaping the initiative through consultations with government agencies and sector participants.

Botswana has in recent years increased efforts to strengthen domestic livestock production as part of wider economic diversification strategies aimed at reducing import dependence and expanding local agribusiness capacity.

Analysts note that expanding local hatchery output and feed manufacturing could help stabilise poultry supply chains, improve producer margins and strengthen the country’s broader food security strategy.

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