Agribusiness and Services

Agribusiness

Agribusiness Division’s mandate is to help grow the fledgling agricultural sector in Botswana. The importance of this sector cannot be overemphasized, with the need for the country to produce its own food being recognised as one of the best ways to reduce reliance on imports. The inherent risks and the slow rate of returns in the agricultural sector compel BDC, with its strong emphasis on development projects, to take a leading role in agricultural projects.

The division also provides monitoring and supervision services to BDC’s portfolio of companies engaged in a wide range of agricultural activities, and have had a significant role to play in the establishment of an ostrich abattoir, which exports to the European Union Market.

In recognising the risks of investing in the agricultural sector, especially in a drought prone country such as Botswana, BDC assists in evaluating feasibility studies through the provision of agricultural technical information and experiences, with regards to irrigation farming in Botswana.

The full range of products offered by BDC, including long term loans and equity are available to investors looking to invest in agricultural projects.

There are business opportunities available in the following areas:

• Dairy Farming
• Poultry (Hatchery, etc)
• Irrigation
• Crop Production
• Greenhouse & Hydroponics
• Stockfeed Production
• Livestock Production & Feedlotting

Services

The sub-sector includes financial institutions, hotels & tourism, and transport. The Corporation has invested in tourism infrastructure, and continues to be a major player in the industry. Although Botswana Government’s tourism strategy encourages the development of "high cost-low volume" ventures, there are some opportunities in the mid range strata of tourism.

The Corporation is currently looking to expand its tourism investment to the Trans Kalahari Highway, which links Botswana, with Namibia and South Africa, through the Kgalagadi desert.

In the financial services arena, Botswana Government offers many more additional incentives for development of projects in the financial services sector, including an attractive tax regime.

Business opportunities are currently available in the following areas:

• Hotels, Lodges & Camps in select areas
• Healthcare Services
• Insurance, Financial Assets Management
• Tele-services
• Merchant Banking
• Information Technology
• Securities
• Printing and Publishing
• Other service related industries.

Contact details for the division: