Botswana has achieved self-sufficiency in chicken meat and table eggs and is preparing to penetrate export markets, it has been revealed. Members of Parliament have been informed that the current national demand for poultry meat is approximately 50,000 tons annually, while the current annual production levels of poultry meat is 46,059 and the table egg production stands at 14,746,721 dozens of eggs.
On the other hand, the demand for table eggs is dozens of eggs making the industry one of the shining examples of how the country can achieve food autarky.
“The Poultry Sector continues to be one of the best performing sub sector under my Ministry. It plays a significant role in the country’s economy and in improving livelihoods of Batswana,” Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr. Edwin Dikoloti in response to a question in Parliament.
Dikoloti revealed that the past three years, the Poultry Sector has recorded production of meat of 51,012.77 in the year 2022/23. During the financial year 2023/24 the sector recorded the total of 51 428. 31 tonnes while a total of 52 062.44 tonnes was produced from previous year over the target of50 000.
“Poultry Producers in Botswana are currently producing excess poultry products in the form of Further Processed Chicken (FPC) to supplement the domestic demand. These products are supplied to Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) with the well-known name of special cuts or value added products,” he said.
The Minister was responding to enquiries from Member of Parliament for Shoshong, Moneedi Bagaisamang, who wanted to know the current annual national demand for poultry meat and table eggs in Botswana; 𝗶𝗶) the current annual production levels of poultry meat and table eggs; whether the country is currently producing poultry products in excess of domestic demand; and the extent of any surplus production recorded over the last three years.
Meanwhile, Dikoloti also told Parliament that the advisory board, Poultry Liaison Committee (PLC), which has been operational for over 15 years drives the success of this industry.
He said the committee convenes monthly to address supply chain issues and is chaired by private sector, with my Ministry being the secretariat. Poultry industry value is expected to grow from P3.5 billion to P10 billion by 2030.
Additionally, he noted that the Botswana Livestock C9mmercialization Project (BoLCoP) in partnership with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) which will be launched this year October 2026 will commercialize small livestock value chains including poultry.
“This project aims to improve production, and sustainable resource utilization, as well as contribute meaningfully to the Botswana economy.”
The sub sector currently employs 10 000 people on its different value chains.