17 June 2026
This investment aims to boost domestic dairy output, cut imports, create employment and advance economic diversification.
BOTSWANA – Botswana Development Corporation Limited (BDC) has received the first consignment of pregnant Girolando dairy cattle from Brazil, the beginning of a phased importation of 1,000 high-yield dairy cows to Milk Valley Farm in Lobatse. The farm is being equipped with world-class genetics, infrastructure, and biosecurity, with a long-term herd target of 3,000 cattle to significantly increase local milk production.
The Girolando breed, famed for high milk yields and adaptability to semi-arid climates, is well-suited to Botswana’s conditions. The first 186 pregnant cows will acclimatise under close monitoring of health and welfare.
Over the past few years, Milk Valley Farm has been laying the groundwork through significant investments in modern infrastructure, advanced farming systems, a carefully developed feed regime, and robust biosecurity measures.
BDC Managing Director Oteng Keabetswe said,
“This arrival marks a key turning point in building a modern, sustainable dairy industry. By introducing world-class genetics, with every stage prioritising welfare and biosecurity, this investment will boost production, create jobs, develop skills, and support our food security and diversification goals.”
The milestone follows the farm’s recent achievement of Approved FMD-Free Dairy Compartment Status, reflecting its commitment to world-class biosecurity and animal health standards. The certification reflects a significant achievement and a mark of international credibility.
In line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards, a cattle compartment is defined as an epidemiologically distinct animal subpopulation maintained under stringent biosecurity systems and management practices, rather than by geographic boundaries alone.
The achievement reflects the significant investment made in building a modern dairy operation founded on international best practice, operational excellence and sustainable food production.
Recently, BDC appointed Gosego Phele as Chief Operations Officer. Phele served in her previous role as Head of Strategy, where she led the development and execution of the BDC’s corporate strategy and supported initiatives aimed at accelerating economic transformation and sustainable growth in Botswana.
Throughout her distinguished career, Phele has established herself as a results-driven leader with extensive experience in driving institutional performance, organisational turnaround, strategic planning, and governance.
Source: https://shorturl.at/5Iea5
