EMBASSIES OF REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA AND ZAMBIA EXPLORE BRAZIL’S TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN CATTLE PRODUCTION
Brasilia-The Embassies of Republic of Botswana and Zambia in the Federative Republic of Brazil are looking forward to exploring Brazil’s technological advancements in the cattle production to enhance the beef and cattle industries in their respective countries.
Speaking during a courtesy call by Botswana’s Ambassador to Brazil, Benetia Tumelo Chingapane, Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil, Glyne Michelo, highlighted the potential for Botswana and Zambia to acquire valuable knowledge from Brazil, which has become one of the world’s largest beef producers and exporters.
“Brazil has a robust cattle industry which is one of the largest, most sustainable cattle herds in the world and our presence here give us (Botswana and Zambia) an opportunity to learn and become the largest producers of beef in our region back home,” Mr Michelo said.
Ambassador Michelo highlighted Brazil’s advanced pasture management system, animal breeding techniques, and disease control measures, including regular vaccination and parasite control.
These efforts have led to the eradication of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, which still poses a challenge in both Botswana and Zambia.
He emphasised the need to utilise the opportunity for both countries to learn from Brazil’s experiences in this regard.
Botswana’s Ambassador to Brazil Ms. Chingapane affirmed that Botswana and Zambia are pivotal to the trade and economic prosperity of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), serving as the heart of the region.
“Botswana and Zambia own the Kazungula Bridge which is a major trade infrastructure for Southern Africa and to ensure that we explore its potential, we must increase trade and investment opportunities available for business enterprises in the two countries and beef is one of the areas to focus on,” Ambassador Chingapane said.
She added that while Botswana has made significant gains in the cattle production sector, it has not achieved the same level of success as Brazil.
Ms Chingapane expressed the Mission’s eagerness to collaborate with Zambia to acquire efficient agricultural practices, technological advancements, and innovations to enhance beef production in both countries.
The two ambassadors have since called for greater unity among SADC states and called for the establishment of joint investments platforms in Brazil, aiming to create a unified Southern Africa trade and investment destination that leverages the collective strengths of the region.
According to the Brazilian government’s census bureau IBGE, Brazil boasts 234.4 million head of cattle, making it the world’s biggest exporter of beef and the second biggest producer after the United States of America.
In 2023, Brazil exported around 2.25million tonnes of beef, a volume similar to that of 2022.
Issued by
Lloyd Kapusa
First Secretary-Press & Public Relations
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia-Brasilia