Farai Mabeza
Botswana has taken another step towards strengthening its dairy sector with the arrival of the country’s first consignment of high-yielding Girolando dairy cattle from Brazil.
The move is aimed at increasing local milk production and reducing dependence on imported dairy products.
The Botswana Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure announced that Qatar Airways Cargo landed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport carrying the first batch of the specialised cattle, marking what authorities described as a landmark moment for the country’s agricultural transformation efforts.
The introduction of Girolando cattle is expected to improve the productivity and resilience of Botswana’s dairy industry. The breed, developed in Brazil from a cross between Holstein and Gir cattle, is recognised for its ability to produce high volumes of milk while adapting well to tropical and subtropical environments.
Botswana currently relies significantly on imported milk and dairy products to meet domestic demand, making increased local production a key priority under efforts to enhance food security and develop agricultural value chains.
The successful shipment required close coordination between veterinary authorities, logistics teams and aviation partners to ensure compliance with international animal welfare standards. The ministry said every stage of the journey, including veterinary clearance, specialised handling and climate-controlled transportation, was carefully managed to safeguard the health of the animals.
The arrival of the Brazilian cattle forms part of broader efforts to modernise Botswana’s livestock sector by introducing improved genetics, boosting farmer productivity and creating a more sustainable dairy value chain.
With demand for dairy products continuing to rise across Africa, Botswana’s investment in high-performing cattle breeds highlights the growing focus among African countries on strengthening domestic food production and reducing exposure to global supply disruptions.
