Africa-Press – Botswana. Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe officially opened the 2026 Botswana Agriculture Business and Investment Forum today in Tlokweng, Gaborone. The forum, held under the theme “Catalyzing Investment in Agric-Food Systems for Inclusive Growth and Food Sovereignty,” aims to bring together key stakeholders in agriculture, including farmers, investors, and innovators. Its focus is on creating a platform to explore new investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and promote sustainable food production. The two-day event aligns with Botswana’s National Development Plan 12, which prioritizes economic transformation through strategic development of key sectors such as agriculture. By highlighting investment prospects and fostering collaboration, the forum is positioned to drive inclusive growth and improve the country’s food security.
During his opening remarks, Vice President Gaolathe emphasized the critical role of agribusiness in enhancing economic diversification and reducing dependence on imports. He highlighted the need to adopt innovative practices and modern technologies to increase productivity and efficiency in food systems. The forum provides participants with opportunities to share knowledge, discuss market trends, and identify challenges that affect agriculture. It also encourages investment in value addition, processing, and distribution, which can expand the sector’s contribution to the national economy. By linking farmers with investors and innovators, the forum seeks to strengthen supply chains and improve the competitiveness of Botswana’s agricultural products locally and regionally.
The event showcases a wide range of investment prospects across crop production, livestock, aquaculture, and agro-processing industries. Panels and discussions are designed to highlight practical solutions for improving productivity, mitigating climate risks, and adopting sustainable farming practices. The forum also explores financing models, public-private partnerships, and policy frameworks that support agricultural entrepreneurship. Stakeholders are encouraged to leverage technological innovations, including digital platforms for market access, mechanization, and data-driven farming techniques. These interventions are intended to increase profitability, create employment opportunities, and ensure long-term food sovereignty.
In addition to investment opportunities, the forum serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building. Farmers can learn about best practices, market trends, and emerging technologies, while investors gain insights into sectoral risks and growth potential. Policymakers and government agencies use the forum to align initiatives with private sector needs and identify priority interventions. Collaboration between research institutions, agritech startups, and financial institutions is also encouraged to accelerate innovation in the sector. The forum is therefore not only a showcase of opportunities but a hub for strategic dialogue and partnership development.
The 2026 Botswana Agriculture Business and Investment Forum is a significant step toward enhancing the country’s agribusiness sector and achieving economic diversification. By promoting investment, fostering innovation, and encouraging sustainable practices, the forum contributes to inclusive growth and strengthens food security. It provides a platform for collaboration among farmers, investors, and innovators, ensuring that agriculture continues to play a key role in national development. Through initiatives discussed at the forum, Botswana can increase agricultural productivity, expand value chains, and secure long-term food sovereignty. This event demonstrates the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a modern, competitive, and investment-driven sector.
