Botswana and Nigeria have taken a significant step towards deepening agricultural cooperation following a high-level bilateral meeting between the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin G. Dikoloti, and Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture headquarters in Gaborone this week, focused on expanding collaboration in the livestock sector to improve animal health, boost productivity, and strengthen regional food security.
Central to the discussions was the fight against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), with both ministers exploring ways to enhance disease prevention, surveillance, and response systems. The two countries also discussed opportunities to cooperate in livestock research, vaccine development, and the exchange of scientific expertise to improve disease management.
The bilateral talks further highlighted the importance of value addition in livestock production, with both governments expressing a commitment to developing industries that can create jobs, improve market access, and increase the value of livestock products.
Capacity building also featured prominently, with Botswana and Nigeria agreeing on the need to strengthen technical skills through knowledge sharing, training programmes, and institutional partnerships.
Speaking during the engagement, both ministers reaffirmed the importance of regional and continental cooperation in addressing shared livestock challenges and unlocking the economic potential of Africa’s agricultural sector.
The meeting marks another milestone in Botswana’s efforts to build strategic partnerships that promote sustainable livestock development, improve animal health systems, and contribute to economic diversification across the continent.
