New trade agreement with China sparks optimism in Botswana beef industry

Beef exporters in Botswana have warmly welcomed a new trade agreement granting access for the country's premium beef to the Chinese market — seen as a major boost to one of Botswana's pillar industries.

Boniface Monnawapula, a board member of the Botswana Farmers Association, expressed optimism about the deal, which was signed last month during a meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Changsha, Central China's Hunan province.

"China is a big economy and trading market," he said, adding his association is eager to explore partnerships with Chinese farmers in climate-smart agriculture, climate change adaptation and skills transfer.