Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana – From the dust of a closed mining operation, a new industry is blossoming in Botswana, poised to transform the Southern African nation’s agricultural landscape and economic fortunes. Selebi Phikwe Citrus, a pioneering venture spearheaded by Pieter Scholtz and Deon van der Westhuizen, is cultivating the country’s first large-scale citrus farms, turning a desert-like region into a verdant hub of fruit production.
The ambitious project, conceived in 2018 after an inquiry from prominent businessman Ram Ottapathu, strategically chose Selebi-Phikwe for its ideal altitude, latitude, dry climate, and critical isolation from existing citrus pests. This pristine environment even earned the area a “Citrus Blackspot-free” declaration.
With 4,000 former miners left unemployed by the BCL Mine’s closure, the project gained significant government backing. “This project is important to the Botswana Government because of job creation, foreign currency generation, citrus import substitution, independence from citrus imports, and will support the diversification of the Botswana economy,” stated Deon van der Westhuizen, Chairman of Selebi Phikwe Citrus.
Development of the 1,300-hectare orchard began in December 2020, with the initial 1,000 hectares completed by 2023. The second phase is expected to conclude in 2027/28. Water security, a critical factor in the arid region, has been addressed through secured rights from the Letsibogo Dam.
Selebi Phikwe Citrus aims to be one of Southern Africa’s largest consolidated citrus developments, targeting 1,500 permanent and seasonal jobs. The enterprise will yield a diverse range of citrus, including mandarins, Valencias, lemons, grapefruit, and navels.
Having completed its inaugural harvest in 2024, the company anticipates 22,000 tons in 2025, with a projected mature production of 80,000 tons. To manage this burgeoning output, Selebi Phikwe Packers, a 12,000-square-meter facility with an eight-lane MafRoda sizer, commenced operations in January 2024. A second phase, including an additional ten-lane sizer and an 8,000-square-meter expansion, is slated for late 2026.
Botswana’s earlier harvest window for mandarins and sweet citrus varieties offers a competitive edge. While distance to market adds some cost, inbound logistics are on par with South Africa. The company is actively pursuing market access, with the United States, Korea, and India in advanced stages, and China in process. As a member of SACU, Botswana benefits from similar tariffs to other regional producers. This innovative venture not only creates an entirely new export industry for Botswana but also serves as a powerful demonstration that large-scale horticulture is viable, paving the way for further agricultural diversification and economic growth.
