BOTSWANA’S President Advocate Duma Boko has returned home with a generous agricultural package from Zambia, courtesy of President Hakainde Hichilema, who gifted him fertiliser and maize seed on behalf of farmers and commercial enterprises.
The donation includes 250 bags of 50kg basal dressing fertiliser, 250 bags of 50kg top dressing (urea) fertiliser, and 1,200 kilograms of seed maize, all locally produced by Zambian firms.
Announcing the gift during the Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka this afternoon, President Hichilema said the donation was a symbol of friendship between the two nations and a celebration of local agricultural productivity.
“Because this is an agricultural and commercial show, I have been asked on behalf of the show and indeed friends, farmers, commercial enterprises to encourage you and your family or someone you choose to donate to, to be able to donate to you Mr. President, today, 250 by 50kgs of basal dressing fertiliser to you Mr. President,” said President Hichilema.
“As farmers, we know basal dressing is not enough, we need top dressing, so a similar quantity, 250 by 50kg of top dressing Urea to you Mr. President. And a donation of 1200kgs of seed maize to go along with the fertiliser.”
He explained that the donation was sourced from local suppliers including United Capital Fertiliser, Corteva Agriscience and Seed Co.
The Head of State said Zambia had adopted what he termed positive discrimination by prioritising procurement from homegrown businesses that manufacture locally and create jobs.
And President Boko expressed appreciation for the gesture, calling it a message of solidarity and climate action.
“The seeds I just received from a Zambian farmer are not just a gift, they are an enactment of the message of climate adaptation,” he said.
“Zambian farmers are clearly working hard and this show is your moment to showcase the work of your hands.”
He also praised Zambia for embracing climate smart agriculture and exporting seed, saying the donation represented not only cooperation between the two countries but also hope for sustainable farming in the region.
President Boko was seen off back to his country immediately he opened the Agricultural and Commercial show this afternoon.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, August 2, 2025
