Botswana is expected to embark on a benchmarking exercise in Namibia as the country reels from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

The FMD crisis is rampant across the SADC region, with Namibia being the sole exception.

In light of this situation, Botswana has opted to conduct a benchmarking exercise in Namibia to understand the strategies employed to remain free from this highly contagious disease.

Addressing a foot-and-mouth consultative meeting at Lobatse, acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Kobedi Segale, said plans are at an advanced stage.

"Out of all the countries in the Southern African Development Community region, it is only Namibia that is still free from foot-and-mouth disease. What is Namibia doing differently? Why is it doing that? How is Namibia managing? These are the questions which will be answered when we embark on a benchmarking exercise in Namibia, sooner rather than later. And the expectation is that we will learn other techniques being implemented in Namibia, as we seek to save our beef sector."

Botswana's beef industry is facing heightened international restrictions following outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease.

The country's recent gains from diversifying its beef market are in danger, as new export agreements with the United Arab Emirates, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and China are now at stake.

In recent weeks, Namibia's Directorate of Veterinary Services has issued an immediate restriction on the import and in-transit movement of cloven-hoofed animals and their products from several regions of Botswana.