Debts hamper livestock vaccination efforts in Mozambique

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Debts hamper livestock vaccination efforts in Mozambique

2:27 CAT | 22 Sep 2025

FILE - For illustration purposes only. [File photo: Lusa]

The Mozambican Minister of Agriculture has admitted that accumulated debts in the livestock sector—caused by budget deficits—are hindering the acquisition of livestock vaccines, and has called for part of the national production to be sold in order to finance their purchase.

“We have accumulated such large debts that they are difficult to pay, due to the scarcity of budgetary resources,” said Roberto Albino, as quoted by the media on Saturday.

According to the Minister, given the deficit, suppliers have been “forced” to stop providing vaccines to Mozambique, which currently owes approximately US$800,000 to Botswana, one of its main suppliers.

“That’s the reality, and we are making an effort to pay off that debt (…), which will allow us to carry out mandatory vaccinations,” he stated.

As a solution to the problem, the Minister recommended that livestock farmers sell part of their herds to purchase the necessary medication.

“Because, in fact, if the State Budget can’t even cover the cost of mandatory vaccinations, imagine trying to fund bathing medication,” he added.

On 30 August, Mozambique’s Prime Minister, Maria Benvinda Levi, called for greater investment in livestock farming to improve the national diet and position the country on international trade routes.

“Mozambique truly has a lot of potential in this area, and we must invest,” said Benvinda Levi during an agricultural auction at the Maputo International Fair (FACIM), the country’s largest exhibition of goods and services.

The Prime Minister urged a focus on the production of high-quality livestock, both for meat and for the production of milk and other dairy products.

Source: Lusa