Botswana has imported its first live Australian cattle as part of an initiative to improve the genetic pool and provide quality genetics to local producers. The country's representative, Thapelo Seilaleksos, spent six months in Australia scouting for cattle breeds such as black and red Angus, Brahman, Charolais, Droughtmaster, Limousin, Murray Grey, Santa Gertrudis, Simmental, Shorthorn, and Wagyu. The government considers the chartering costs a worthwhile investment, with the expectation that the benefits will outweigh the costs. The imported cattle will be made available at subsidised prices, and the project also aims to increase Botswana's cattle population and achieve higher dairy self-sufficiency. Live export business AUSTREX played a key role in the preparation of the livestock for export and the negotiation of the import permit.