Hub to boost livestock quality and exports
Lesotho launches first national semen centre
‘MAKERESEMESE LETUKA
MASERU – In a landmark move for its agricultural sector, Lesotho has commenced construction of its first dedicated semen centre.
The Thabeng ea Senai Breeders Community (TSBC) held a sod-turning ceremony for the RamSem/Absolute Genetics facility in Ha Sebolai, Mokhethoaneng, in the Berea district last Friday.
The centre represents a strategic investment to upgrade cattle, sheep, and goat breeds nationwide, directly supporting the development of Lesotho’s red meat industry.
TSBC has acquired the sales right of RamSem/Absolute Genetics in Lesotho.
Key beef breeds to be enhanced include Bosman, Boran, Beefmasters, Draughtmaster, Wagyu, Angus, Bragus and Drakensberger.
Leveraging RamSem/Absolute Genetics’ established global presence in embryo and semen markets – including Russia, China, Brazil, UAE, Paraguay, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia – the centre will produce semen straws and embryos for both domestic use and international export.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Thabo Mofosi, hailed the project as an “agricultural breakthrough.” He confirmed ministry support through the WAMCOP project and highlighted an upcoming Animal Health and Welfare Bill.
“Having participated in this sod-turning, I will actively seek regular updates on the centre’s progress,” Mofosi pledged.
Dr Fanie Stern, Managing Director of RamSem/Absolute Genetics, emphasized Lesotho’s potential: “This centre provides a massive opportunity to elevate livestock genetics, build a robust beef production chain, and boost exports. We are excited to partner with TSBC to supply high-quality genetics, enabling Basotho farmers to access global markets.”
Sebabatso Makoanyane, TSBC president and founder, acknowledged the challenge of sourcing Grade A breeds but celebrated farmer trust.
“I deeply thank Basotho farmers who believed in this vision before seeing physical results. We appeal to the government: open doors for us. With existing international markets secured, help us help Basotho farmers succeed.”
Mokhethoaneng Chief, Hlabathe Majara, welcomed the development, indicating that “my community is grateful for these opportunities. I urge all beef cattle owners to join TSBC to maximize their benefits from this centre.”
TSBC a public company established in 2024 owned by cattle farmers across Lesotho. It currently operates feedlots in Qacha’s Nek, Thaba-Tseka and Maseru, while Absolute Genetics is a cutting-edge bovine reproduction facility and registered quarantine centre.
It provides advanced genetic services – genomic testing, embryo flushing, ovum pick-up (OPU), in vitro fertilization (IVF) – and genetic import/export solutions for dairy and beef producers across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
