Botswana has imported 141 bulls and 21 heifers from the US state of Texas to help improve the productivity of local breeds.
“The live breeding cattle initiative will be supported with the use of the best technologies and equipment for improved efficiency,” President Mokgweetsi Masisi said on Wednesday.
The cattle are said to be drought and disease resistant.
The move has been applauded by some – given the importance of cattle to the country.
But at a cost of $1.8m (£1.7m) others on social media have questioned whether it is a priority.
“It’s a good initiative for the wealthy, not all people have cattle, prioritise. Health sector is on its knees, education is at its worst,” Vincent Rouncivell said on Facebook.
Velly Best Mpopelang posted: “Rather than buying 162 at once, why didn’t we buy a small number for trials first to see how they acclimatise to our weather and type of feeds we use here?”