Africa-Press – Botswana. Initiatives intended to exploit value chains and diversify local economic activity contribute towards building a resilient and sustainable national economy, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Mr Karabo Gare has said.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the Sese textile project, a collaboration between Jwaneng Mine and its business partners, Mr Gare said investing in such sectors paved way for sustainable development and resonated with the countryâ€TMs aspirations towards a high income economy by 2036.
“By investing in sectors like textiles, we are laying the groundwork for a more robust and resilient economy that is not solely reliant on one industry in your geographical area, we need such in order to expand and diversify local economic activity through the co-development of value chains and skills development,†he said.
He applauded Debswana for its commitment and taking the lead in supporting the textile industry in Botswana, particularly small businesses, through its Tokafala programme.
He also said the Sese project would go a long way in stimulating the creativity of young people, to produce high quality products that could compete in the international markets.
He further urged beneficiaries and the Sese community to take care of the structures and equipment to ensure sustainability of the project.
For his part, Jwaneng Mine acting general manager, Mr Goitseone Gadifele reiterated Debswanaâ€TMs commitment and deliberate intentions to empower the communities hosting their operations.
Mr Gadifele said in order to leave a lasting legacy among the communities, they continued to partner with other stakeholders towards improving the lives of people in various sectors.
“As we are all aware that at some point Jwaneng Mine will no longer be there, our intention is to invest in community self-sustaining projects that will drive the local economies in the future,†he said.
He said the project, whose motive was derived from Debswanaâ€TMs †̃Show We Careâ€TM value, comprised two porta cabins, which came electrified and air-conditioned, five sewing machines and furniture as well as start-up capital towards the purchasing of textile material and other equipment.
He also noted that technical and entrepreneurship training would be availed to the beneficiaries.
Sese Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Mr Toba Rabasimane applauded Jwaneng Mine and its partners for their continuous support in empowering communities in various ramifications.
Mr Rabasimane said his committee pledged support to ensure that the project was sustainable and made an impact on the Sese community.
DAILYNEWS
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