Africa-Press – Botswana. Cooperatives have been challenged to diversify into emerging and untapped sectors such as renewable energy, digital technology, research and innovation.
Speaking at the International Cooperative Day commemoration in Serowe on Saturday, Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe said these sectors were rich with potential and could drive meaningful job creation, especially for youth who were energetic, creative and ready to lead in new bold initiatives. He further said the cooperatives should offer people-centered solutions that supported collective prosperity.
“Cooperatives by their nature, offer practical tools they must use to respond to today’s challenges and unlock tomorrow’s opportunities. As a nation, we must embrace it with purpose and seriousness, investing in the growth of cooperative enterprises that deliver real and lasting economic solutions,” he said.
The assistant minister further said the cooperative movement of Botswana had the power to build cooperative businesses that could shape and tailor the economy to work for everyone in a productive, inclusive, sustainable and deeply human manner.
Additionally, he said cooperatives contributed significantly to sustainable development socially, economically and environmentally and were recognised as key drivers in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. He said the theme for this year’s celebration: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World, was both timely and transformative.
“It comes at a pivotal moment when our nation is undergoing a process of economic transformation, revitalisation, sustainability and diversification. This theme is geared toward meaningful employment, improving the quality of locally produced goods and services and ensuring equitable wealth distribution,” he said.
He also revealed that Botswana had been entrusted with the responsibility of establishing the International Cooperative Alliance-Africa Southern Sub Regional Office.
“I therefore urge all cooperatives to seize this unique opportunity and fully harness the benefits that come with hosting this regional office it opens doors to capacity building, technical partnerships, market access and regional collaboration,” he said.
He also said government was committed to supporting this initiative by providing essential resources for an initial three-year period, with the expectation that this investment would yield positive, tangible and sustainable results. Mr Mathoothe told the gathering that Serowe had a great historical significance known for hosting Botswana’s the first registered cooperative, Swaneng Consumer Cooperative Society and urged them to take the moment to introspect, reflect and strategise.
In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Peter Khama said cooperatives developed the Serowe community. As such, he encouraged all to work together to promote cooperatives, as they were a source of income, saving, creating jobs for youth and the elderly.
Speaking on the importance of cooperatives, Ms Ontebaditse Koosaletse, a member of Swaneng Cooperative Society, said Swaneng was the first cooperative in Botswana started in 1964 with the assistance of the late Patrick Van Resburg, who was also known for establishing brigades. She said they had buildings, which they had rented.
Even though they faced challenges, she said they did all to overcome them. Some of the challenges they faced, she said included among others, debts and litigation. Ms Koosaletse said one of their buildings, Tshwaragano Hotel was gutted by fire and were looking for the investors to assist them in maintaining it. She also indicated that chain supermarkets gave them a though competitions, hence they decided to rent their buildings.
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