Africa-Press – Botswana. Global Expo showcases Botswana’s investment opportunities
As the country strives to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on diamond revenue, the Global Expo has been deemed an ideal platform to help realise this ambition.
Returning for its 19th edition, the annual event’s latest instalment ran from 8 to 11 October, once again attracting exhibitors and business people from around the world.
This year’s instalment included one key difference: the Pula Investment Conference.
Speaking at the inaugural gathering, billed as an investment facilitation platform, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima described the expo as a place for forging partnerships to power the future.“It is also an opportunity to leverage the power of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to showcase the strength of our sectors and to shape the future of trade and investment both within Botswana and across the continent,” said Ntsima noting the conference comes at a time when BW has embarked on an economic journey focused on industrialisation, energy transition, food security and value added production.
Government has targeted key economic sectors to implement both policies and reforms while fostering a culture of rapid, results driven execution to deliver on the promise of a high income, digitally enabled, export driven, private sector led economy.
“We are determined to move beyond resource based economy, to a future driven by knowledge, innovation, value addition and inclusive growth. Strategically located as a gateway to Southern Africa, Botswana boost of access to over 1.3 billion consumers through SACU, SADC and the AfCFTA.The expo provided not just a national or regional marketplace, but a gateway into Africa’s emerging single market,” maintained the Minister.
One such success story, Selibe Phikwe Citrus, announced a further P500 million investment to expand its production.Based in the SPEDU region, the company is one of the largest citrus producers in Southern Africa, exporting oranges, mandarins, lemons and grapefruit to countries such as the United States, South Korea and India.
Making the announcement at the Global Expo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pieter Scholtz revealed they are eyeing expansion into the Dikgatlhong areas.
This will pave the way for scaling up of exports to China and Canada.
“We have already created hundreds of jobs for local citizens. Beyond that, we have helped restore livelihoods, develop skills, and empower families due to strong collaboration with Botswana government. Our success has opened the door for other citrus producers in Botswana, creating a platform for inclusive growth and enhancing the country’s footprint in the global citrus industry. With our expansion we expect to create 1, 500 new jobs as production increases,” said Scholtz.
In its debut season in 2024, the farm produced 5, 000 tonnes of citrus fruit, while this year it has already squeezed out 21, 000 tonnes.
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