Africa-Press – Botswana. The Executive Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) toured Lobatse Clay Works and Delta Automotive Technologies, facilitated through their partnership with the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC).
The two industrial enterprises received funding support from AfDB in collaboration with BDC, with the aim of helping Botswana realise its goal of developing an export-led economy.
In an interview following the tour, Ms Moono Mupotola, AfDB’s deputy director general for Southern Africa, said both projects contributed significantly to industrialisation and diversification of Botswana’s economy. She lauded Lobatse Clay Works for its industrial capacity and its role in adding value to the country’s natural resources, thus creating local employment opportunities.
Ms Mupotola expressed optimism regarding management team at Lobatse Clay Works, noting their determination to revitalise operations after prior closures due to outdated machinery and operational challenges. She said the plant had now been retooled and was successfully catering to both domestic and international markets.
Turning to Delta Automotive Technologies, she described the facility as a world-class operation based in Lobatse, emphasising its positive impact on youth employment and the skills training programs it offered to the local workforce.
She said approximately 95 per cent of the company’s employees were locals and its production primarily served the export markets for notable companies such as Volkswagen and Nissan. She highlighted the ambition within Delta to become a significant global supplier, pointing out that the potential exists to service the world from Lobatse, given the skill development initiatives in place for local workers.
As AfDB contemplates further support for Botswana, Ms Mupotola indicated a focus on enhancing skill transfer by collaborating with global vocational training institutions. This strategic alignment would aim to provide practical training, rather than relying solely on theoretical education. She expressed enthusiasm for Botswana’s prospects, envisioning it as a central hub for car cable harnessing both regionally and internationally.
Ms Abodire Mapoka, BDC’s branding and marketing manager, elaborated on Delta Automotive Technologies’ role in producing vehicle harnesses for major international manufacturers, with current production focused on Volkswagen and Nissan. She said Delta was nominated for additional projects, projecting employee growth from over 300 to 989 by 2027.
This initiative aligns with national efforts to enhance Botswana’s export capabilities, given that the company produces entirely for South African market. Ms Mapoka said approximately P200million was invested in Delta, with efforts aimed at expediting delivery to meet supplier demands.
Regarding Lobatse Clay Works, Ms Mapoka noted the plant’s recent refurbishment following its closure in 2017; a move intended to increase operational efficiency and production capacity. Currently, the plant employs more than 100 employees and aims to grow its workforce to around 240. Ms Mapoka said approximately P198 million was invested since the project’s inception, with aspirations to promote Botswana’s export potential by catering to both local and regional markets.
Furthermore, she said Lobatse Clay Works had been selected for several key government projects and was actively seeking to market its products to individual consumers. She underscored the socio-economic benefits resulting from these initiatives, which not only created jobs, but also stimulated the local economy by supporting logistics and fuel-related businesses. Looking ahead, Lobatse Clay Works intends to innovate and expand its product offerings, including tiles and other clay-based items.
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