Africa-Press – Botswana. The Vice President of the Republic of Botswana, His Honour Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, delivered a powerful address at the Chobe Connect 2026 Investor Conference in Kasane, highlighting the country’s commitment to economic diversification and industrial growth. During the event, he officially officiated the issuance of a Special Economic Zones (SEZ) licence to Awethu Foods, a subsidiary of Arona Foods. This licence enables the establishment of an export-oriented edible sunflower processing plant in Pandamatenga, a move that positions the region as a key hub for agro-industrial development. The project aligns with Botswana’s strategic priorities of enhancing value addition, boosting local production, and reducing dependence on imported processed goods. By supporting an export-focused operation, the initiative is expected to expand the country’s reach in regional and global markets.
The new sunflower processing facility will process locally grown raw materials into high-value edible products, creating opportunities for farmers and suppliers across Pandamatenga and surrounding districts. By integrating smallholder and commercial farming, the project is expected to increase demand for local sunflower crops, improving farmers’ incomes and stabilising the agricultural supply chain. The SEZ status provides incentives such as tax relief and streamlined regulatory approvals, attracting investment and encouraging private sector participation in agro-processing. Beyond immediate economic benefits, the plant will serve as a catalyst for knowledge transfer, skills development, and technological adoption within Botswana’s agro-industry. The facility will also support the government’s import substitution agenda by producing finished products locally, reducing reliance on foreign imports, and strengthening the domestic market.
Job creation is a central outcome of the Awethu Foods SEZ project, with the facility expected to generate direct employment in processing, logistics, and administration. Indirect opportunities will also arise for service providers, transport operators, and input suppliers, contributing to broader economic growth. The project demonstrates the government’s focus on inclusive industrialisation, linking rural communities to value chains while fostering sustainable development. By unlocking value from Botswana’s agricultural production, the initiative enhances the country’s competitiveness and demonstrates how strategic investment in agro-processing can advance national transformation goals. Pandamatenga’s growing prominence as an agro-industrial node is further reinforced, highlighting its potential as a centre for future investment and economic diversification.
The Awethu Foods SEZ licence represents a milestone in Botswana’s economic agenda, supporting innovation, productivity, and export growth within the agro-processing sector. By facilitating value addition and encouraging industrialisation, the project addresses key challenges such as unemployment, rural development, and trade imbalances. The focus on sunflower processing leverages existing agricultural strengths, ensuring that local resources translate into tangible economic benefits. This initiative signals confidence in Botswana’s investment climate and highlights the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for business. The successful launch of the Pandamatenga facility will strengthen the country’s industrial ecosystem, promote sustainable economic growth, and serve as a model for future agro-processing ventures.
Overall, the issuance of the SEZ licence to Awethu Foods underscores Botswana’s determination to transform its economy through strategic industrial projects. By linking agricultural production to high-value processing and export markets, the initiative maximises resource efficiency and stimulates economic activity across multiple sectors. The project promises to generate employment, empower local communities, and enhance national competitiveness. It reinforces Pandamatenga’s role as a strategic agro-industrial hub, creating opportunities for innovation, investment, and sustainable development. Through initiatives like this, Botswana continues to advance its broader transformation agenda, positioning itself for long-term growth, resilience, and prosperity.
