Africa-Press – Botswana. In an endeavor to support government efforts of promoting entrepreneurship and manufacturing, Botswana Chamber of Mines (BCM) will from August 1-3 host local manufacturing summit at Gaborone International Conference Centre.
The summit is an annual gathering of stakeholders which aims to put the spotlight on mining-supported manufacturing ventures as well create a networking platform for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Speaking in an interview, BCM chief executive officer, Mr Charles Siwawa said the summit intended to address economic diversification, economic growth, citizen empowerment and employment creation through promoting and supporting the growth of local manufacturing capacity, for local consumption as well as export markets. He said BCM had positioned itself to play a critical role in engaging government towards the realisation of industrialisation in the country by supporting the growth of SMEs.
“Following the enactment of the citizen economic inclusion bill, BCM took a firm stand to ensure that local entrepreneurs are given a platform to network and actively contribute towards the growth of the local economy hence the need for the summit,” he said.
Such support, he said would create jobs and enhance competitiveness of the manufacturing sector through promotion of local industries and ensuring a levelled playing field for local manufacturers.
He said the summit also aimed to improve the global competitiveness of locally manufactured products which would enhance the country’s industrial statistics and increase employment opportunities.
Through a combined purchasing power of the mining sector, Mr Siwawa said, the project already established new markets for local manufactures both locally and regionally with the expectation of over 20 000 job opportunity by next year.
Initiated as a partnership between BCM and Debswana in 2020, the local manufacturing project, has already made meaningful contribution in the local manufacturing ecosystem with over 15 local companies already engaged in the project since its inception
He thus pleaded with manufactures to strive to produce quality goods accredited by Botswana Bureau of Standards and in accordance with international standards to also compete in the global market.
Additionally, to support local manufacturers, BCM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Botswana Exporters and Manufacturing Associations geared towards creating exposure and opportunities for local manufacturers.
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