Africa-Press – Botswana. Kanye District Commissioner, Mr Mompoloki Mochanang has commended Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) for its unwavering commitment to invigorating the local economy and helping to revitalise Botswana’s financial landscape.
Speaking during the BITC recent roadshow in Kanye held under the theme ‘Driving Economic Growth Through Investment, Trade and Enterprise Development’, he appreciated that through the event, BITC was addressing challenges faced by local businesses by providing strategic interventions for development. The show, Mr Mochanang said, came at a critical time to augment their efforts to stimulate local production and invigorate the business ecosystem in the Southern district.
He highlighted the formation of a dynamic Local Level Consultative Committee (LLCC) in Kanye which was proactively engaged in discussions about improving local commerce including plans for a local business pitso, an initiative aimed to encompass all business development entities, including BITC.
While Mr Mochanang appreciated that BITC was focusing on attracting foreign direct investment, he also pointed that it was equally important to revitalise domestic investment and the establishment of credible local businesses. With many available business opportunities within Botswana, Mr Mochanang expressed optimism about the potential of local businesses to penetrate international markets despite challenges they encountered, citing under-utilisation of beef export quotas to Europe.
BITC director of Public and Corporate Affairs, Ms Ponalo Tumelo outlined the primary objective of the show, saying it aimed to raise awareness about BITC’s mandate and achievements. The roadshow, she said also aimed to introduce #Pusha BW campaign, intended to enhance collaboration between retailers and producers in an effort to ensure greater availability of local products in retail spaces.
“This collaboration is critical for stimulating growth of the local businesses and eventually contribute to the growth of the local economy,” she added.
Ms Tumelo also apprised the gathering on the upcoming 18th Global Expo Botswana (GEB) scheduled for October 8-11, 2025 at Gaborone saying they were expecting to attract around 3 000 visitors and 300 exhibitors from approximately 15 countries. The gathering was also informed about the Pula Investment Conference that forms part of this major event. The conference intends to adopt a project-based approach that facilitates business-to-business interactions and highlights available investment opportunities.
“These initiatives aim to lay the groundwork for profitable partnerships and networking opportunities not just locally, but with international stakeholders as well, targeting engagement with countries including South Africa, United States of America and Turkey among others.”
SPEDU Manager for Corporate Communications, Ms Sheilah Moribame-Moakofi explained to the Kanye business community about SPEDU’s focus on investment promotion in a region that had historically relied on mining. In response to the interruption of mining activities, SPEDU, she said was turning towards sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, agribusiness, and infrastructure development. Ms Moribame-Moakofi urged local businesses to tap into the vast opportunities the SPEDU region offered, given its strategic physical features that encourage the establishment of various economic sectors.
However, the roadshow fostered valuable exchanges between the local business, community and representatives from entrepreneurship promotion agencies such as the Local Enterprise Authority, National Agricultural Research and Development Institute and Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency, reinforcing collective efforts to drive economic growth in Botswana.
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