Africa-Press – Botswana. With 45 operational service stations spread across the country, Puma Energy’s dedication to grow and develop Botswana is on track. Puma head of Africa, Mr Ben Hassan Outtara indicated that the company had invested millions of Pula over the past five years.
He was speaking during a courtesy call on the Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa on Monday, where he said, the company was planning to expand to 50 by end of the year, to create more jobs and increase its economic footprint.
Beyond infrastructure expansion, he stated that Puma Energy was actively working to increase local participation in the business. “The company is also prioritising skills development and procurement from local businesses.
Through its Project Maatlafatsa initiative, the company is ensuring that 100 per cent of secondary distribution services are handled by citizen-owned companies,” he said.
Mr Hassan Outtara noted that the company was running a graduate training programme that sought to equip young Batswana with business and leadership, skills by offering training opportunities across Africa before reintegrating them into the local economy. Minister Mohwasa for his part, urged the company to extend its investments beyond high-yield areas and consider projects that balanced profitability with social impact.
He stated that developments should not only benefit urban centres but also support smaller communities that lacked access to essential services like fuel stations.
Mr Mohwasa said that strategic investment in underserved areas could encourage further economic activity, making it easier for small businesses to thrive.
“If I want to set up a shop in a place that has no gas station and have to transport supplies using a truck, that creates a serious financial burden,” Mr Mohwasa said and assured the company of government’s readiness to facilitate business but also that businesse must also facilitate other businesses.
He suggested that Puma Energy explore ways to support local entrepreneurs who were struggling to establish fuel stations. Reflecting on past trends, Mr Mohwasa observed that petroleum companies were once known for actively supporting local business growth, but that trend has slowed, hence encouraged Puma Energy to revive such partnerships.
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