Africa-Press – Botswana. Selebi Phikwe Citrus marks a significant milestone as Botswana’s first commercial agriculture development, catering to the demands of global markets for citrus fruit. A signalof sustainable agriculture in Botswana, it marked a momentous occasion with its first harvest, symbolising the spirit of community propelled by First National Bank Botswana’s (FNB Botswana) ethos of sustainable business through shared prosperity.
Nestled within the heart of Mmadinare, Selebi Phikwe Citrus is 1,500 hectares of fertile land, cultivating a rich variety of citrus fruits including grapefruit, lemons, Valencia oranges, and premium mandarin varieties.
Through the invaluable support of FNB Botswana’s Commercial Segment, the Bank is supporting the revolution of the horticulture industry, catalysing economic activity in Selebi Phikwe and initiating bountiful harvests for the country’s economic growth.
The support was characterised by Botswana provided debt support for various aspects of the project, including farm capital expenditure requirements, packhouse development, machinery, and equipment, and working capital during development.
Further echoing the Bank’s ethos, this venture, not only benefits the agricultural sector but contributes largely at an economic scale issuing growth and employment opportunities in the Selebi Phikwe area. The inaugural harvest celebrated the collective efforts of the local and business communities, accentuates the primary importance of strategic partnerships in steering economic progress.
Highlighting the bank’s role and interest in the project, FNBB CEO, Steven Lefentse Bogatsu expressed, ” As a Bank, we are intentional about running a sustainable business through shared prosperity and believe that this project will sustain communities for many years to come.”
Selebi Phikwe Citrus exemplifies a new paradigm of sustainable farming, one that prioritises environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, and economic resilience. FNBB’s contribution reflects the Bank’s commitment to drive grassroots initiatives that create tangible benefits for communities across Botswana.
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