Africa-Press – Botswana. Chobe Liquid Dishwash project has potential to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in Chobe District.
Officially launching the project in Kazungula on Thursday, the Assistant Minister for State President, Ms Maipelo Mophuting said the business was a reflection of resilience and determination of the 10 women involved.
She stated that the liquid soap, tested and certified by Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS), would bring prosperity to the Women Power Investments.
Ms Mophuting noted that the women started their business after facing struggles which they did not let to hinder their dreams.
“Never judge a person based on their past because God doesn’t judge and looks beyond our past even when people may want to tarnish our image.”
She said the liquid soap project restored dignity and expanded opportunities for the women to produce on a larger scale and sell beyond Chobe region.
The assistant minister said economic development was central to the development agenda which could be achieved through private sector participation.
She underscored that it was essential to facilitate an environment where this business would thrive by providing a market by all players from government, private sector and NGOs.
The National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAHPA) Coordinator, Mr Ontiretse Letlhare stated that the project was one of those funded by NAHPA through Botswana Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (BONEPWA).
He said NAHPA had set aside P61 million for funding of civil society in the fight against HIV/AIDS and Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Mr Letlhare said BONEPWA was allocated P8.8 million to distribute among 30 support groups across the country of which Women Power Investments was beneficiaries.
He stated that the project had potential to self-sustain in long term because their liquid soap was tested and certified.
Giving a project background, BONEPWA’s focal person in Chobe Ms Josephine Piet stated that the liquid soap project was funded in 2022 at P20,000 to create a sustainable change for women.
She said BONEPWA had brought in BIUST to offer technical training for the 10 women with the support of NAHPA.
She said the aim was to train another 10 women to join them and make a living from the soap production. Ms Piet said there were full economic benefits ahead as currently the business did not generate much income because of lack of market.
She indicated that the launch was a step in the right direction as it would open more opportunities and lead them to new clients.
Chobe Liquid Dishwash is produced in 750ml bottle, five litres, 20 litres and 25 litres of high quality liquid soap.
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