Africa-Press – Botswana. Business Botswana (BB) has been challenged to actively pursue opportunities in international markets.
Speaking at the prize giving ceremony of the recently ended Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair in Francistown, Soda Ash Botswana’s acting general manager, Mr Othusitse Seokamo said expanding into international markets was vital for Botswana’s economic growth and competitiveness. He said BB must actively seek opportunities outside Botswana’s borders to boost revenue, access new technologies, and ensure the long-term success of local businesses. Mr Seokamo underscored the importance of going beyond local trade to secure a larger share of the global marketplace. He explained that Botswana’s economic potential remained untapped, and expanding beyond its borders was key to unlocking prosperity.
Mr Seokamo said greater revenue streams, access to cutting-edge technologies, and a strengthened competitive edge on the world stage were implicit in his call to action. He praised the initiative for providing networking opportunities, but stressed that merely showcasing local talent was insufficient for lasting economic progress. He emphasised the need for proactive engagement with international markets to unlock Botswana’s full potential. Mr Seokamo proudly shared the story of their iconic company, which was the main sponsor of the event.
He said operating from the Makgadikgadi Pans, Botash extracted brine to produce soda ash and salt, exporting these vital products to nine countries and distributing them through their South African subsidiary, Botash SA. He explained that since 1989, Botash has been a cornerstone of the Botswana economy, employing over 700 people and generating significant export revenue.
“Beyond economic contributions, Botash is deeply committed to the communities it serves, supporting education, sports, conservation, and national business initiatives like the trade fair itself,” he added.
Mr Seokamo highlighted the everyday impact of Botash’s products, noting their crucial role in manufacturing glass, pipes, water purification chemicals, and even iodised salt. He said Botash was more than just a mining company, but a vital part of Botswana’s economic and social fabric. The call for international expansion by Mr Seokamo comes amidst ongoing economic challenges, particularly in Francistown where mine closures have had a significant impact. He said the 29th annual trade fair, already lauded for its impressive turnout and innovative spirit, now had a new, ambitious goal set before it.
The celebratory atmosphere of the event shifted seamlessly into the highly anticipated awards ceremony. Competitions were fierce across numerous categories, highlighting the strength and diversity of Botswana’s business landscape. In the Government sector, the Botswana Police Service emerged victorious, outshining the Drugs Enforcement Agency (first runner-up) and the North East District Council (second runner-up). The Parastatals category was equally competitive, with Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) taking the top prize, followed by the Gambling Authority as the first runner-up and Non-Banking Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) securing second runner-up.
On the media part, Radio Botswana 2 (RB2) proved its dominance, followed by The Patriot on Sunday (first runner-up) and Yarona FM (second runner-up). Also the insurance companies vied for the coveted awards, with Chartered Insurance Brokers taking the lead, ahead of Botswana Life (first runner-up) and Botswana Insurance Fund Management (second runner-up). The ICT sector showcased innovation and dynamism and Liquid Intelligence Technologies was announced the winner, with Conexus securing first runner-up while Matrix Telemarix came third. On the Business Sector awards, Khumo Property Assets topped the list, followed by NMG Administrators Botswana (first runner-up) and Security Systems (second runner-up).
Underscoring the Botswana’s agricultural prowess, the Animal Production category saw Bonang Genetics claiming victory, followed by Shabani Breeders (first runner-up) and Mabusa Breeders (second runner-up). The Manufacturing category win went to White Angels TA Dream Flavom company, with Kalahari Shade Nets taking first runner-up and Oxygen Gas being on second runner-up. In the Retail sector, Senn Foods emerged victorious, Choppies Distribution Centre being the first runner-up with Sefalana Hyper Score Francistown claiming second runner-up. Finally, in the Finance and Banking category, BBS Bank secured the top prize, outperforming the Botswana Savings Bank (BSB) and Bayford Financial Services, who came in first and second runner-up, respectively. The awards ceremony served not merely as a celebration of past achievements, but as a powerful launch pad for future ambitions.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
