Botash pumps P52m into Supplier Development Programme
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Monday June 2, 2025 10:16
Speaking at the recent Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair prize-giving event, Seokamo Botash has been working with the Botswana Chamber of Mines in the Supplier Development Programme.
The programme aims to address challenges suppliers face, particularly SMEs, such as obtaining capital or accessing markets.
He explained that the programme takes the form of a partnership of three key stakeholders’ being large companies as 'the Buyers', SMEs as 'the Suppliers' and experienced Batswana business consultants.
Additionally, he said that the goal of this partnership is to boost large companies’ willingness to buy locally and to support small companies to get new business opportunities.
Seokamo highlighted that the programme also develop SMMEs through a rigorous six stage process to enhance their ability to be profitable, effective and sustainable suppliers.
“This goal will eventually create new jobs and contribute to diversifying the economy whilst reducing poverty and inequality,” he continued.
According to Botash acting managing director, through the same programme Botash saw the development of 24 suppliers from doing sporadic business transactions with the mining company worth just over P2 million in 2019 to above P50 million in 2024.
He further said such programmes must be adopted to support the growth of businesses in Botswana and take advantage of the export market.
According to the acting managing director of Botash, companies still face difficulty in balancing their need to be efficient in order to thrive in a cutthroat market, with taking into account the social and environmental effects of their operations.
He continued by saying businesses should invest in green technologies, the circular economy, and social innovation due to the demands of today's consumers and competitiveness.
Meanwhile, Seokamo noted that Botash has been a sponsor of Business Botswana for many years and will continue to do so as part of its contribution to the country's economic development, acknowledging the significance of trade exhibitions for the country's economic growth.
He stated that trade shows encourage business-to-business networking in addition to giving exhibitors a chance to display their cutting-edge goods and services.
Additionally, he stated that small and medium-sized firms are empowered by the trade show because its subject, 'Driving Economic Diversification; Innovation for Sustainable Growth', is applicable to both established and emerging companies.
Botash is one of the major mining companies in the country, not involved in diamonds. The northern company has been in existence since 1989, providing employment to just over 700 employees and permanent contractors combined.
Based in the pristine Makgadikgadi Pans, Botash produces salt and soda ash from chemically rich brine. The company, which is 50% owned by the Government of Botswana, is present in nine regional countries and markets and sells its goods there.
Additionally, Seokamo said Botash distributes some of its products through Botash SA, a corporation based in South Africa.
“Not only do we contribute to the economy through employment creation, but we also bring export revenue to Botswana, thus contributing to GDP,” he added.
He also said that the company’s commitment to the communities within which it operates is shown through contributions to education, sports, biodiversity and conservation as well as partnerships in national business initiatives such as the Northern Business Trade Fair.