Over P150m invested by CEDA in Northern Region
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday December 10, 2025 06:00
When addressing dignitaries and members of the community during the opening of a new branch here, Ntsima said that the branch is a testament to the agency’s commitment to entrepreneurship development and economic development.
He further said that the opening of this new branch aligns with the government’s broader agenda of economic diversification away from diamonds under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), Economic Inclusion Drive, the Reset Agenda, and the Transformational Strategy of uplifting communities through targeted, coordinated, and accessible support.
'This branch will serve as a hub of innovation and a catalyst for local economic activity. We expect to see vibrant growth in areas such as agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism-related services, given Tutume’s strategic location,' he continued.
Additionally, Ntsima stated that they also expect development in youth-led enterprises in technology, creative industries, the gig economy and women-led businesses, which continue to be drivers of resilience at the community level.
'Our message to every aspiring entrepreneur in Tutume is simple. Your ideas matter. Your dreams are valid. And the government is here to support you,' he added.
According to the minister, the establishment of a CEDA branch here is strategic as it brings financial services, advisory support, and business development resources closer to the people.
'It reduces the cost and inconvenience of travelling long distances to access essential support,' he added.
Whilst speaking about CEDA’s strategic expansions and presence, the organisation's Caretaker Chief Executive Officer Khalala Mokefane indicated that CEDA’s expansion journey across Botswana is a deliberate, strategic effort to ensure no region, no village and no aspiring entrepreneur is left behind.
“From Kasane to Hukuntsi, from Letlhakane to Shakawe, and from Maun to Molepolole, every new branch represents new hope, new opportunities, and a renewed commitment to economic inclusion,” he added.
He further said that the vital addition of the Tutume branch is their newest gateway of opportunity for the northern region.
According to Mokefane, Tutume occupies a unique socio-economic position in Botswana.
'It is a hub that connects surrounding villages such as Maitengwe, Nkange, Sepako, Nshakashogwe, Makobo, Magapatona, and as far as Masunga and the outskirts of the Northeast,' he added.
He elaborated that many of these communities are home to vibrant informal sector traders, aspiring youth entrepreneurs, and agricultural producers in livestock and horticulture.
'They are also cross-border micro-traders engaging with Zimbabwean markets, women-led SMEs involved in services, crafts, retail and food production, transport, construction, and creative industry entrepreneurs,' he said.
Mokefane highlighted that until now, many of these groups have relied on their Francistown branch or travelled long distances to access various CEDA services.
“This presented a barrier to entry, increased business costs, and discouraged potential applicants and therefore, with this new branch, that barrier falls,” he added.
He also shared that CEDA is bringing services closer to the people of Tutume, eliminating travel expenses, reducing turnaround time, and ensuring that support is available where it matters most, at the community level.
Mokefane indicated that Tutume District is one of the fastest-growing economic zones in the north.
He stated that the branch will stimulate local entrepreneurship, enhance employment creation, encourage youth participation in the economy, strengthen agricultural value chains, improve financial inclusion and support businesses along the A3 corridor, which is a vital trade route.
“We anticipate an increase in new business formations, expansions of existing enterprises, and improved sustainability for SMMEs in the region,” he added.