Business

CEDA advances inclusive entrepreneurship through Braille

Reaching out: CEDA is extending access to its services to the visually impaired
 
Reaching out: CEDA is extending access to its services to the visually impaired

Officials said the move reinforces CEDA’s commitment to leaving no one behind by removing barriers that have historically limited access to business development information for persons living with visual impairments. By making more essential publications available in Braille, the Agency is creating opportunities for more Batswana to participate meaningfully in entrepreneurship, access financial support and contribute to Botswana’s economic growth.

The Braille conversion project covers a range of informational materials designed to guide aspiring and existing entrepreneurs through CEDA’s products, services and application processes.

These include the recently launched “A Di Tsale Financial Product Suite.” This enables visually impaired entrepreneurs to independently access information, make informed business decisions and engage confidently with the Agency.

Speaking about the development, CEDA Caretaker Chief Executive Officer, Khalala Mokefane, reaffirmed that inclusive service delivery remains central to the Agency’s mandate of promoting citizen entrepreneurship.

“True empowerment begins with equal access to information,” he said. “By making our materials available in Braille, we are ensuring that visually impaired entrepreneurs are not only informed but are empowered to pursue their business aspirations with confidence and dignity. “Inclusive entrepreneurship strengthens our economy by ensuring that no potential entrepreneur is left behind.”

Beyond improving accessibility, the move also enables people with disabilities to access financing opportunities, business advisory services, financial literacy information and entrepreneurial development programmes that support business establishment, growth and long-term sustainability.

This reflects CEDA’s ongoing efforts to continuously improve customer experience through accessible, responsive and citizen-centred service delivery. The CEO said the initiative demonstrates the Agency’s belief that innovation extends beyond financial products to include the way services are designed and delivered to meet the diverse needs of all customers.

Amongst others, the material will be distributed to Botswana Council for the Disabled (BCD), Botswana Association for the Blind and Partially Sighted (BABPS), Pudulogong Rehabilitation Centre (in Mochudi), Lephoi Centre (in Francistown) and libraries in major villages and towns.