UNDP opens regional markets for local businesses
Pauline Dikuelo | Wednesday October 28, 2026 06:00
This comes after the United Nations body supported Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing market opportunities in six African countries as part of efforts to expand regional trade and strengthen local businesses. UNDP Botswana Resident Representative, Lovita Ramguttee, explained the agency had facilitated access to markets in Namibia, Rwanda, Togo, Tunisia, Nigeria and Eswatini through trade missions, market access programmes and business exchanges. She added the progress had laid the foundation for a new regional initiative aimed at promoting women and youth economic empowerment across Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
According to Ramguttee, Botswana’s experience demonstrated that providing women and young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, networks and opportunities could position them to drive inclusive economic growth, innovation and job creation. To strengthen their competitiveness, she said UNDP has provided practical training on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Rules of Origin, electronic tariffs, digital trade and market access. “These interventions have enhanced competitiveness, strengthened export readiness and expanded awareness of regional market opportunities,” she said during the UNDP MSME Market Day on Thursday.
Through its Local Economic Development-AfCFTA initiatives, UNDP has also supported MSMEs and informal sector entrepreneurs in identifying local economic opportunities, strengthening value chains and connecting businesses to markets and support services. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship and district councils across the country.
Ramguttee said the agency, which is tasked with promoting sustainable economic growth around the world, had complemented its trade interventions with financial literacy training to help entrepreneurs improve financial management, business planning and investment readiness. Equally, she emphasised the importance of collaborations amongst government, development partners, the diplomatic community and the private sector in ensuring that local businesses could access markets, finance and partnerships. As a result, Ramguttee called on diplomatic representatives and stakeholders to work with UNDP to identify export opportunities for Botswana’s MSMEs in their respective countries and regions.
She also acknowledged the contribution of the retail, hospitality and wider private sectors, as well as business support organisations, in supporting local enterprises by purchasing their products. The UNDP chief noted that opening procurement and supply chain opportunities for local businesses could help small-scale producers become sustainable and competitive enterprises. Such partnerships could also create opportunities for Botswana-made products to enter supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and other commercial markets.
Meanwhile, Ramguttee said the MSME Market Day provided a platform for businesses to showcase their products, engage with potential buyers and investors, and establish partnerships to support their growth. She reiterated UNDP’s commitment to working with stakeholders to expand opportunities for Botswana’s entrepreneurs, particularly women and young people, to trade and compete successfully across Africa and beyond.