Full-steam for next week�s Francistown Pitso
Patricia Edwin | Tuesday August 12, 2014 10:36
The guests have been confirmed, while a packed programme has also been drafted for the Pitso that will be held next week, from August 19 to 21 at Adansonia Hotel in Francistown.
City mayor James Kgalajwe has also released a list of firms which have sponsored the event. “This Pitso is not short of funds as companies have sponsored it selflessly,” he said.
Some of the main sponsors are; Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), Debswana, Soda Ash, Daisy Loo, Francistown City Council, Ministry of Local Government and Choppies.
He said although they had estimated a P3.3 million budget, the amount would likely go down because some advertising campaigns have been cancelled.
The forum will focus on the planning, development and investment initiatives of the greater Francistown area by devising strategies and structures that would enable all stakeholders to boost the city’s economy as it looks towards becoming an economic hub and commercial stronghold by 2022.
The theme of the conference is ‘City of Francistown: An Investment Centre of Vibrance by 2022 - A step Forward to your Investment’.
In the tentative programme, Vice President Ponatshego Kedikilwe will officially open the conference, while the Minister of Trade and Industry Dorcas Makgato-Malesu is listed to speak on issues of law and tax that govern domestic and foreign direct investment.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs will speak on licensing and work permits, investor VISAS and other related issues.
Further, Debswana managing director Balisi Bonyongo will address the Pitso on the gravity mining activities in Botswana and how mining companies can partner with local government to advance economic development in the region.
BITC CEO Letsebe Sejoe, also one of the speakers, will talk about the role of special economic zones in Botswana’s economic transformation.
Minister of Lands and Housing Lebonaamang Mokalake will speak on de-centralisation of land allocation, power and authority for investment purposes to Francistown authorities and leadership.
Other speakers are from Barclays Bank, CEO of Chamber of Mines Charles Siwawa, Metropolitan Botswana, GabCon, Agriculture Hub, Botswana Tourism Organisation, BIUST, Anthony Siwawa of Venture Capital Botswana and Botswana National Productivity Centre.