BEMA reaches milestone, looks to boost exports
Isaac Pinielo | Friday May 20, 2016 15:04
Since its establishment in 1995, the association has been at the forefront of trade lobbying and advocacy, as well as addressing issues related to manufacturing and exports in Botswana for two decades. As a membership based organisation, it has grown to be a dynamic catalyst for the competitiveness and growth of Botswana’s manufacturing and export sectors.
BEMA president, Nkosi Mwaba says the association has achieved a lot in strengthening relations with government with efforts to create a conducive environment for the private sector.
“We have managed to influence reforms and as of now we have signed a memorandum of understanding with parastatals such as the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) for export development, and Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS),” he explains.
He also notes that government is beginning to listen to the private sector.
“We have achieved quite a lot with regard to serving our mandate as the voice of the private sector emphasising on exports and manufacturing,” he says. BEMA incorporates exporters, manufacturers, service providers and individuals in trade and export-related areas and it aims to improve the competitiveness of Botswana’s manufacturing and export sectors into the region and international fraternity through tailormade service programmes.
“We aim at assisting our members to be more competitive both in the local and the international markets.”
He explains that the organisation has become the government’s main stakeholder when it comes to issues of trade, adding that they work closely with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
“Most of the issues that we deal with are trade- based as we lobby for cross border issues, legislative reforms, competitiveness, employment creation, and creating sustainable growth within the economy,” says Mwaba.
He emphasises the need to focus on export development, stating that the idea is to gear the manufacturing sector to become an export-led sector. The president further indicated that a vibrant manufacturing sector plays an important role in maintaining a globally-competitive and innovative economy. He reveals that manufacturing is a key driver of rapid long-term sustainable economic growth as it has the potential of creating more jobs than any other sector in the country.
“The manufacturing sector has the duty to create opportunities for meaningful and sustainable employment,” he points out.
According to Mwaba, BEMA members have an estimated turnover of P7 billion and it currently prides itself on having 200 companies as members employing a total workforce of over 15,000 employees.
He reveals that most of its members currently cater for the domestic market and that the association seeks to create opportunities for local manufacturers to capitalise on global and regional integration. “We believe that the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for another 10 years will create bigger opportunities for our local businesses to export to the U.S,” says Mwaba.
In the wake of the recent World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade policy review undertaken by the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), he says this presents an opportunity for Botswana as a WTO member to consider the trade policy developments in the customs union, as well as the member states.
Mwaba explains that the country is faced with a myriad of challenges when it comes to exporting goods to the international market.
“Most of the challenges that we face have to do with competitiveness. For us to export it means we are now subjected to regional competition and the question would be how we can make Botswana competitive.”
He adds that lower manufacturing costs among global players also determine competitiveness as consumers shift towards lower cost competing goods. He also notes that talent plays a huge role in the competitiveness of the country, stating that it covers the quality and quantity of available highly skilled personnel in the industry who can facilitate innovations and advanced manufacturing technologies.
“With concerted efforts between government and the private sector, we need to look at each and every component that contributes to competitiveness and consider issues that we did not look at before,” he says.
Meanwhile, celebrations for the 21st anniversary will be held in Gaborone in September this year. There will be a gala dinner with invited guests comprising key successful business people from Botswana and outside the country.
There will also be the launch of the inaugural BEMA business awards for members and non-members to acknowledge efforts of the private sector in enhancing the economy.
Some members say BEMA has been very helpful in empowering them by providing network and trade opportunities and facilitation. Mohan Pratapa, accounts manager for Botex Weaving Mills in Francistown says his company has been with BEMA since 2006 and that they have benefited a lot from the association in terms of availing information.
“We are very satisfied with their service so far and we hope they continue to help us to be more competitive both in the local and the international markets,” he says.
Another member, Josephine Masiziani of Buche Buche Pottery and Ceramic in Kasane could not hide her contentment about the association. She says BEMA regularly contacts her through telephone or email, updating her on any events that take place.
Roderick Whittaker, managing director of Asphalt Botswana says although his company has only been a member of BEMA since last year, they are already satisfied with the service they get.
“We get to network with other business people in the manufacturing industry, which can help us to develop our businesses,” he says.