Local manufacturers call for specialised fund

On site: Masisi toured exhibitors at the Local Manufacturers' Summit on Tuesday PIC: BWPRESIDENCY FACEBOOK
On site: Masisi toured exhibitors at the Local Manufacturers' Summit on Tuesday PIC: BWPRESIDENCY FACEBOOK

Entrepreneurs in the manufacturing space have asked government to consider seeding an investment fund custom made to support enterprises in order to boost the sector’s contribution to the economy.

The plea was raised on Tuesday, at the opening of the Local Manufacturer’s Summit held in Gaborone.

Speaking at the event, Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association (BEMA) CEO, Mmantlha Sankoloba, said that despite the manufacturing sector being the fifth largest employer in the country, there is still an appalling lack of finance products that cater for the industry specific needs of manufacturers in the country.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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