He said the spin-offs from such growth would include increased job creation, meaningful economic diversification, creation of sustainable livelihoods and attainable poverty eradication initiatives. "My eagle of focus lands here," Kedikilwe said. "SMMEs and the informal sector constitute between 35-45 percent of Botswana's GDP, the board and management (of the Botswana Consumer Fair), and their other principals should consider innovative ways of facilitating the growth of these sectors."
The Vice President said such facilitation could take many forms such as reducing stall fees and charges to enable more SMMEs to participate in the fair. "Relatively lower stall fees or charges would enable more participation by SMMEs and increased numbers of local exhibitors and manufacturers would unleash their exposure to competition as well as sharpen their skills," he said. Kedikilwe said as they developed, SMMEs' improved product quality would translate into greater penetration of local, regional and international markets through avenues such as the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
