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.
