Funding SMEs in Botswana: A contrarian view
Friday, March 29, 2024 | 230 Views |
While the “mokgolosa” statement has gone viral on social media, some public finance experts are sounding the alarm over the amounts of cash the government is pouring into unviable ventures, a persistent trend over the years.
Experts estimate that the general failure rate of SMEs in Botswana is about 80%, with over 70% of start-up firms failing in the first 18 months and less than two percent expanding their businesses.
The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...