Already there are high expectations that he must honour his campaign promises to the people of Botswana and use the SONA to reassure and outline addressing issues of greatest national concern. Francistown(ers), residents of the country’s second city whose economy was in the past anchored on mining activity, face mines that have now closed. They are optimistic that Boko will revive the mining industry near the city. The money from the mining houses around Francistown cascaded down many sectors of the economy – transport, rent, retail, hoteliers and catering amongst others.
Commenting on what they expect from Boko’s SONA, a spokesperson of Business Botswana (BB), Patience Lebotse, said Francistown as the Northern region hub is endowed with abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and strategic geographic positioning, making it a prime destination for investment and economic development. These position the city as a leading logistics gateway, she said. “Given its position as a regional gateway, we anticipate significant infrastructure investments in Francistown. Transport, logistics, and connectivity development will be crucial in boosting trade and facilitating business expansion and regional integration. By improving infrastructure, Francistown has a huge potential to be the investment gateway within the region,” Lebotse said. “BB is optimistic that the new administration will guide the city through a successful economic transition and implement the Francistown Development Plan (2024–2048). Key sectors such as agriculture, transportation and logistics, tourism, and manufacturing have the potential to diversify the economy. These sectors can boost the local economy and create jobs and opportunities for businesses.” Weighing in on the issue, the newly elected Assistant Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs and Member of Parliament (MP) for Francistown West, Ignatius Moswaane, said as the ruling UDC, they will exploit Francistown’s strategic positioning to attract investors to the city. “What is needed is to revitalise the city looking in particular to mines around it... We also need to service the Central Business District (CBD) of Gerald Estates to make it the new mainstay of the city’s economy. Currently, there are 40,000 plots in Gerald Estates which are three times bigger than those in the second city. These plots need to be serviced to optimise land use in various ways in Francistown. If these plots are serviced and allocated to individuals, the buying power of the people of Francistown will increase and the P4,000 living wage that the UDC has been talking about will be realised. Francistown also needs a revitalisation programme just like the one in Selebi-Phikwe to make the city attractive to investors,” said the former mayor of Francistown.
Moswaane, however, bemoaned that currently, the Dumela Industrial Site is underutilised yet it has the potential to improve the economy of Francistown. “We need to vigorously sell the Dumela Industrial Site to investors. Francistown is ready to host investors. Developments in Francistown should show that the city is Botswana’s second city. Under the UDC government, that can be achieved and many jobs will be created in the city,” he added. For his part, president of Botswana Mine Workers Union, Joseph Tsimako said they expect Boko to highlight how he will address pertinent issues affecting mine workers, not necessarily in mines near Francistown, but the whole country. Tsimako said the government should, through its investment arm Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), see to it that it buys shares in Mupane Gold Mine whilst workers are also allowed to buy shares in the same mine. Tsimako mentioned that in this way, the jobs of workers – who are currently unemployed – would be reclaimed. Mupane is currently under provisional liquidation until February 13.
