Botswana has not woken from complacency slumber

Growing pains: Manufacturing in Botswana has potential but challenges as well PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Growing pains: Manufacturing in Botswana has potential but challenges as well PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Three years ago, Rwanda entered into a fertiliser joint venture partnership with two private companies aimed at reducing the cost and increasing the supply of fertiliser and boosting agricultural output.

The deal was approved by Cabinet and involved Rwandan firm, Agro Processing Trust Corporation (APTC), a Moroccan company known as OCP Africa as well as the Government of Rwanda. The trio jointly set up a soil fertiliser blending firm in the country to produce, market and distribute fertilisers. Under the deal OCP Africa invested US$6.3 million (about P63 million).

Reports indicate that OCP holds a majority 57.4% stake in the company known as Rwanda Fertiliser Company, while APTC holds 30% and the Government 12.6% respectively. The deal paved way for OCP to partner with the Ministry of Agriculture of Rwanda to address key barriers to the realisation of the country’s agricultural potential, by improving the quality of fertilisers. The new company said it would update soil maps and recommend the type of fertiliser to apply based on scientific data. The project was expected to reduce the price of fertiliser, as well as improve productivity and farmers income.

Editor's Comment
Bulela Ditswe entry fee could hamper broke talent

The fees have been doubled from the previous amounts and raise concerns about political participation accessibility and democratic representation principles.This significant fee increase prompts questions regarding its impact on grassroots democracy.On one hand, the fees act as a filter, ensuring only serious contenders enter the race, potentially reducing frivolous candidacies and generating crucial campaign funds. The BDP argues that aspiring...

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