16 Jul 2014

Botswana Meat Commission chief executive officer, Dr Akolang Tombale has applauded government for taking a bold step to improve the livelihoods of Batswana by encouraging them to venture into businesses.

Speaking at Lobatse mini show on July 11, Dr Tombale said government had improved household food security, empowered the poor by engaging them in income generating activities, generated employment opportunities, which ultimately led to the promotion of sustainable economic diversification and reduced destitution.

He said Botswana had contributed enormously in making positive changes in the lives of many Batswana and urged locals to utilise poverty eradication programmes.

Furthermore, Dr Tombale said entrepreneurs should learn to assist one another in order to realise their potential and help reduce dependency on government.

“As entrepreneurs you should utilise mini shows as they serve as the platform where you can showcase your locally produced products, exchange ideas to bring together all the strings that can transform an idea into a product or how to make improvements on the product and how to acquire solutions when in the entrepreneurial world,” he said.

In addition, he said the forum also creates a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to promote their products, attract customers and give customers the chance to differentiate products from other competitors.

However, Dr Tombale said Botswana is still faced with challenges and urged local entrepreneurs to set priorities for business opportunities, concentrating on market segment within which they expect to achieve the best overall economic return from their product or service.

The exhibitors showcased a wide range of sewing and knitting, beadwork, bakery, dress making, food processing and screen printing products assisted by Lobatse town council, youth department, Department of Crop Production, Prisons, Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital and Ministry of Education and Skills and Development.

Lobatse 2014 mini show was held under the theme “Poverty eradication: Empowering Lobatse community to sustainable livelihoods.”  ENDS