07 Oct 2015

The Ministry of Trade and Industry wants to ensure that Batswana venture into businesses in order to lead prosperous lives.

 Addressing a kgotla meeting in Mogoditshane recently, Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Advocate Sadique Kebonang said they want to help Batswana expand their businesses and resuscitate those that have collapsed.

“The ministry will be liaising with the Citizen Entrepreneurial Agency and the Local Enterprise Authority to ensure that Batswana get proper induction and incubation regarding businesses they want to venture into,” the assistant minister said.

He noted that CEDA was established to give Batswana loans because private banks charged high interest rates, adding that LEA's contribution was to train and assist Batswana with business plans. 

He raised concern that there few requests for funds, urging Mogoditshane residents to utilise CEDA’s funding and the business mentoring provided by LEA. The assistant minister noted that  CEDA’s funds were not only meant for those who want to start new businesses, but also those who want to expand.

Mr Motsumi Jane, who represented CEDA at the meeting, added that they also offer loans for joint ventures if a citizen wants to partner with a foreign investor. Mr Jane also noted that CEDA could help in cases of liquidation.

One resident, Mr Paul Magwaza complained about the number of car dealerships in Mogoditshane. He said some dealers advertise their vehicles by just parking them next to the road. He added that the practice cause accidents. 

The director of Kagisong Hotel, Mr David Modiega complained that the government was giving  licenses to bed and breakfast businesses to operate in the same locality, adding that this gives them tough competition.

The assistant minister said they would look into the issue, adding that it was not proper for businesses offering the same service to be congested in one place. Advocate Kebonang also briefed residents about AGOA and the opportunity to export to the United States of America. Ends