24 Apr 2016

Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s) are the foundation for businnes and job creation, says the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Vincent Seretse.

Delivering a keynote address at the SMME pitso and seminar in Gaborone on Thursday April 21, he said SMME’s play a critical role in diversifying the economy.

Mr Seretse said the pitso gave the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) and its stakeholders time to reflect on their achievements and map a way forward.

He said the theme of the pitso: “Capacitating SMME’s: A catalyst to employment creation in Botswana,” calls on everyone to develop their business and create jobs for fellow citizens.

He noted that small businesses face the challenge of sustainability and urged them to device strategies that would ensure the business stands the test of time.

The minister also noted that businesses face competition because of the country’s small population. 

Mr Seretse stated that his ministry was aware that businesses face challenges hence they continue to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to develop solutions.“Take advantage of all government programmes that are meant to make business easy for Batswana like the EDD and ESP which promote participation of local companies.”

LEA chief executive officer CEO, Dr Tebogo Matome said LEA recognises the contribution of government, the private sector, small businesses and non LEA clients.

He said the pitso was an annual event that brought SMMEs and other stakeholders to discuss how to improve the business landscape.

Dr Matome stated that the theme was fitting in that Botswana was faced with unemployment, adding that it was upon businesses to create job opportunities.

He said he hoped that business start-ups would be encouraged by listening to testimonies from other entrepreneurs.

Dr Matome also commended the ministry for their support in the SMMEs business. Ends