25 May 2016

The Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi and the cabinet on Wednesday toured the Youth Business Expo in Gaborone to appreciate Batswana youth projects.

The Expo which commenced on Tuesday has attracted about 300 youth companies across Botswana of which the outstanding projects will be rewarded on Friday night at an awards ceremony at Boipuso Hall.

In an interview during the tour the Minister of Youth Sport and Culture Mr Thapelo Olopeng said he was impressed with the stalls as they displayed what Batswana youth were capable of hence the invitation of cabinet to witness the occasion.

He said the youth had taken up projects in different sectors of the economy from manufacturing to ourism among others which he said was commendable.

Mr Olopeng stated that they had a database in the ministry for all youth projects which enabled them to follow the projects up and offer any kind of support needed.

He said as the ministry they would come up with ways to assist all the businesses that exhibited for them to grow and create employment.

The minister said his ministry supported Batswana businesses hence they wanted the youth to take advantage of the government initiatives like Economic Diversification Drive which aimed at benefiting Botswana businesses by enhancing local production.

Mr Olopeng said as the ministry they wanted to see young people owning their own quality brands, “Why can’t we build our own shops and have our own young designers come together to design our own clothing lines.”

Commenting on the Expo during the tour Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President Dr Jeff Ramsay said he was impressed with the diversity of the projects exhibited by many youth noting that it showed the diverse talents by young Batswana.

Dr Ramsay said there were a lot of interesting things one could come and see adding that it was impressive to see the youth taking advantage of technology and come up with projects that are technologically aligned.

He further invited the public to attend the Expo and view the stalls and support Batswana youth projects.

Dr Ramsay stated that the products were unique and represented Botswana well highlighting that he believed they can sell Botswana.ENDS