29 May 2016

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Business Botswana, Dr Racious Moatshe has said there is need for different stakeholders to play a role so as to strengthen the capacity of Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMMEs).

Speaking during a Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair opening ceremony on May 27 in Francistown, Dr Moatshe said SMMEs were engine drivers of the economy, foundation of businesses, and job creation opportunities.

“Most organisations have emerged from the level of SMMEs, and the employment opportunities in the private sector are largely from the SMMEs; as such it is imperative that we work collectively to build up and strengthen the capacity of SMME,” he said.

Dr Moatshe indicated that Business Botswana would continue to work closely with relevant authorities in different regions so as to identify opportunities and activities that are business related.

He noted that the initiative was to support and also create an enabling environment for SMMEs to grow and fully contribute to the growth of country’s economy.

Dr Moatshe said they were looking at a possibility to set up regional chambers in different areas so as to strengthen existing SMME associations and formalize them in areas where they do not exist.

“The associations will be a lobby group that we will work with to channel our support and inform them about policies we will come up with,” he said.

He also highlighted they were working on strengthening research capacity in order to come up with appropriate policies.

Dr Moatshe said the recently introduced initiative of Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP) by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) would basically help to upskill SMMEs, enhance their capacity, and also help them to become bankable prepositions.

He further said as Business Botswana engaged in the dialogue on behalf of the private sector with the government in relation to business related policy issues, they  were also working on positioning themselves  as a better partner for government advocacy purpose.

Dr Moatshe noted they would continue to work collectively with youth entrepreneurs, consider meaningful ways in which they could help government and other players towards sustainability of youth projects.

Director of Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), Dr Fernando Siamisang advised entrepreneurs to persevere on their business ideas and make use of available business opportunities.

He said Batswana should have self-trust, adding HRDC would support them through skills development and ensure there was continuous workplace learning. ENDS