29 May 2016

Botswana Telecommunication Corporation Limited (BTCL) managing director, Mr Paul Taylor says Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) are the biggest source of untapped benefits.

Officiating at the Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair held in Francistown on May 27, Mr Taylor said SMEs were arguably the biggest source of untapped growth potential that could help generate new jobs and wealth in both the city and the country.

Thus, he said he was hopeful that Business Botswana, through the fair, would unlock SMEs productivity, marketability, competitiveness and job creation potential to grow their operations.

Since innovation and networking are key in business, he said, a fair such as the Northern Trade Fair was key because it brought exhibitors together with buyers and created opportunities for growth.

“The fair also offers an opportunity to exhibitors to explore areas outside their own identifying possibilities for synergies and partnerships and entrepreneurs with resources and time can leverage and discover ways to grow by connecting with the right people here at the fair,” said Mr Taylor.

Further, he observed that businesses were operated in an economy where it was increasingly important to make connections and explore new things.  Earlier, Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) director, Dr Fernando Siamisang said the council had established 12 sector committees to address misalignment of supply of graduates and demands from the labour market.

Dr Siamisang said HRDC was advising on development of skills that would influence economic growth and diversification. 

He noted that he was impressed to find colleges and universities participating in the fair side by side with the business sector who employed their graduates.

“This will help in getting feedback on the quality and relevance of skills development in the training institutions,” he said. ENDS