06 Dec 2016

The value of government procurement from local manufacturers and service providers over the past three financial years under Economic Diversification Drive (EDD) strategy amounts to over P2.2 billion.

Delivering State-of-the-Nation Address in Parliament on Monday (December 5), President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama said 1 896 enterprises had been registered under the EDD.

“Implementation of the EDD Medium to Long-Term Strategy to develop sustainable sectors for economic growth and diversification is progressing, with implementation of the textile, leather and dairy sub-sector strategies,” he said.

The President said the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle that would own, build, operate and maintain the Leather Industry Park was progressing.

He said eight companies have responded to an Expression of Interest that was published in June to identify investors.

President Khama said the Leather Park is expected to create direct employment of 6 000 to 8 000 jobs.

The president said 100 small and medium enterprises have been enrolled in the Private Sector Development Programme, a joint initiative between the government and European Union.

He said the entrepreneurs come from various sectors such as manufacturing, ICT, agro-industry, hotel and tourism as well as the construction and public works sectors.

The president said the programme is further enhancing the capacities of development institutions such as LEA, CEDA, BITC, HATAB and Community Based Organisations.

“Implementation of recommendations from the Beef Value Chain Study is being finalised, while six additional value chain studies for horticulture, piggery, goats, honey, morula and tourism have been completed,” he said. ENDS