10 Jun 2018

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo says there are no plans to turn Letlhakane into a diamond hub.

Ms Kenewendo explained that there were eight areas only which government had prioritised for the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

She said the areas were Gaborone Fairgrounds, Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Selebi Phikwe, Francistown, Palapye, Tuli Block, Pandamatenga and Lobatse.

She, however, said Letlhakane and other areas could be considered as SEZs in future in accordance with the Special Economic Zones Act of 2015.

Boteti East MP, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe had asked whether there were plans in place to turn Letlhakane into a diamond hub and lure investors to carry out related industries in the area.

Mr Lelatisitswe also asked whether there were strategies targeted at uplifting youth and women in business in the diamond industry.

However, the minister said the ministry does not have specific strategies for youth and women businesses targeted towards the diamond industry.

“However, there are different policies and programmes under my ministry that are open to all citizens aimed at empowering citizen-owned local business to access supply chain opportunities arising from projects and operation within the country,” she said.

She said there were currently 10 licensed manufacturing companies in Letlhakane who were engaged in textiles, chemicals, bakery and printing. ENDS