07 Oct 2018

SPEDU and Business Botswana (BB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to diversify the economy and revive businesses in the SPEDU region.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, BB acting CEO, Mr Norman Moleele said the agreement was a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two organisations, and that SPEDU was now a full BB member after hurdles to acquire membership.

Mr Moleele said the decision to collaborate with SPEDU began years ago, but that they did not agree on some issues which led to the delay.

He also thanked the past and present leadership for charting the path. 

Noting that unemployment was a global phenomenon and that the SPEDU region had been hit hard, he said the agreement could not have come at a better time to ensure that the two entities uplifted the region and ensured that it became prosperous and created wealth for residents. 

Mr Moleele added that it had become even more imperative for the private sector to take the lead in diversifying the economy.

He added that as the private sector their role was to complement government efforts in order to ensure the realisation Vision 2036. He said it was evidenced by the development of a strategic plan for the period 2018-2022 which would be launched during the year. 

He said Business Botswana continued to represent its members’ interests in various initiatives to ensure pro-business policies, regulations and programmes as well as to provide support to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and private sector associations. 

Mr Moleele added that the signing of the MoU was a testament of their effort to uplift businesses in Botswana and particularly the SPEDU region. 

SPEDU chief executive officer Dr Mokubung Mokubung said the signing of the memorandum was a milestone for SPEDU.

He said they wanted to have one voice as the business community and that the agreement was a step in that direction. He added that Business Botswana has been an advocate of business and that it had the relevant knowledge about the business sector of Botswana

Dr Mokubung said they would like to attract more companies to the region and create employment.

SPEDU board chairperson, Mr Tlhotlheletso Yane said the partnership between SPEDU and BB was a sign of passion to drive the economy locally and internationally as well as to create wealth for the SPEDU region.

Mr Yane said it was incumbent upon the private and business sector to put more effort in growing businesses and diversifying the economy and not to only rely on government. ENDS