26 Nov 2018

Development projects, such as the Airport Junction Mall extension in Gaborone, boost government’s desire to see more private sector participation in building the country’s economy.

Officially opening the Airport Junction shopping centre extension, Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Nonofo Molefhi, said government’s role was to provide an enabling environment for businesses to set up and thrive. 

“It is our hope as government that we have indeed remained faithful to this ideal in the realisation of this facility in its entirety. We commit to do likewise to all those who will stand up and be counted in the same vein,” he said.

Mr Molefhi said on March 30, 2011, he officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony of the first phase of the landmark development.

He said at the time, the groundbreaking ceremony marked the humble beginnings of this shopping centre and construction work was to commence with only a few buildings. 

He noted that years following this and a number of other additions later, he had the honour to once again become a part of the journey of Airport Junction development since they launched yet another wing.

“This is a significant milestone in the context of our national economy that we should all celebrate,” he said. 

Mr Molefhi further said recognition should be given to owners of the facility for the capital invested in ensuring its birth, progression and success over the years. 

“It is quite visible from a distance that this modern shopping centre has indeed become an epitome of commercial life in this part of the city, and has influenced and continues to influence further developments around it,” he said.

Mr Molefhi said “we know how fiercely all countries of the world, especially developing nations, continue to compete for foreign direct investment (FDI), which is a daunting feat to achieve”.

He said it was therefore pleasing that this development ushered in several new entrants to the economy in the form of retailers, which heralded not only additional investment into the country, but other benefits as well.

“We are an employment creation driven government and we celebrate any opportunity that avails itself to get our people employed,” he said.

Mr Molefhi said he was informed that 600 Batswana were directly or indirectly employed during the construction stage of the shopping centre, while 200 permanent jobs had been created within the wing, that was being opened. 

He further said as a fast growing economy, Botswana was further enthralled by the increase in ownership of franchise opportunities by locals, which undoubtedly attest to the economic empowerment of citizens. He said he was particularly excited about the few Batswana-led stores that had taken up space at the shopping centre, adding that one would be excused to feel excited about the new shopping experience at the centre.

“I have had the opportunity to look at the tenant list and the brand name stores that are opening today, some of which I am seeing for the first time ever in Botswana,” continued Mr Molefhi. He noted that this initiative is yet another in the list to seek ways of diversifying the economy and government’s desire to usher in a knowledge based economy continues to linger in the background as such developments are facilitated. ENDS