28 Mar 2019

Parliament has been informed that Francistown is among the eight Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that were identified through a rigorous feasibility study that was done by Kaiser and Associates, which will focus on mining and logistics. Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo stated that the Francistown zone would have cargo facilities, warehouses, distribution centres for mining goods and services and a truck inn centre.

“The SEZ reform promises streamlined business services for all qualifying foreign and domestic investors, thus will see Francistown attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),” she said.

Ms Kenewendo said consequently, more businesses and job opportunities would be created, hence improved quality of life would be realised.

Again, she explained that the criteria used to determine the current and initial eight SEZs entailed industrial economics and dynamics, accessibility and connectivity to transportation network, accessibility of social infrastructure, environmental conditions, availability of land, topographical and construction constraints, accessibility and connectivity to utility services, human conditions and development influence.

MP Buti Billy of Francistown East had asked the minister what informed her decision in determining SEZs and how Francistown East constituency would benefit. Ends