23 Apr 2019

Kanye and Lobatse entrepreneurs have called for the protection of Batswana businesses so that they could make satisfactory profits.

They made the request during a business community consultative meeting on the Trade Bill held in Kanye recently.

A Lobatse-based businessman, Mr Mosimanewakgotla Botanka appealed to government to come up with laws to protect local businesses and ensure fair competition with their foreign competitors trading in Botswana.

Mr Botanka said local companies continued to lose tenders, especially in the supply  area, because foreigners were selling at wholesale prices.

“As it is the trading ground is not level because these big supermarkets buy in bulk and quote with wholesale prices which disadvantages small local businesses,” he said.

Another attendee, Ms Naledi Obuseng, called on government to promote citizen empowerment through regulations compelling foreign businesses to sell a certain percentage of locally produced goods. 

Such a move would boost local businesses and ultimately improve the economy of the country, she said.

Principal commercial officer in the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs Ms Sylvia Odirile said government had in place various initiatives intended to protect products and services offered locally. 

It was up to business owners to meet government halfway and ensure the effectiveness of such initiatives, said Ms Odirile.

“I can say we are making strides because, for example, currently big supermarkets get their vegetable supply from local producers,” she said.

She urged local business people to up their game and supply  good, adequate and timely services and products  to leave no room for alternatives.

Furthermore, she advised them to embrace the reality of competition in business.

On other issues, the business community requested time to go through the bill before they could make submissions. 

They suggested that all stakeholders such as licensing bodies and law enforcement agencies be included in the consultative process.

They argued that bringing all stakeholders together would help reduce inconsistencies in implementation and adherance.

For her part, the chairperson of the Liquor Licensing Committee Ms Patricia Tomlinson said the consultation exercise was a gateway for local businesses to participate in the global market. ENDS