16 May 2019

Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry (MITI) Ms Bogolo Kenewendo has applauded Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL) for re-launching the Kickstart entrepreneurial competition after a four-year hiatus.

Speaking at the launch of the competition on May 15, the minister said the programme was aligned with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s administration’s agenda on small and medium enterprise development with the aim of creating jobs and alleviating poverty, as well as her ministry’s.

KBL has this year set aside P2 million to fund the top 15 business ideas to the tune of up to P200, 000 each.   “I am also pleased to note that the competition will ensure there is a gender balance with 60 per cent of the beneficiaries reserved for females and 40 per cent for males while working on an awareness campaign that will reach Batswana entrepreneurs across the country,” she stated.

Minister Kenewendo also hailed the Kickstart programme for funding 75 young entrepreneurs, training 300 young entrepreneurs and disbursing around P1,5 million for grants annually in the past 11 years. Moreover, she commended the programme for introducing a convenient online application portal, which will be followed by the introduction of her ministry’s online business registration platform to be launched on June 3.

Regarding the alcohol industry, the minister noted that newly introduced interventions targeted at the alcohol industry were to develop the entire alcohol industry value chain including the participation of local farmers. “KBL has assured us of increasing their local content and ensuring that their procurement systems take into account government principles such as the Economic Diversification Drive,” she said.

KBL managing director, Mr Brenno Diaz emphasized that the programme used a holistic approach of not only providing funding for outstanding business ideas but also promoting business awareness, mentorship and skills training.

“Our interests are in guiding our youth to a new and exciting tomorrow, one in which every person stands a chance to attain their dream,” he said.

The programme, he said, had to be suspended in 2015 due to financial constraints but was however resuscitated with the support of the government. ENDS