25 Nov 2019

 Industry can enhance productivity, increase the capabilities of the workforce and generate employment by introducing new equipment and new techniques.

Speaking at the Africa Industrialisation Day held at Pilane, the industrial officer at Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry- Industrial Affairs, Ms Lebogang Tselayakhumo said industrialisation, with strong linkages to domestic economies, would help African countries achieve high growth rates, diversify their economies and reduce their exposure to external shocks.

She said this would in turn substantially contribute to poverty eradication through employment and wealth creation.

Ms Tselayakhumo said the United Nations General Assembly, in 1989, proclaimed 20 November Africa Industrialisation Day.

She indicated that since then, the day had been held throughout the world to raise awareness about the importance of Africa’s industrialisation and the challenges faced by the continent.

Ms Tselayakhumo said this year, the theme; Positioning African Industry to supply the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Market, was an affirmation that it was an opportune time for businesses in Botswana to prepare and put in place resources to take part in the development once it kicked off into full swing.

She said reports and statistics had shown that out of a 100 per cent of market share within the SADC region for example, regarding trade, only 20 per cent was being met, and thereby presenting a challenge and at the same time a huge opportunity for industries to fill the remaining gap.

“Imagine now when the AfCFTA kicks into gear and we are not only focusing on SADC but rather Africa as a whole and this should be exciting for entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs,” she said.
 She noted that various industries in Botswana had the potential to be world players.

“We need each other in business and there is so much we can achieve together. Batswana, we have to support each other,” she said adding that Batswana consumers needed to buy Botswana products.

Ms Oreeditse Pone, chairperson of Kgatleng Business Council said the day provided a platform for public-private engagement between industrial policymakers, the private sector, civil society, and development cooperating partners as they endeavour to share ideas on how to shape the continent’s industrialisation agenda.

She said the day also promoted the implementation of various African Union (AU) continental frameworks.

Speaking about Kgatleng Business Council, Ms Pone said they have over 200 members ranging from poultries, hair salons, leather works, wielding, bakeries, textiles and brick manufacturing companies. ENDS