21 Jan 2020

Botswana Investment and Trade Centre will officially open a regional office in Francistown on February 01. 

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Ms Peggy Serame is expected to officially open the office, which is located at Tati River mall.

Alongside the official opening, BITC will host an open market day for all the parastatals under the trade ministry and that a few companies based in Francistown will showcase their services.

Meanwhile, BITC Francistown Branch Manager, Mr Gaorekwe Gaorekwe said in an interview that the regional office first opened its doors to the public last year, adding that the centre had been providing its services through its co-location with CIPA.

He explained that the office was responsible for promoting business development and encouraging investment in the northern part of Botswana.

The manager said the office serviced both domestic and foreign investors in Francistown and surrounding areas, serving as a one stop business service centre.

Mr Gaorekwe stated that expectations were that the office would contribute towards building and fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship and encourage business development whilst also creating employment through various targeted investment promotions initiatives.

He explained that the office had already started on stakeholder engagements with the leadership of the region and the active business communities to consolidate efforts in leading the attraction of investments to the northern region and driving the local manufacturing industries to enable exports for Botswana made products.

He said BITC also aimed at implementing an investor after care programme for existing domestic and foreign investors in the northern region with a view to encourage them to retain, diversify, and expand their businesses by re-investing and creating additional jobs for Batswana.

The office comprises of four executive offices, a conference room and a reception area, just to mention a few. ENDS