19 Feb 2020

Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Karabo Gare has told Parliament that the implementation of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Francistown has commenced.

“The SEZ is adjacent to the P.G. Matante International Airport measuring about 700 hectares.

The site will focus on mining and logistics. Infrastructure to be provided will include cargo facilities, ware houses, distribution centres for mining goods and services and a truck-inn centre.”

He further said implementation of SEZs was done through feasibility studies, land acquisition, master planning which entailed development of the business case, urban and detail design scheme, on site infrastructure construction, land allocation to potential investors and management of the zone.

Mr Gare also highlighted that land acquisition for the SEZ was acquired in October 2019.

Master planning of the 700 hectares commenced in December 2019 and is expected to be completed in August 2020.

To ensure engagement of all relevant stakeholders a consortium has been established in October 2019 which comprises Business Botswana (private sector), Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA), Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), Botswana Railways, Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana, District Commissioner (Central Government) and Town Council Authorities (Local Government).

Member of Parliament for Francistown West, Mr Ignitius Moswaane had asked the minister if he was aware that the Special Economic Zone in Francistown had not been implemented: and if so, when would they be implemented. ENDS