22 Mar 2020

 Business Botswana is ready to support  government in fight against COVID-19.

Speaking in an interview, Business Botswana president, Mr Gubusamang Keebine, stated that they had formed a response team  to  ensure  that  private  sector  remained  functional  in  order  to keep the economy afloat and secure as many jobs as possible. 

He expressed hope that their efforts would bear fruit since the private  sector  understood    need  to  eliminate  spread  of  the  COVID-19. 

“It  is  as  such  our  highest  priority  to  ensure  we  come  to  the  party  and  aid government    at  a  national  level,” he said.

Mr Keebine said  Business Botswana had  demonstrated  its  readiness to collaborate and to become part of a tripartite national action plan team through establishing a synchronised communication plan that would solidify frequent engagement. Furthermore, he said the business community  valued  the  need  to  be  safe, therefore encouraged  all  members  in  the  private sector  to  adhere  to  recommendations   of   social   distancing,   high   hygiene   standards  and all precautionary measures in place.  

As   such, Mr Keebine said his organisation would engage stakeholders on possibilities to review data rates to allow for remote working and also continue to engage on best case scenario for public transportation with the hope to encourage private sector to consider arranged transport from taxi operators.

Furthermore, Mr Keebine highlighted the need for government and private sector  to  work  collaboratively  with  a  view  to  minimise  interruption  in  supply  of  essential goods and services as well as ensure that the entire value chain functioned efficiently.

He said it was undisputed  that many  businesses were  strained  and would  suffer -the  impacts  of  the pandemic on  the  economy, as such there was need for the business community to  continue engaging government on what measures to explore to ensure the recovery of the economy   and aid to businesses in an effort to stimulate the economy.

Mr Keebine decried  that many of the association’s members were already bearing the brunt of COVID-19.He commended members of the private sector who continued to  come forward with skills and resources towards the fight against COVID-19.ends