21 Jun 2020

Botswana Investment Trade Centre (BITC) in its continued efforts to help prevent possible spread of COVID-19 forged ties with Botswana Informal Sector Association to donate 1 500 masks to the informal sector at Main Mall.

The masks were donated through the #PushaBW campaign, an initiative of Brand Botswana which encourages support for local brands.

Already, 150 masks have been donated in the malls of Francistown by the BITC team in the north and more masks are said to be distributed nationwide.

Addressing the public on Friday, BITC chief operations officer, Mr Reginald Sello urged Batswana to always make conscious decisions and buy local brands.

He added that by so doing, Batswana would be headed for great potential of creating employment opportunities locally and ultimately help in reducing the country’s import bill.

Mr Sello further highlighted that COVID-19 had the worst effects on the country’s economy, primarily in small businesses and as such BITC had found it best to support 10 local informal sector businesses by purchasing their masks.

It is the interests of the government to keep infection rates significantly low, he said and expressed hope that the donation would assist.

For his part, the association chairperson, Mr Thatayaone Ramasu thanked the BITC for the gesture.

He advised Batswana to be mindful of pricing strategies when doing business. ENDS