24 Nov 2020

In order to position Botswana as a premier investment destination, the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) engages investors who are global stock exchange leaders.

Briefing the media in Gaborone yesterday, SEZA chief executive officer Mr Lonely Mogara said by engaging such leaders, the authority hoped to get exposure and mileage through listed companies.

SEZA’s intention was to deliver investor-friendly services and incentives as well as enhanced investor competitiveness, he said.

 Mr Mogara said the intentions would be achieved through targeting value adding sectors that offered market and cost driven investment opportunities.

He said since the authority’s establishment in 2018, enquiries from interested investors, both local and international, continued to be received.

Concerning special economic zones, he said project progress was pleasing.

However, the SEZA chief said delays were experienced in some projects due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Mogara said currently eight zones had been identified across the country where different projects were being considered.

He cited Lobatse, earmarked for meat production and leather products, and Gaborone, designated for diamond polishing.

Mr Mogara said most regions would benefit because the number of zones were likely to be increased.

Some places would be used to foster linkages with firms within and outside already existing special economic zones, he explained.

Saying human resource development was of utmost importance to SEZA, he added  that efforts were constantly being made to include young skilled locals in the workforce.

Mr Mogara said SEZA also had an active hand in ensuring that Botswana provided excellent physical infrastructure.

He assured local investors that SEZA would ensure that international companies did not cannibalize existing businesses.  ends