04 Jul 2021

The United States Agency for International Development has recognised Flotek Pipes and Irrigation and DLG Naturals Ltd as outstanding exporters for the Botswana Exporter of the year award. 

The two winners received the award recently for their excellence and innovation in reaching export markets in Southern Africa and the US. 

A press release from USAID states that the country representative, Ms Alyson McFarland, has reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to supporting Botswana’s private sector and export-led economic growth model. 

The awards, the release says, recognise export innovators who are affirming Botswana’s export policies that are leading to a more balanced, economic growth.” 

The release says the US government, through USAID, will continue to help Botswana export firms to increase exports by overcoming complex market entry requirements and connecting with South Africa and US companies. 

The awards are also aimed at incentivising and encouraging Botswana export films to explore innovative ways of improving their regional and global competitiveness. 

The two winners are representatives of a diversifying Botswana export sector covering agricultural equipment, handicrafts, and cosmetics. 

The awards are part of collaboration between the USAID, the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), Business Botswana, and Grant Thornton. 

They were selected by a panel of industry and government experts and will compete for the Regional Exporter of the year in August against other national exporter of the year winners from eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia. The release says Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi represented government at the event. 

The BITC CEO, Mr Keletsositse Olebile, Managing Partner of Grant Thornton Botswana managing partner, Mr Kalyanaraman Vijay as well as Business Botswana CEO, Mr Norman Moleele also participated in the virtual awards ceremony. 

Meanwhile, the USAID leads the US government’s international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help people emerge from humanitarian crises. Ends