20 Jul 2021

The importation of maize extruded snacks is now restricted, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Ms Obusitswe Tiroesele has said.

Addressing the media recently, Ms Tiroesele indicated that research, dating back to 2016, had demonstrated that local companies were capable of producing for and servicing the local market.

She said the analysis showed that approximately 78 million snacks were imported into Botswana yearly, adding that out of these, only 36 per cent accounted for maize extruded snacks hence government’s decision to increase investment on the aforementioned sector and encourage those companies dealing with extruded maize snacks to diversify their produce.

Ms Tiroesele highlighted that the development would benefit Botswana and help local businesses to thrive, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said the development would also increase growth in the country’s economic investment; employment creation; production of locally produced goods, the country’s economy in its entirety and reduction of the import bill.

“Over the years we have been conducting similar exercises with other specific products produced locally, with a definite attempt at realising similar results as previously enlisted,” she said.

Ms Tiroesele emphasised that they were not completely stopping the importation of the products, but reducing the extent at which they entered the country with a view to boosting local businesses.

She assured the nation that their research and partnership with Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness had demonstrated that local companies met the required quality standards and their products were safe to consume. She explained that their 40:60 ratio indicated that local companies could manage to service the local market at 40 per cent capability, which meant that the remaining 60 per cent would be sourced from outside the country.

Meanwhile, Chief Industrial Officer, Mr Goitseone Seitshiro said the exercise was meant to grow and sustain the country’s investment opportunities. He said the development would see the value chain of the said products growing significantly in future thereby, increasing job security.

When addressing the issue surrounding procurement of the products from foreign markets, Mr Seitshiro indicated that there was a permit obtainable from his ministry that required a procuring entity to solicit at least 40 per cent of similar products locally.

He explained that thorough analysis would be done to check whether imported products were not available within the local market, adding this would give local businesses a fair chance, and opportunity to grow. ENDS