14 Feb 2022

The Pandamatenga Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will contribute to Chobe district and the country’s economy once it becomes operational.

Chobe District Council chairperson, Mr Amos Mabuku said this at a donation by the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA) to the Pandamatenga community.

The donation comprised three wheel chairs, an air conditioner and six offices tables.

The occasion also marked the activation of the authority’s sponsorship of the FNB Kazungula Bridge Marathon on February 12.

Mr Mabuku said once the Pandamatenga SEZ which would focus on agro processing becomes operational, jobs would be created as well.

He noted that the outbreak of COVID-19 had demonstrated the urgency of Botswana becoming self-sufficient in food..

SEZA chief executive officer, Mr Lonely Mogara said the Pandamatenga SEZ would help reduce the country’s high import bill and inadequate local food supply.

SEZA is a vital tool in the Transformation Agenda that seeks to move the country from middle to high income and is also looking at localising the production of seeds.

Regarding SEZA’s marathon sponsorship, Mr Mogara said the authority aimed to ensure Botswana was well positioned to advertise investment opportunities in Pandamatenga to those who would come from outside the country for the race.

He said SEZA was committed to ensuring that the re-set agenda became a reality, adding that the country must take advantage of the Kazungula Bridge as it would link it with the global markets.

Proposing a vote of thanks, the District Commissioner, Ms Sekgabo Makgosa was elated that the marathon would not only be about the race but would boost the tourism industry and other sectors in Chobe.

She noted that the bridge is an important development as it eases movement.

She thanked SEZA for the wheel chairs, adding that any form of donation to People With Disabilities (PWD) in Chobe would always make a great impact in their lives. ENDS