17 May 2022

Local entrepreneurs have been urged to establish partnerships with their Australian counterparts as part of efforts to expand their markets.

Speaking in an interview on the sideline of the ongoing Heads of Mission Consultative Forum, Botswana’s High Commissioner to Australia, Ms Dorcus Makgato said it was important for the local businesses to exploit the diplomatic relations between the two countries for the benefit of the economy. Ms Makgatho urged entrepreneurs to maximise gains from the countries’ bilateral relations and adopt cluster-based development approaches, that prioritise critical sectors with greater beneficiation.

She said as Botswana was transforming into an export led economy, local businesses should refocus their attention and resources on investment sectors that prevail between the two countries.

Ms Makgato however cautioned of the hurdles of exploring the Australian market, citing the strict import border patrol regulations, especially around the food and agricultural sector.

She said the Australia’s market was sensitive and cautious of imported commodities, hence it was advisable for the local entrepreneurs to establish partnerships and cooperate with their Australia counterparts.

“In my endeavour to advance Botswana’s national interest abroad, I am advocating for partnerships and cooperation as well as exchange programmes in the fields of technology and research,” she said.

Ms Makgato said Australia had increased the number of scholarships to Botswana to ten, which would be rolled out in accordance with the skills deficit, to enhance skill exchange between the two countries.

She said there were also opportunities to discuss ways of boosting bilateral cooperation, including in areas of education and fire management.

She said as both countries were prone to veld fire outbreaks, cooperation agreements on fire management were already in place, adding that “Australia has been instrumental in training and resourcing Botswana on fire management. ENDS