13 Sep 2023

Tourism and its value chain has potential to develop the Okavango District. 

The observation was made by the Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Beauty Manake, at the Metlhala ya Khumo stakeholder engagement held in Shakawe on September 12. 

Ms Manake said once completely explored, tourism would steer the economy of the district and the country at large.

“We should ensure that goods and services used in the tourism industry emanate from the country,” she said. 

Ms Manake noted that the Ministry has imposed import ban on some goods for locals to have a share in the market.

She said plans were underway to turn the Okavango District into a tourism Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which would improve developments in the area.

The district has features and cultural activities that are unique as well as tourism attractions. 

She said her ministry is committed to ensuring that there was economic growth and diversification in the country.

She said the government strived to provide a conducive environment for Batswana to have businesses and create employment. 

Metlhala ya Khumo stakeholder engagement, she said, brought services from the government and parastatals closer to the people. 

The Member of Parliament for Okavango, Mr Kenny Kapinga, appreciated the Metlhala ya Khumo initiative and said he hoped it would bring changes in doing business. 

Mr Kapinga urged the people of Okavango to be passionate about businesses and making money. 

The Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ms Seipati Olweny, said the ministry has ensured creation and sustainability of businesses. 

Ms Olweny said the different stakeholders at the engagement provide services to the entrepreneurs and clients. 

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Shakawe Kgosi Mutemo Mbambo, said there was need for a mind-set change in the way people do things to achieve positive results. Ends