24 Sep 2023

 The Citizen Entrepreneurship Development Agency (CEDA)’s online services symbolises the agency’s commitment and contribution to ensuring that government achieves its Reset agenda priority on digitisation.

Officially launching the online services platform in Motokwe on September 22, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Mr Karabo Gare said government had tasked SMARTBOTS and all parastatals with developing and implementing strategies whose focus was to leave no one behind on digitisation.

He said the launch showed CEDA’s determination to harness technology to drive economic growth and enhance efficiency as well as foster innovation.

Mr Gare said with the platform, CEDA was not only launching a website, but opening doors to a new era of economic development and accessibility.

He added that the platform would serve as a bridge connecting entrepreneurs, SMMEs, creatives and innovators with the resources and support they needed to thrive.

The minister said they were not leaving anyone behind because they understood the importance of inclusivity. 

He added that the online platform had been designed to be user-friendly and accessible to all.

Minister Gare said the platform was providing a window into CEDA processes and ensuring that their actions were open to scrutiny and feedback.

He added that digitisation was not just a choice, but a necessity, as it could reshape the nation’s progress.

Mr Gare said government had committed to connecting 200 villages with free internet access, and that government had invested millions to ensure that ‘system e down’ becomes an anomaly.

Giving an overview of their online services, CEO, Mr Thabo Thamane said the journey started three years ago with a digitisation strategy.

Mr Thamane said they explored avenues of applications submission. 

He said they consulted clients, security experts and banking professionals and engaged the government’s Smartbots team to gain a better understanding of how they could circumvent the service outages.

The services are accessible 24/7 on any smart device and clients can apply for a loan from the comfort of their homes or offices. They can also track their loan applications, make payments and get loan statements.

Mr Thamane also said they had already covered 163 villages this year to ensure Batswana had access to their services, adding that they were in the process of opening two new branches in Tsabong and Tutume.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Aobakwe Molaole of Motokwe said technology played a pivotal role in modern times as it saved time and bridged the communication gap.

Kgosi Molaole also said the initiative would open opportunities for both the young and old, and urged the youth to utilise the services in order to improve their lives.

Giving a vote of thanks, MP for Takatokwane, Mr Friction Leuwe encouraged residents of Motokwe to utilise the services to improve their lives and boost the local economy.

The agency also donated 10 chairs to Motokwe Primary School, five kettles, two book shelves, a football, cones, nets and first aid kits to local football clubs. ENDS