23 Jun 2024

The first ever Botswana Cooperative Pitso Forum and Awards is slated for July 5 in Gaborone.

Botswana Cooperative Association (BOCA), Chairperson Mr Thatayotlhe Mpule announced during a press conference in Gaborone on Friday.

Mr Mpule said the Pitso was aimed at identifying challenges limiting the ability of cooperatives from participating in the economic mainstream.

He said although cooperatives contributed a small and declining share to Botswana’s gross domestic product (GDP), they remained an important economic sector due to their role in supply chains and trade.

Mr Mpule said the Pitso would also discuss topics on the creation of a model that would enable cooperatives to establish sustainable cooperative enterprises, thereby enhancing the contribution of the sector to the country’s GDP.

He further mentioned that the event was also aimed at bringing together experts from various disciplines such as finance, markets, agro-processing, capacity building, and training to collectively address these challenges.

The Pitso’s strategic interventions include creating effective financial support systems for cooperatives and lobbying for cooperative tender dispensation.

Regarding the theme of the event: Igniting Entrepreneurial Fire, Reviving Cooperative Industry and Beyond, Mr Mpule noted that it was organised to identify challenges limiting the ability of cooperatives from participating in the economic mainstream.

“Through this Pitso, we will have a position paper for all identified challenges and we will celebrate the excellence of the cooperatives that are doing well in the industry," he said noting that successful cooperatives would be honoured with awards during the event.

Mr Mpule also highlighted that the role of BOCA was to coordinate activities of members and advocate for their needs with government and development partners.

Additionally, Mr Mpule said the guest speaker Mr Mesfin Gebresilase from Ethiopia who is the chairperson of the Awach SACCOS and ICA Africa Board would share practical methodologies of reviving the COOP industry. He said they would also host Zimbabwe housing coop. 

Mr Mpule announced that on July 6th, they would celebrate the International Cooperative Allowance Day (ICA) at Malotwana in the Kgatleng region under the theme: Cooperatives Build a Better Future. ends