13 Oct 2024

With barely two years since its establishment, Ministry of Entrepreneurship is gradually increasing pace to move the country towards achieving a high-income economy.

Speaking during the launch of National Entrepreneurial Campaign in Tsabong recently, the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr Kabelo Ebineng noted that new programmes, policies and initiatives such as Letsema Horticulture Market, Chema Chema and Maja-a-Ikgorosa were designed to create an environment for businesses to flourish inclusive of SMMEs.

“As we progress we should be able to be self-sufficient in food production and be in a position to export,” he said, adding that despite the country’s small population, driving towards an export led economy could move the Botswana to a high-income economy as capital from outside could be used for developments.

He said achieving that milestone required entrepreneurial mindset change, which challenged SMMEs to be more sustainable, more export orientated, competitive, technology driven and creative.

With entrepreneurship as the engine of development globally, Mr Ebineng thus said building a more competitive economy called for all to be industrious in their approach to business. The permanent secretary highlighted that the country’s economic recovery and transformation plan required building of a solid foundation.

Mr Ebineng underscored the role played by the private sector led economy and noted that taxation from such entities was used for developments.

The permanent secretary said the success and sustainability  of the Tsabong Multispecies Abattoir which would soon be open for business, also required farmers’ input by producing more stock.

For other business enablers, he said government recently enacted the Economic Inclusion Act of 2021 which sought to encourage economic participation by all, including women and youth.

Economic Empowerment coordinator Mr Thatayaone Molefhi explained the benefits of the Economic Inclusion Act which are in line with United Nations sustainable development goals targeted at reducing the gap between the rich and the poor.

The law, he said sought to promote effective participation of targeted citizens in the growth of the economy and establishment of economic empowerment initiatives.

Tsabong District Council chairperson Mr Hendrick Jacobs appreciated the establishment of the new ministry, which he said would go a long in stimulating enterprise development.

However, he advised that since Tsabong District was unique, it was important to have tailor made programmes considering that the district was situated in a desert, with villages far apart.

On other issues, he said the drought relief of 30 per cent farming subsidy was a blanket approach which does not benefit the people of Tsabong district hence he proposed 50 per cent.

The event was held under the theme: Re-thinking Entrepreneurship as a Way of Life.

It included participation of all State Owned Enterprises under the ministry and they are Botswana Meat Commission, Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency, Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board as well as Local Enterprise Authority. Ends