17 Dec 2024

Women in business must create strong productive networks and partnerships if they are to effectively thrive, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Bogolo Kenewendo has said. 

She made the remarks during Women in Business Association (WIBA) high tea event themed: Nurturing Gems for Sustainable Economy, in Maun over the weekend.

She encouraged them to build strong networks that create access and mentorship.

Nurturing the gems for sustainable economy, she said required collective efforts citing the power of partners working together to amplify each other’s success.

Ms Kenenwendo said collaboration created deeper business ties and helped both parties grow without competing.

“Relationship must be meaningful and extend a helping hand to one another to rise. We want partnerships that reduce the feeling of isolation often experienced by women entrepreneurs offering a collaborative support system that helps each other scale businesses,” she added.

Further, as women in business, Ms Kenewendo attested that it takes passion to stay committed to the business they do, as well as hard work to succeed, and a community that would support them and look up to them.

She also urged women to position themselves and undertake major projects in all sectors of the economy, saying they were not SMMEs sector bound as they thought but they belong to all sectors.

She said President Advocate Duma Boko made pronouncements recently on the direction the country wanted to take, citing solar farms, tourism and agriculture projects, information technology and manufacturing among others. 

Women, she said belonged to such sectors, adding that sustainable economy strived on inclusivity hence women participation in all sectors was paramount.

Ms Kenewendo further noted that the country should have products and goods proudly made locally and motivated women to up their game and to reach out to government channels for export preparation.

“I am pleased to hear about the Mongongo oil project in the Okavango panhandle and I once sent the Japanese team to do a research, and I encourage you to do more on the research and connect with National Agricultural Research and Development Institute to eventually  commercialise the product,” she advised.

She said the Japanese team once assisted a woman in Bobirwa area who found a niche in selling ‘energy stone’ commonly known as Makgarapana to penetrate the international market. 

The woman is exporting the stones to United States market and she said investing in research gave her a boost. 

WIBA president, Ms Christinah Leshego thanked the minister for honouring the event meant to celebrate women who were the true gems of the society. 

“These women with their boundless potential and creativity are the driving force behind our mission at WIBA. Our association believe in polishing these gems, unearthing their capabilities and allowing them to shine brightly,” she added. 

WIBA mandate, she said aimed to align women in business with equipped clusters and empowerment networks that supported their growth and success.

Ms Leshego said they were committed to fostering an environment where women could thrive, innovate and lead, with focus on nurturing start-ups and reducing reliance on exports by building strong national and home-based markets.

The initiative, she said not only supported government’s efforts to ease the import bill, but also created a sustainable economic structure that alleviated poverty and empowered communities.

“Together, we will create a united front, a joint structure that elevates every woman, every business and every community. Let us support and uplift one other, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to shine and contribute to nation’s prosperity,” she said. ENDS