SEZA updates MPs on operations projects
22 Dec 2024
In a move aimed at enhancing economic development, Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) hosted a meeting with Members of Parliament representing eight Special Economic Zone (SEZ) constituencies.
The gathering held in Gaborone, focused on updating parliamentarians with essential information regarding ongoing and proposed projects within their constituencies.
Mr Lonely Mogara, CEO of the Special Economic Zones Authority, emphasised that authority was a statutory body established to promote Botswana as a premier investment destination, with a mandate to develop, manage, and regulate the country's SEZs. Currently, SEZA is focusing its efforts on eight designated zones across the nation.
Sharing highlights of the eight Special Economic Zones, he said Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA) SEZ was a mixed-use zone set to become a world-class hub for diamond beneficiation and logistics, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and more.
Government has invested over P700 million in infrastructure, including a six-lane road and utility services. Current developments include 92 mixed-use plots, with P198 million allocated for warehouses for early investors, he noted.
Known as the hub of arable agriculture in Botswana, the Pandamatenga SEZ spans 97 607 hectares and focuses on integrated agro-production. Mr Mogara highlighted that this SEZ includes a substantial irrigation project aimed at enabling year-round production and attracting private investment.
Located in Gaborone, the Fairgrounds SEZ is a financial services centre offering a broad range of investment opportunities in sectors such as business processing outsourcing, international banking, and insurance, Mr Mogara said.
With activities centered on meat and leather processing, dairy, logistics, and finished goods, he said the Lobatse SEZ – Meat and Leather City aims to bolster the country's agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
The Tuli Block SEZ specialises in horticulture and agro-processing, leveraging some of Botswana's most fertile lands for high-quality agricultural production, he said.
Selebi Phikwe SEZ will focus on a variety of sectors, including agro-processing and metals production, strategically located near significant mining areas with excellent transport connectivity.
Francistown as the Mining and Logistics Hub is positioned near active mining operations and supports logistics and mining supplies, with infrastructure designed for regional distribution.
Additionally, Palapye SEZ – Energy is centered around coal beneficiation, renewable energy, and power generation, utilizing Palapye’s power infrastructure to attract energy sector investments.
The meeting reinforced SEZA's commitment to scaling up its initiatives and aligning stakeholders to maximise the potential of the zones in fostering economic growth and attracting foreign investment. As SEZA engages with more investors across diverse sectors, the authority aims to solidify Botswana’s position as a key player in the regional investment landscape.
Tswapong South Member of Parliament, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang said SEZA's mandate was crucial for addressing economic development and attracting investors.
He emphasised that for SEZA to fully attain its objectives, it needed to be liberalised,not only to zone areas of economic development but to assume broader authority over respective areas under its oversight.
He expressed concern that land boards had stringent regulations that hindered investors from conducting business in identified areas with ease, thereby rendering SEZA's mandate ineffective. Ends
Source : BOPA
Author : Marvin Motlhabane
Location : Gaborone
Event : Meeting
Date : 22 Dec 2024
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