21 May 2025

The re-opening of the Tati Nickel mine, dormant for the past eight years, offers a significant boost to Francistown's economy and presents a wealth of opportunities for the local business community.

Speaking at a BITC national roadshow on May 20, Councillor for Phillip Matente West and chairperson the Local Economic Development Committee, Mr Mairos Muzawazi, emphasised the need for Francistown's businesses, from the informal sector to established manufacturers, to prepare for this economic upswing.

Mr Muzawazi highlighted the city's diverse business landscape, including manufacturers, suppliers of bolts and nuts, cleaning services, uniform manufacturers, informal food vendors, and taxi operators, all of whom stand to benefit from the mine's re-opening.

He urged these businesses to proactively engage with the mine's investors, beginning consultations well in advance to secure contracts and partnerships.

However, the roadshow also revealed tensions between local vegetable producers and retail shops, highlighting challenges within the local supply chain.

Local producers complained about the preference for imported produce by retail shops, citing the cost and inconvenience of travelling to Gaborone for product listing as a major obstacle.

They advocated for decentralized listing processes, requesting CIPA to establish offices in Francistown.

Shoprite branch manager, Mr. Simon Chingumbana, offered a counterpoint, suggesting that the quality of some locally produced goods, such as cabbage and tomatoes, needed improvement to attract consumers.

He also noted instances of producers failing to maintain contact after listing their products, underscoring the need for better communication and reliability from local suppliers.

He highlighted the need for improved collaboration and communication between local producers and retailers, alongside a smoother product listing process to fully leverage the opportunities presented by the Tati Nickel mine's reopening.

Meanwhile, BITC organised a media tour to showcased the success of Botswana's manufacturing sector of two thriving Francistown-based companies: Utility Vehicle Botswana (UVB) and F&G Botswana (Pty) Ltd.

UVB, established in 2005 and located in the light industrial area near Notex, is a significant employer in the second city.

With nearly 140 Batswana employees, the company manufactures utility vehicles specifically for underground mining.

General Manager, Mr Rick Van Malesen emphasised their global reach, noting strong sales in the SADC region, particularly Zimbabwe and South Africa.

He explained that the company's success demonstrates Botswana's capacity for high-tech manufacturing and export capabilities.

Meanwhile, F&G Botswana in the Dumela Industrial Area and established in 2007, represents a different facet of Botswana's manufacturing prowess.

This company specialises in the production of industrial chemicals, cleaning agents, and personal care products.

Employing 30 people, including a few Chinese nationals, F&G Botswana highlights the collaborative nature of international partnerships in contributing to Botswana's economic growth.

F & G General Manager , Mr Steven Zhu, said their commitment to sustainability and high-quality products underscores a focus on environmentally responsible manufacturing.

The BITC media tour successfully highlighted the diverse and growing manufacturing sector in Botswana, demonstrating the ability of local companies to compete on both domestic and international markets. ENDS