07 Jul 2025

Government forges partnership with key stakeholders to unlock opportunities that will empower youth and women to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.

Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) between the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs and Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association (BEMA), Permanent Secretary Ms Bridget John stressed the strategic importance of this collaboration. She explained that BEMA advocated investment and industrialisation, with a focus on manufacturing and export, which would support the growth of youth and women-owned businesses.

Furthermore, Ms John highlighted that this partnership would facilitate access to markets for quality products and services both locally and internationally. She added that it aimed to enable the expansion of youth and women-owned enterprises, facilitate market access, including procurement opportunities by the government and provide essential training, mentoring, and job opportunities.

Additionally, it seeks to mobilise resources dedicated to youth and women empowerment. She said BEMA brought strong advocacy for ease of doing business, a robust local and global business network, and comprehensive industry knowledge.

Meanwhile, the ministry offers the capacity to initiate youth and gender friendly laws and effective policies aimed at development and empowerment across districts.,Ms John further outlined that the MoU’s objectives included establishing a framework for cooperation to facilitate industrial and business skills development, improve local and international market access, and promote empowerment through skills training.

It also aims to support business incubation and growth, advocate for job creation, and foster collaboration through research and information sharing, she said. Following the signing, she said a joint technical committee would be formed to develop an annual work plan for implementation, which is set to commence during the current financial year.

In her remarks, BEMA CEO Ms Mantlha Sankoloba described the signing as the beginning of concrete actions. She emphasised that the technical committee would outline specific issues to make a tangible difference in communities and create jobs. She said the partnership was more than just an agreement, it represented a sector-building network committed to fostering growth and opportunity. ENDS