31 Jul 2024

More than 400 participants are expected to attend a two-day manufacturing summit at the Gaborone International Convention Centre, scheduled for August 6-7.

The summit will focus on critical topics including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the local manufacturing landscape, export market access, and various challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

It aims to uncover prospects for aspiring local manufacturers and support initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy beyond mining.

Mr Joseph Ramotshabi, business development manager at the Botswana Chamber of Mines, emphasised the need for a platform that fosters networking and facilitates a deeper understanding of the local manufacturing landscape.

“We want people to develop networks and unpack the local manufacturing landscape,” he said during a media briefing earlier this week.

Additionally Mr Ramotshabi said the  summit would feature presentations and panel discussions led by industry leaders and professionals, offering local manufacturers opportunities to build connections with key stakeholders.

He indicated that the event would  provide national and regional perspectives on manufacturing, as well as insights into market access for local exporters wishing to trade beyond Botswana’s borders.

Notably, exporters from Lesotho will participate to share their experiences with AGOA and how their textile and garment industries have benefited from the partnership. “Botswana has been exposed to AGOA, but we have not been able to succeed,” Mr. Ramotshabi acknowledged. He further mentioned that they have also invited representatives from Namibia, with hopes of including more countries in future editions of the summit.

Highlighting the importance of international perspectives, Mr Ramotshabi stated they intend to increase the number of foreign speakers in upcoming events.

“We want this to be an international conference,” he asserted, expressing a desire to benchmark against the best.

The summit will also address AfCFTA, with Ms Boitumelo Mbaakanyi, programme manager at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), noting that the provision of services is included in the continental agreement. She added that Batswana could offer professional services to several African nations.

“We are excited that professional services are included and will be discussed at the summit,” Ms Mbaakanyi shared.

Ms. Kushatha Chilisa, head of the Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme at Stanbic Bank, emphasized the pivotal role of manufacturing in diversifying the economy and creating job opportunities.

She highlighted the need for increased participation by Batswana in the sector.

As the date approaches, anticipation grows for this significant summit poised to shape the future of manufacturing in Botswana. Ends