Serowe — The Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association (BEMA) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Bangwato Tribal Administration covering all seven districts under its jurisdiction.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Thursday at the Serowe Main Kgotla, BEMA Chief Executive Officer Ms Mmantlha Sankoloba stated that the agreement marked the beginning of a shared journey founded on trust, mutual respect, and a common vision for sustainable community development.
"It is a declaration that the private sector and traditional leadership can work together to unlock the economic potential that already exists within our community," Ms Sankoloba said.
She noted that through the MoA, BEMA commits to working alongside the Bangwato Community to identify viable economic opportunities across various sectors. These include manufacturing, agro-processing, leather beneficiation, indigenous products, cultural industries, tourism, renewable energy, and other community-based enterprises.
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"Our role will be to mobilise expertise, facilitate investment, strengthen market access, build enterprise capacity, support product development and connect community businesses to national, regional, and international markets," she added.
Ms Sankoloba emphasised that the partnership aligned with Botswana's national aspirations for economic diversification, industrialisation, import substitution, export promotion, and sustainable job creation.
She added that the initiative was about dignity, ensuring that communities become active participants in shaping their own economic future.
Furthermore, she stressed that the MoA must not remain mere words on paper. Instead, it must lead to the establishment of factories, the creation of businesses, the empowerment of farmers, support for artisans, employment for young people, and the transformation of families through sustainable livelihoods.
During the signing ceremony, Kgosi Khama VI noted that partnerships with the private sector significantly improved businesses by driving infrastructure development, fostering innovation, and expanding market access.
BEMA's core mandate remains to advocate for support, and promote local manufacturing and exporting companies, helping them grow, diversify the economy, and compete successfully in both domestic and international markets.
BOPA
