Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) collaborated with Stanbic Bank Botswana for the inaugural Exporters’ Forum on the 7 th March 2019 which was facilitated by leading economists in Botswana, eConsult. The forum was held in Gaborone and provided a platform for exporters to discuss key challenges and opportunities. The 2019 Exporters Forum was officially launched by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Honorable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo where she underscored the critical importance, from an economic perspective, of exports, noting that they are essential for maintaining balance of payments stability. “They underpin the exchange rate because they have almost unlimited potential for job creation, not being constrained by the small size of the domestic market. Exports also require competitiveness and provide an incentive for innovation. This is a topic of vast significance, and if we are to move our national economy forward into greater prosperity, we need to delve deeper in this space. I hope to see great continuity in the dialogue established at this platform, and from this, progress.” The Forum tackled as its first chapter the following thematic scope, “You are a successful exporting company in Botswana. What would it take for you to expand your exports and employment twofold or more? What are the main constraints that you face in growing your exports? Is your business model potentially replicable?” According to Dr. Keith Jefferies, Managing Director of eConsult Botswana, although Botswana’s exports remain dominated by diamonds, over 90 percent in the first half of 2018, there are several other export successes, many of which are medium-sized manufacturing or services exporters. These companies may not have a high profile but have managed to survive in an often-challenging environment and show that successful manufacturing in and exporting from Botswana is feasible. The Stanbic Bank Botswana Chief Executive, Mr. Samuel Minta said, “As a bank, we are well aware that our business will only thrive if the Botswana economy thrives. This in turn requires dynamic growth, with new businesses appearing, making new products, and competing successfully in domestic, regional and international markets. This will support the job creation that the economy so desperately needs. We wish to support those new businesses and employees, providing the financial services they need. Platforms such as this aim to start championing action in this regard. Botswana is our home, and we must therefore, together, drive her growth.” BITC COLLABORATES WITH STANBIC BANK FOR THE EXPORTERS FORUM NEWSLETTER ISSUE 4 MARCH 2019 The Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Honourable Bogolo J. Kenewendo with the Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Samuel Kinta, the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Keletsositse Olebile and the Managing Director, e-Consult Botswana, Dr. Keith Jefferies at the Exporters Forum Contuinues to Page 3...
Transcript
Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) collaborated
with Stanbic Bank Botswana for the inaugural Exporters’
Forum on the 7th March 2019 which was facilitated by
leading economists in Botswana, eConsult. The forum was
held in Gaborone and provided a platform for exporters to
discuss key challenges and opportunities.
The 2019 Exporters Forum was officially launched by the
Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Honorable
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo where she underscored the critical
importance, from an economic perspective, of exports,
noting that they are essential for maintaining balance
of payments stability. “They underpin the exchange rate
because they have almost unlimited potential for job
creation, not being constrained by the small size of the
domestic market. Exports also require competitiveness and
provide an incentive for innovation. This is a topic of vast
significance, and if we are to move our national economy
forward into greater prosperity, we need to delve deeper
in this space. I hope to see great continuity in the dialogue
established at this platform, and from this, progress.”
The Forum tackled as its first chapter the following
thematic scope, “You are a successful exporting company in
Botswana. What would it take for you to expand your exports
and employment twofold or more? What are the main
constraints that you face in growing your exports? Is your
business model potentially replicable?” According to Dr. Keith
Jefferies, Managing Director of eConsult Botswana, although
Botswana’s exports remain dominated by diamonds, over 90
percent in the first half of 2018, there are several other export
successes, many of which are medium-sized manufacturing
or services exporters. These companies may not have a high
profile but have managed to survive in an often-challenging
environment and show that successful manufacturing in and
exporting from Botswana is feasible.
The Stanbic Bank Botswana Chief Executive, Mr. Samuel Minta
said, “As a bank, we are well aware that our business will only
thrive if the Botswana economy thrives. This in turn requires
dynamic growth, with new businesses appearing, making
new products, and competing successfully in domestic,
regional and international markets. This will support the job
creation that the economy so desperately needs. We wish
to support those new businesses and employees, providing
the financial services they need. Platforms such as this aim
to start championing action in this regard. Botswana is our
home, and we must therefore, together, drive her growth.”
BITC COLLABORATES WITH STANBIC BANK FOR THE EXPORTERS FORUM
NEWSLETTERISSUE 4MARCH 2019
The Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Honourable Bogolo J. Kenewendo with the Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Samuel Kinta, the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Keletsositse Olebile and the Managing Director, e-Consult Botswana, Dr. Keith Jefferies at the Exporters Forum
Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) continues to make strides in achieving its mandate of investment and trade as well as managing and promoting the Nation Brand. This quarter, which marks the end of the financial year, 2018/2019 bears testimony of such. BITC has taken part in the annual Exporters Forum and for the first time, the organisation collaborated with Stanbic Bank and e-Consult Botswana. This is a demonstration that BITC continues to reach out to the private sector for the betterment of the Export and Manufacturing sectors by roping in key industry players. BITC has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with key trade partners such as the Export Credit Insurance and Guarantee Company (Botswana) which trades as BECI and the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSEC). BITC also hosted the first Agricultural Thought Leadership Forum, hopefully the first of many.
In line with the newly launched BITC Corporate Strategy, the organization continues to creatively generate platforms for our local manufacturers to take their products to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This was done through the inaugural Contact Promotion Mission in South Africa. This mission strategically enabled Botswana businesses to meet their South African counterparts for possible partnerships. This newsletter covers both local and international events, how manufacturers can benefit from the Africa Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). We also bring you one of our assisted company, Sleek Foods. BITC through Brand Botswana is currently taking Botswana services and products to the nation through the #PushaBW Campaign, this initiative is designed to encourage Batswana to support our own industries and create employment. Take time to read this issue and give us your feedback through our social media platforms.
Enjoy this issue!
BOATAMETSE MONGATICommunication Specialist
BITC collaborates with Stanbic Bank for the Exporters Forum
Lesotho National Development Corporation benchmarks against BITC
Profiling our leaders: Ms Botho Bayendi
Buy Botswana Campaign supports local economy
Opportunities through AGOA
BITC engages stakeholders
Introducing a BITC assisted company: Sleek Foods (PTY) Ltd
Go to the land of blue sky opportunities
Continues from Page 1
LESOTHO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BENCHMARKS AGAINST BITCTo foster and strengthen international relations, Lesotho
National Development Corporation (LNDC) paid the
Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) a visit from
the 5 th to 9 th February 2019. The purpose of the visit was
for LNDC to benchmark against its counterparts to better
understand operational processes and mandates of
BITC as an investment promotion agency.
Throughout the week, the delegation comprising of
Senior and Executive Management engaged with Heads of
Department to discuss how they contribute to the Centre in
helping it achieve its mandate. Each department presented
on its objective and how they drive organizational success
in light of the numerous challenges Botswana faces.
Throughout these engagements both entities were able
The Minister, Hon. Bogolo J. Kenewendo delivering the key note address
The BITC CEO, Mr. Keletsositse Olebile addressing the delegates
The growth and diversification of exports is acknowledged
to be central to the transformation of the Botswana
economy and the foundation of future growth and job
creation, as testified by Mr. Keletsositse Olebile, Chief
Executive Officer of BITC. “Historically, Botswana has been
an export-led economy, dominated by diamond exports;
however, as diamond exports reach a plateau, other forms
of exports need to be developed. This is inclusive of other
minerals, manufactured goods, tourism, and other services
exports. We need to ask the big questions, and work as a
cohesive business community to chart a way forward.”
Amongst the panelists included from manufacturing export
businesses were representatives from: Flo-Tek Botswana;
(Prince2), a certified Change Manager (Prosci methodology)
and an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor. Ms. Bayendi is married and
blessed with three kids, two boys and a girl.
Go to the land of blue sky opportunities
Continues from Page 4
Mr. Thomas Molebatsi from BITC with a motswana who supports local products
In the last issue of the BITC Newsletter Q3, we discussed
the United States of America (USA) as an export market for
Botswana’s products under the Africa Growth Opportunities
Act (AGOA). In this article, we will focus on how Botswana
companies can benefit from AGOA and how companies can
register and what support is avaied for them.
What Can Botswana Companies Export Under AGOA?The AGOA agreement provides export opportunities to
over 6400 product lines as long as they meet the AGOA
OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH AGOA
#PushaBW #PushaBw is the rally call for all Batswana to play their part in
buying Botswana Products. Colloquially, when we say Pusha
we mean, support, encourage, drive forward, to name but a
few. So, #Pushabw is prompting Batswana to support local,
it is a reminder to encourage local production and confirms
that we are all driving the country forward. All Batswana
are encouraged to use #PushaBW whenever showcasing
anything local, in our discussions and initiatives if its local, it
deserves #Pushabw.
In the end, it comes down to all of us as consumers; people,
businesses and government entities that buy things every
day, to consciously purchase products made and grown in
Botswana to grow our country. Its time to #PushaBW.
rules of origin requirements and are exported directly from
a beneficiary country to the United States. Botswana has
developed a National AGOA Response Strategy to guide
implementation of the trade agreement. The specific
objectives of this strategy are to advise the government of
Botswana on how to systematically take advantage of AGOA,
to identify policy responses in targeted sectors to capacitate
current and potential exporters in Botswana to increase
exports under AGOA, to develop an ongoing consultative
mechanism between the public and private sector players
and to attract investment into identified sectors that can
benefit from international trade.
The National AGOA Response Strategy for Botswana has
identified a number of sectors that could be developed
in order to increase exports to the US. These include the
Handicrafts, Meat and Meat Products, Textile/ Apparel,
Natural/ Indigenous Products, Jewelry and Semi-Precious
Stones and Horticulture & Agro-processing Products.
Companies can check whether their products are eligible for
AGOA preferences on:
http://www.agoa.info/about-agoa/products.html
How Can Companies Register for AGOA?Prior to exportation, traders are required to register with the
nearest BURS – Regional Office (Customs and Excise Division).
In order for the goods to enjoy this trade concession,
they must be processed or manufactured in Botswana as
prescribed under the AGOA Rules of Origin (RoO). RoO are
the requirements which set out the working and processing
that must be undertaken locally in order for a product to be
considered the “economic origin” of the exporting country.
The salient features of AGOA’s general (non-textiles and
apparel) Rules of Origin are as follows:
• Theproductmustbe importeddirectly fromtheAGOA-
beneficiary country into the United States;
• Itemsmustbe“growth,productormanufacture”ofone
or more AGOA-beneficiary countries (these requirements
can be met jointly by more than one AGOA beneficiary -
this concept is called ‘cumulation of origin’);
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BRACE YOURSELF FOR THE 14th EDITION OF GLOBAL EXPO BOTSWANAWHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:• International exhibition showcase• 7th International Investment and Trade Conference• Business to Business matchmaking• Investment Battlefield• Workshops / Seminars
FOR MORE INFORMATION: • TEL: +267 363 3300 • FAX: +267 317 0407 • EMAIL: [email protected] / [email protected] • WEBSITE: www.globalexpo.co.bw • FACEBOOK: Global Expo Botswana
local content value (as appraised at the US port of entry)
may consist of US-originating parts and materials. This
concept is called “bilateral cumulation of origin”).
In addition to compliance with RoO It would be worthwhile to
have a clearing agent on the U.S. side. All shipments should
include commercial invoice and Certificate of Origin, which
specifies the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code(s) for the
product(s) being shipped. For textiles/apparel products only,
an AGOA visa stamp is required, which is obtained from the
Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS)
What Support is Available for Botswana Companies?The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry has appointed
Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) to coordinate
implementation of the National AGOA Response Strategy
for Botswana. Various stakeholders such as government
ministries, sector associations, business support institutions
and the private sector all have specific roles in the
implementation of the strategy. BITC supports the industry
through its export development and promotion programs.
It promotes Botswana products in international markets by
participating in outward and reverse trade missions.
The outward trade missions include general and sector
specific trade fairs, and contact promotion missions. BITC
also capacitates exporters through the Botswana Exporter
Development Programme (BEDP) which assist companies to
reach export readiness status by providing technical and non-
Continues from Page 5
The yarn used for towel manufacturing at Nortex Millings in Francistown
The Nortex Milling plant in Francistown
technical assistance. Other business support can be obtained
from other institutions like Local Enterprise Authority
(LEA), Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), Citizen
Entrepreneurial Development Agency, Botswana Bureau of
Standards (BOBS) and Botswana Unified Revenue Services
(BURS).
BITC ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERSBotswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) participated
in and supported various events across the country which
were aimed at engaging targeted stakeholders about BITC’s
mandate and strategy. The objective was to promote certain
value chains, promote Botswana Investment and trade and
promote stakeholder collaboration.
BITC hosted the inaugural Agriculture Thought Leadership ForumBITC hosted the inaugural Agriculture Thought Leadership
Forum at the Gaborone International Convention Centre
(GICC) on the 27th March 2019. This event was led by the BITC
Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Keletsositse Olebile and was held
with a purpose to identify and consolidate ideas to promote
the agriculture value chain and its impact on economic
diversification and import substitution.
During this forum, there were discussions on the different
opportunities that exist in this sector such as opportunities
in the horticulture, the cereal and grain value chains. The
Ministry of Agricultural Development and FS was present to
give an overview of the agricultural sector in Botswana and
the investment opportunities. They also gave an overview
of the country’s agricultural strategy. There was also a
presentation by the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) on
what Botswana is doing to revitalise the beef sector. The
heated discussions were centred around ways in which this
sector can grow by overcoming the current challenges faced
by engaging the different farmers associations.
8
Continues from page 6
Botswana engages the South African Business Community BITC in collaboration with the Botswana High Commission in
South Africa held a Business Seminar on the 25th March 2019.
This was the part of a Contact Promotion Mission that was
held for the first time in South Africa from the 25th to the 27th
March 2019.
This mission was led by the Consule General of Botswana,
Mr. Lesedi Thema who was accompanied by the BITC Chief
Operations Officer, Mr. Reginald Selelo, the Executive
Director, International Business – RSA, Mr. Moshie Ratsebe
and the Executive Director, Export Development and
Promotions, Ms. Trunklinah Gabonthone.
The contact promotion mission had eight Botswana
companies in attendance, notably Chloride Exide, they
manufacture car batteries, Nortex, they manufacture towels
and face clothes, Maungo Jam, they produce gourmet
jam, Sleek Foods, they produce relish, VTG Distributions,
they distribute coal, Arona Natural Oil, they manufacture
cooking oil and produce bread or loafs for Woolworths, Ditec
Mobile, manufacturers of affordable mobile phones and
Organic Fertilzers, Botswana’s only producers of organic
and inorganic fertilizers. The objective of this mission was
to mobilize Botswana exporters who are ready to export to
South Africa and increase their market presence.
During the Seminar, the Executive Director, International
Business – RSA, Mr. Moshie Ratsebe gave an overview on
Botswana’s value propositions and how the two countries
can trade. He also stated that this is the first engagement,
and definitely not the last. Mr. Ratsebe told the attendants
that Botswana is open for business and has prioritised the
ease of doing business which is evident through the launch of
the Botswana One Stop Service Centre (BOSSC) in Gaborone.
BITC organised Business to Business meetings for Botswana
exporters which were conclude between the 26th and the
27th March 2019.
BITC signs Memorandum of Understanding with BECI and the Ministry of YouthBITC signed Memorandum of Understandings with both
the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture
Development (MYSEC) and the Export Credit Insurance and
Guarantee Company trading as BECI on the 12th and the 14th
March 2019 respectively. Both signings signified the start of
collaborations for the entities involved in issues of export
development and promotion with a view to strengthen
relations between BITC and BECI as well as formalise the
Sectoral Implementation Plan with MYSEC which will outline
how the arts and culture is going to add value to Botswana’s
Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The BITC CEO, Mr Keletsositse Olebile and the MYSEC Permanent Secretary Mr Kago Ramokate signing the MOU
The BECI General Manager Mr Cowell Habana with the BITC CEO after the MOU signing.
The Consulate General for the Botswana High Commission in South Africa, Mr. Lesedi Thema giving the welcome address at the South Africa business seminar
The BITC Executive Director, International Business RSA, Mr. Moshie Ratsebe presenting about Botswana investment opportunities
Go to the land of blue sky opportunities
Cotton on officially opens in BotswanaOne of BITC’s assisted companies, Cotton On officially opened
in Botswana on the 1st March 2019 at Airport Junction,
Gaborone. The Cotton On Group is an Australian retail
chain, known for its fast-fashion clothing for men, women,
teenagers and children. It has almost 1,500 stores in 12
countries and employs 2000 staff in Africa . Cotton On also
operates Cotton On Body, Cotton On Kids, Rubi Shoes, Typo,
Lost, T-bar and Factorie and owns Supré.
The Cotton On Group has a philantrophic arm, Cotton On
Foundation has invested over AU$80 million projects within
countries which span across Uganda, Thailand, South Africa
and Australia over the last 10 years. “We are very excited to
launch our first store in Botswana. We believe that everyone
should have access to the latest fashions that suit their unique
style at affordable prices, without having to compromise on
quality,” said Ms. Jade Tremeer, Group Commercial Manager
at Cotton On Africa.“Our offering in Botswana has been
crafted specifically for this market. We are excited about
the opportunity to change the fashion landscape so that
Batswana can enjoy expressing themselves without breaking
the bank,” Ms. Tremeer further stated.
For his part, the BITC Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Reginald
Selelo said, “The official launch of Cotton On is a testament
The BITC Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Reginald Selelo delivering the key note address at the official opening of Cotton On in Botswana
The Cotton On Group Commercial Manager, Ms. Jade Tremeer giving an overview of the Cotton On Group
of great partnership and collaboration between BITC and
RMB who worked tirelessly to ensuring that the extension of
Cotton on into Botswana is a seamless one.”
Mr Selelo said that the Cotton On Foundation has committed
to investing in projects in Botswana within the next 12
months through skill transfer as well as sourcing of products
from our local suppliers particularly the Small Medium Market
Enterprise (SMME).
Africa Entrepreneurs Youth Summit 2019On the 21st February 2019, BITC was invited to exhibit at
the Africa Entrepreneurs Youth Summit under the theme of
“Disruptive Innovation in Todays Versatile Business Jungle” at
Travel Lodge, Gaborone. The purpose of the summit was to
have youth entrepreneurs from all over the African continent
under one roof networking with the prospect of building
robust networks and opportunities with other African
entrepreneurs.
Officially opening the summit, Managing Director, Kgori
Capital Mr. Alphonse Ndinzge, shared sentiments on his
journey as a young African entrepreneur. Sharing advice,
Ndingze note, “You will be disappointed you will tire but the
key thing I have learnt is that it is as much about resilience as
it is about heart it is about waking up each day passionate and
unapologetically wanting success”.
Also attending the event was the Minister of Youth
Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development, Honourable
Tshekedi Khama who encouraged entrepreneurs to recognize
the differences in themselves, as the differences are what
will define them from the next entrepreneur as the aim is not
to be the same. He went on to advise todays entrepreneurs
to not allow entrepreneurs of yesterday to define their lives,
as the youth of today are far more advanced in many ways.
Engaging panel discussions were held throughout the
summit with themes such as, “The future of global finance;
Crowd funding, Debt finance, Where trends are leading to
and Which sectors are investors hungry for”. Some of the
panelists of the day were, Embrahim Mohammed owner of
03 beverages, Sandra Kiyomi founder of Kiyomisandz from
Mozambique.
BITC Director Brand Botswana, Mr Gaorekwe Gaorekwe also
had the opportunity to discuss about the many impacts of
national branding and the role entrepreneurs can play in
positioning a country internationally. He mentioned that “if
a country is not well positioned or well branded it may affect
what we want to do as entrepreneurs because a country
that does not have a good image or reputation it affects its
services and products”.
10
BITC ASSISTED COMPANY: SLEEK FOODS (PTY) LTDSleek Foods (Pty) Ltd was borne out of the founder’s passion
for cooking and fine foods. Mrs. Seleka, the founder and
owner, with over 20 years of experience in Information
Systems Management took this giant leap of faith to pursue
her interest in the foods industry. Sleek Foods products are
original and unique with recipes which have been tested and
refined over time until the perfect product line was realized.
Only the finest ingredients are used in all our products.
Vision: Sleek Foods (Pty) Ltd’s vision is to be a top
manufacturer and significant producer of packaged premium
foodstuffs targeted at the local and international market
making Sleek Foods the favorite part of any eating experience.
Mission: Sleek Foods is built on a simple offering of a
high quality, original, good tasting and authentic homemade
relish that has stood the test of time. Sleek Foods mission
therefore is to replicate the natural authenticity of products
and create multiple products out of this formula in order that
the greater number of people can share and enjoy. This is the
value proposition for developing and commercializing Sleek
Foods products, in order to increase market penetration
through the consumption of our products.
Vision Statement: Quality and Product ExcellenceAt Sleek Products we pride ourselves in manufacturing
products of the highest quality as this is one of our key
differentiations in the market place. Only high-quality raw
ingredients are utilized in the manufacturing process and
only the finest products are released to our customers.
Originality: All our recipes are original and have been
taken through a stringent research and development process.
We pride ourselves in the unique appeal to the palate of the
flavors in our products. This is what makes our products
original and are not very easy to replicate anywhere else.
Natural Ingredients: All Sleek Foods products are
made using only natural ingredients. Our philosophy is not
to use any artificial preservatives and / or colorants in the
manufacturing process.
Research and Development: R&D is a vital and
stringent process which all Sleek Foods products are
subjected to prior to release. This ensures that we remain true
to our values of high quality and excellent product offerings.
Continuous Improvement: At Sleek Foods we strive
to continuously improve our product line to ensure that we
