Industry

With its mandate to develop manufacturing, the Industry Division has a pivotal role to play in the diversification of the economy. The focus on development projects has a spill on effect on the rest of the economy, as it inspires confidence in investors.

Due to the fact that competition for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the region remains high, the Industry Division embraces the challenge to attract quality investors to the country, and as a result, has had to come up with creative ways of growing its portfolio by retaining its existing clients, and attracting new ones.

Following feedback from companies in the Industry portfolio, the Division has undertaken to facilitate inter-trading among its group of companies. By capitalising on synergies that already exist, the move is expected to among other things expose possible new markets and partnerships.

Enterprising opportunities have been identified in such markets as leather processing, which will take advantage of the previously untapped raw materials from the beef industry. As the country continues to be challenged to produce goods from its raw materials that are currently being exported, the initiative will stimulate industry, and create employment, pushing the Corporation further in realising its vision being a leading development and investment financier.

The division has not only focused on establishing new businesses. There is also focus on expanding existing production plants, which continue to provide employment to the people of Botswana. The fixed investments in manufacturing enterprises underline the Corporation’s commitment to long term partnerships on projects that add value.

Through research carried out by the Corporation, opportunities for investment have been identified in the following areas:

• Downstream manufacturing using locally available raw materials and by-products e.g. cattle hide from the beef industry
• Food can manufacturing
• Tableware and sanitary ware manufacturing
• Float glass manufacturing
• Components assembly for various items, such as telephones, personal computers, etc.
• Packaging/Bulk Breaking of perishable items, most of which are currently imported from neighbouring countries.
• Manufacturing e.g. pharmaceuticals, jewelry, leather goods, etc.

Contact details for the division: