Troylin founder dares to win
Pauline Dikuelo | Tuesday March 29, 2022 06:00
Driven by the passion to create employment, Tiroyamodimo told BusinessMonitor that they identified a gap in the manufacturing space as the rising COVID-19 cases threatened imports, especially from South Africa, which account for up to two-thirds of Botswana’s annual import bill. Using his savings, he opened a manufacturing company that offers training in the manufacturing of sandals, cosmetics, school shoes and drinks. The training takes between one to three days.
“Our country is heavily reliant on our neighbouring countries, especially South Africa when it comes to importing different products. When borders close, I saw an opportunity and decided to formulate a one-stop company where every product will be made,” he said.
It was still in the early days of his operation when he decided to open a vocational training institute to impart skills with people who were keen on learning about the manufacturing of these products.
“I received a lot of inquiries as people wanted to learn how to make these products, I then opened a training centre to empower my fellow country people and aim to create employment,” he said.
Currently, the company houses Troylin Vocational Institute, Troylin Cosmetics, Troylin Foodies, Troylin Construction as well as Troylin Motors. Their biggest clientele is locals, especially individuals as well as large chain wholesalers who are also warming up to the brand.
Even though he faces stiff competition from manufacturers in neighbouring countries, Tiroyamodimo has pinned his hopes on the buy Botswana campaign under the #PhushaBW, which promotes the uptake of locally produced goods and services. Touching on prospects, he shared there are plans to expand the company's footprint by exporting products to neighbouring countries and Africa at large. However, he said the high rental prices of warehouses around Gaborone is affecting their business.
“We want to penetrate the continent, our locally manufactured goods need to be utilised by the rest of Africa because we have the potential and I also want to impart our skills with the rest of Africa,” he said.