The Chamber represents the country’s mineral producers and has embarked on citizen empowerment initiatives from as far back as ten years ago, through engagements with the government in working towards further contributing to the economy.
Speaking at the signing, BCM CEO Charles Siwawa said local mines had joined the effort to anchor the efforts of local enterprises towards enhancing the country’s manufacturing sector.
“When the Citizen Economic Bill was implemented, in the mining industry the company that took the bait to partner with the Chamber was Debswana,” he said. “The initiative pushed for other companies to participate in citizen empowerment, with the Chamber responsible for the manufacturing sector.”
He further explained that through the partnership, the BCM has managed to engage 15 manufacturing companies owned by Batswana and are now working towards pushing another 15.
“In this particular partnership, we have 50 Batswana companies we are working with in the local manufacturing sector,” he said.
The MoU is expected to serve as the basis for further enhanced cooperation between BCM and BEMA. The agreements use the purchasing power of mining entities to help local enterprises produce for the industry.
The broader goals are to lower the country’s import bill and promote import substitution, while encouraging citizens and local investors to venture into manufacturing.
“From our successful partnership with Debswana, we are working towards bringing in Morupule,” he outlined.
BEMA CEO, Mmantlha Sankoloba said the partnership had an objective to provide a market for local manufacturers.
“With the large scale foreign enterprises dominating the market, the citizen empowerment legislation is quietly encouraging local enterprises and SMMEs are now also moving towards dominating locally,” she said.
BCM project manager, Joe Motshabi disclosed that the Chamber will hold a Local Manufacturing Summit from August 1 to 3, with over 400 attendees expected.
“The public is invited to attend along with businesses to buy stalls for exhibition,” he said.
The Chamber has invited President Mokgweetsi Masisi to officiate at the Summit.
