Launched to enhance Botswana’s export capacity, the Botswana Export Development Programme (BEDP) aims to equip local businesses and entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to compete effectively in international markets.
The BEDP focuses on developing new local exporters and assisting the existing ones to expand by addressing constraints that firms face in developing production for exports.
BITC acting director of Corporate Affairs, Ponalo Tumelo, said the programme provides comprehensive support through targeted interventions aimed at building the capacity of potential and current exporters, enhancing their competitiveness, linking them to new clients and improving the business environment for exporters.
Under the BEDP, selected companies undergo diagnostic assessment to determine their level of export readiness and based on the results, they receive tailored interventions to improve their readiness and sustainability as exporters.
Tumelo highlighted the programme’s success, noting that the short courses introduced last year to bridge the information gap within the local enterprises, witnessed significant interest. For instance about 171 people participated in the ‘How to Export Using AfCFTA module’.
“The short courses were introduced last year with the aim of bridging the information gap that exists within the local enterprises,” Tumelo said. “We were impressed with the number of businesses that expressed interest in the trainings.”
The short courses are accredited by Botswana Qualifications Authority and conducted in collaboration with the International Trade Centre. The courses cover various topics including export trade finance and payments, raising funds for businesses and analysing trade flows among others.
Additionally, three local companies are being trained by German experts on penetrating the European and US markets, due to BITC’s partnership with the German-based Senior Expert Services.
The BEDP also feeds into another programme, Export Promotion, which helps companies enter the international market.
The BITC also takes some of the businesses to participate in trade fairs across the world, in an effort to help them penetrate international markets. The companies are also taken along during trade missions in order to conduct business match-making where necessary, Tumelo said.
