The developments come at a time when the country’s import bill has been increasing over the past years even though much of this can be produced locally, creating more jobs, and income for the nation’s youth and farmers.
Currently, the country's annual food import bill alone is hovering around P9.8 billion.
Speaking during the third instalment of #PushaBW Forum this week, Manake said the campaign was gaining momentum amongst retailers and consumers.
“The success of the #PushaBW campaign is seen through the vastness of stakeholders who have come on board over the years to expand the scope and vision of this campaign to steer citizen economic empowerment and economic growth and diversification, employment creation as well as export-led growth,” she said.
Manake said local retailers have also taken up the challenge of increasing the number of local products on their shelves. These retailers include Woolworths, Square Mart, Fours Cash and Carry, Trans Africa, Choppies, and Sefalana. They are jointly working with the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre to facilitate engagement with local producers.
“The number and growth of product lines have localised over the years,” she said. “Local retailers have not only taken the responsibility to increase the number of local products on their shelves but have committed to engage with local produce on listing requirements.”
Government has been running campaigns aimed at encouraging locals to become producers. Initially, the #PushaBW campaign started as a marketing lobby to encourage Batswana to actively participate in growing the local economy. This campaign was done by procuring local products and services.
