Move expected to contribute to diversification of exports and foreign earnings for the country.
KAGO KOMANE
Nampak which is Africa’s largest packaging company operating 28 sites in South Africa, 15
sites in the Rest of Africa, as well as 8 sites in the United Kingdom launched operations in Lobatse through their partnership with the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) last week.
BDC Managing Director Bashi Gaetsaloe said the partnership between BDC and Nampak DivFood came to being after the review of Can Manufacturers Botswana business model. He noted that due to significant and prolonged challenges faced by the business, there was need for a turnaround strategy which was achieved by introducing Nampak as a technical partner.
“BDC identified Nampak as the best technical partner for this project for various reasons including: their technical expertise, experience; regional reach with a strong market as well as business ethos including commitment to green technology,” he said further noting that Nampak DivFoods Botswana will be exporting 100% of their production thereby contributing to diversification of exports and foreign earnings for the country.
“BDC will continue on an aggressive path of developing partnerships with the private sector as it is our mutual interest to strive to expand our businesses and achieve economic growth and sustainability for the country. We have developed an ambitious strategy premised on among others partnerships and regional reach which we believe will attract more giants of Nampak capacity going forward,” he said.
Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Vincent Seretse said that BDC’s mandate which remains crucial and relevant to date, is to promote and facilitate economic development of Botswana through funding of commercially viable enterprises in the country by partnering with both local and foreign investors. He noted that the corporation’s joint-venture operation with Nampak is therefore at the very core of the principle of their foundation and the development of the country’s manufacturing base.
“In delivering its mandate, BDC contributes towards government’s broad objective of diversifying the
economy, growing exports, and generating returns for the shareholder…We will continue to seek such partnerships, attract foreign direct investment and actively pursue a diversified and private sector led economy,” he said.