The President of Botswana Confederation of Commerce Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM), Lekwalo Mosienyane has pleaded with Debswana to assist Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s) so they can also benefit from various opportunities that will arise from Debswana initiatives such as the new Resource Development Program (RDP).
Mosienyane, who was one of the speakers at the Debswana Stakeholder Engagement Session held in Gaborone last week, said BOCCIM believes that BOCCIM should facilitate creation of a robust and sustainable private sector.
“I was most enthused when you assured us at the National Business Conference (NBC) of your conviction that private sector development is critical to economic diversification; that the growth of the private sector offers the greatest potential for sustainable economic diversification for this country; and that as Debswana you also recognize this potential and remain committed to supporting growth of the private sector in Botswana,” Mosienyane said.
Mosienyane also revealed that BOCCIM’s transformation into an Apex body is at an advanced stage. He said the transformation will improve BOCCIM’s effectiveness as an advocacy and lobby body, addressing matters akin to a chamber of commerce as well, which will coordinate and fully represent the private sector.
“We will achieve this by fostering and empowering business associations, sectoral chamber of commerce and regional chambers of commerce to become the vehicles through which we will engage at various levels,” he said.
He invited Debswana and other members to take interest in the transformation and urged them to share their wishes and wisdom with the Confederation.
“We want the process to be inclusive and we want you to take ownership of this project. Please pencil a date in your diary for BOCCIM to come and make a presentation to you on this transformation,” said Mosienyane.
Meanwhile, Debswana Managing Director Balisi Bonyongo revealed that the company recorded strong operational and business performance in 2014.
“Our safety performance was exceptional. Debswana’s pursuit of ‘zero harm’ continues and our safety performance is comparable to the best in the world,” Bonyongo said.
He concluded by saying Debswana is committed to strong partnerships in the communities it operates in and to ensure that its impact is real and lasting.