• Posted on 28 April, 2020 /
• Posted By SPEDU Admin /

EUCLEA CRISPA PROJECT A SUCCESS TO EXPAND BEYOND BORDERS

The Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry is pleased to note that one of our supported local companies, Euclea Crisps, promoted by a young Motswana, Mr. Otsile Moje, has landed a great opportunity to market and distribute sanitary products in Rwanda. The company currently operates at a small scale in Gabane but is in the process of setting up a high capacity production facility in Selibe Phikwe. The Ministry has assisted Mr Moje over time, through its investment enabling parastatals of the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), SPE DU, and Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC).

CEDA approved Mr Moje's company, Euclea Crisp. application for a P1,9 million loan to manufacture sanitary pads in December 2019. CEDA further facilitated part payment for purchase of the sanitary pad manufacturing machinery in China. Euclea Crisps is currently awaiting delivery of the said machinery, and Mr. Moje is due to travel to China for testing of the machinery, after which it will be shipped to Selibe Phikwe as soon as the lockdown is lifted.

SPEDU facilitated the company to secure factory space from the private sector In Selibe Phikwe, where the company will be ramping up its local production when the machinery is delivered.

BITC has been assisting the company with market access under the #PushaBW programme. This is a programme housed under BITC, through which the Ministry encourages consumption of locally produced goods and services. The company has been profiled and marketed through the Brand Botswana social media platforms and has been offered the use of the PrideMark. Through the Botswana Export Development Programme, BITC will be assisting the company with export readiness and access to a wider export market. "I am really thankful to BITC, SPEDU and CEDA. They have patiently worked with me to explore different possibilities especially as I am looking to expand beyond our borders,” said Moje, adding "There have been several companies looking to partner with me outside Botswana. But I am committed to my project in Selibe Phikwe. We have to grow our industries”.

Euclea Crisps has diversified its portfolio beyond just sanitary pads, and with their current machinery have started manufacturing medical gowns and aprons. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity for Euclea Crisps as the demand for protective clothing has surged worldwide. The company has so far supplied over 5000 gowns and aprons to different medical facilities in Gaborone.

The Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry congratulates Euclea Crisps (PTY) LTD on their huge milestone of establishing a market in Rwanda. This achievement tells an inspirational story of determination and boldness to turn challenges into opportunities. This is also an example of government programmes working effectively to uplift the lives of enterprising Batswana. Congratulations!!