As one of the identified growth engines in the SPEDU Economic development strategy, the Manufacturing and industry development department exists to among others facilitate the development of the industries in the SPEDU region. The department provides overall management of Divisional operations aimed at implementing projects and initiatives within the sectors of Manufacturing & Industry Development. To achieve this objectives, the department is mandated to;
- Identify and address obstacles to growth in the manufacturing sector
- Identify potential in the manufacturing sector and package them for possible take up by both international and local investors
- Promote the development of the manufacturing sector by creation of a competitive environment for enterprises
- Promote the market for the SPEDU manufactured goods by creating linkages with identified key players in the industry Facilitates access to special dispensations and ease of doing business (e.g. access to Incentive schemes and One-Stop Service Centre);
- Assess and verify business proposal in the Manufacturing sector for possible facilitation;
- Manages the facilitation of land allocation process for investors (acquisition and leases);
- Chemical manufacturing>
- Manufacture of detergents
- Pharmaceuticals
- Recycling
- Paper/ plastics and metals
- Fabrication
- Use of resistant materials such as metals, wood and plastics
- Energy
- Renewable energy
- Textiles
- Fashion Clothing
- Protective clothing
- ICT
- Manufacture of electronic gadgets
Establishing in the SPEDU region places an investor in a competitive position in the market because of the incentive package that are tailor made to lure investment in the SPEDU Region.
In its endeavor to develop high profile, high value tourism niche products and opportunities, SPEDU in collaboration with Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), is developing tourism Master Plans to guide the development of critical high value tourism clusters at Letsibogo, Dikgatlhong and Thune Dams. Some master plans have been concluded whereas some are still being developed.
The Master Plans among other things will guide the nature and extent of Primary infrastructure required, address Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and process of investor engagement. Once the Master Plans are approved, SPEDU, with BTO will embark upon a trade and investment mission to allow private sector to invest in the required enterprises.
The project will result in increased inward tourism investment, a wide sector employment base, increased tourist numbers, spend and bed nights in Selebi Phikwe and the region and further downstream opportunities for Small, Medium and Micro – sized Enterprises uptake. This project will substantially contribute to GDP growth propelled by non – mining economic sectors.
The Thune and Letsibogo Master Plans have been approved. The consultancy for Dikgatlhong dam Master Plan was terminated. Another consultant will be engaged soon to produce the Master Plan.
The primary objective of the project is to increase the tourism profile of the SPEDU Region, positioning it as a reputable and destination of note for tourism and recreation in Botswana.
Critical Milestone
Approval of Letsibogo, Thune and Dikgatlhong Dams Master Plans.
The main objective of the review of the Development Plan include:
- Infuse SPEDU projects plan into the town’s developmental footprint
- To align zoning of land use with economic sectors
- Consider future expansion of the town
- Clearly mark the township boundary
The inclusion of these zones in the new development plan will accommodate the key sectors that have been identified to promote inward investment into the Region. The plan has since been approved by the Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services and thus it is the development guide that SPEDU and SPTC use in their investment promotion endeavor.
The project started with a feasibility study funded by the European Union. The study recommended resurfacing of the airport runway, apron and taxiway. Selebi Phikwe Airport I snow open for operations and has satisfied the quality assurance standards. The refurbishment will allow air traffic into the Region for both passengers and cargo. SPEDU is in dialogue with airliners and other stakeholders with the intention to commence operations of air charter services and related services such as refueling and Aviation academy at the Selebi Phikwe Airport.
The project involves cultivation of 250 ha for horticulture production near Lotsane Dam. The project is expected to create 190 jobs once fully operational, currently it has created 60 jobs. Operations at the site started in November 2016. The operations included fencing of 450 ha, de – stumping the area and installation of centre pivots in 106 ha. Water connection to the site was also completed.
This project entails construction of 42km power line along Motloutse River from Selebi Phikwe sewerage ponds to Bobonong / Gobojango Bridge. The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was carried out in 26 November 2016 with a planned period for the project scheduled for 13 weeks. The project delayed due to heavy rains.
Thirty (30) farmers have applied for connection and Botswana Power Corporation is working on estimating and costing the services to be offered to the farmers.
SMALL DAMS
The study involved identified of small dams in the SPEDU Region. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security conducted the study internally with key stakeholders (Land Board, Water Affairs and SPEDU). The report prioritised seven (7) dam sites which can be implemented. The dam sites include:
- Molabe (near Tshokwe)
- Mothwane (near Bobonong)
- Mankwe (near Selebi Phikwe cordon fence)
- Ntswaneng (near Sefophe)
- Molalatau
- Sekgopye (Bobonong north extension area
- Metsimaswaane (near Gobojango)
The study prioritised the sites in terms of soul suitability, cost of construction as well as water catchment area.
Horticulture Business Model and Marketing of Produce in Selebi Phikwe
An in depth analysis of the horticulture sector along Motloutse River was conducted to recommend business models and further recommend an effective cluster strategy that can be implemented along the river. The study recommended started in January 2016 and was completed in March 2017. The study was able to produce a master business plan, a strategy for horticulture production along Motloutse, an infrastructure master plan and further identified four (4) proposed land banks and 4 cluster sites.
National Agro Processing Plant
The project started commercial production in August 2016. NAPRO aim is to reduce post-harvest losses by farmers by value addition and extension of market through processing. NAPRO has secured markets from various supermarkets such as Choppies, Sefalana Group and Daily Needs.
For further clarification please contact the following:
Contact 1
Kefilwe MotlhankaManager - Manufacturing & Industry Development