The Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), hosted the Maun business community on Monday as part of the ongoing Re Godisa Botswana National Roadshow.
The initiative, in collaboration with strategic partners CEDA, LEA, SPEDU, BTC, Orange Money, and CIPA aims to connect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with key stakeholders to drive economic growth through local production and market access. The session also spotlighted collaboration between producers and retailers.
BITC’s Executive Director of Export Development and Promotion, Temo Ntapu, emphasized that the roadshow aimed to bridge the gap between SMEs, retailers, and business support institutions.
“We want our SMEs to understand what it takes to access local retailers, and we’ve seen real success stories during these sessions,” said Ntapu. “We’re also using this platform to promote the upcoming Global Expo Botswana and Pula Investment Conference.”
He clarified that BITC services are not just for foreign investors: “We’re here for all businesses including local ones. Our doors are always open for entrepreneurs seeking guidance or assistance.”
Gorata Abotseng-Lekau, Country General Manager at Woolworths Botswana, highlighted their partnership with Ngwao Boswa—a women-led Gumare basket weaving collective.
“We partnered with BITC to buy their baskets, which we use for store décor and gifting,” she explained. “So far, we’ve purchased baskets worth over half a million pula and continue to support them with ongoing orders.”
Abotseng-Lekau noted that the decision to work with Ngwao Boswa was driven by the group’s organization, consistency, and cultural relevance. “They’re structured and managed locally, making it easier for us to maintain standards and follow proper protocols,” she said.
At the heart of the event were stories of resilience and entrepreneurship. Local businesswoman Matlhogonolo Seadimo, founder of Mattie’s Hair and beneficiary of BITC’s #PushaBW initiative, shared her inspiring journey of building Botswana’s first locally owned and manufactured hair brand.
“No matter what happened in my life, I was always stubborn enough to go for the business I wanted even though I may not have gone to tertiary,” said Seadimo. “I made sure to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way.”
Seadimo’s path into the hair industry was driven by a desire to fill a gap in the market for a Motswana-owned hair brand. From learning the ropes through informal training to facing setbacks and eventually becoming a national supplier to major retailers like Knock Out, Jumbo, and Sefalana, her story resonated with many aspiring entrepreneurs in the room.
“All I know is I am a stubborn person when it comes to business. And I am willing to find a way to become a better businesswoman,” Seadimo added, encouraging others to remain patient and resilient.
The event also featured encouragement from Women in Business Association Botswana (WIBA) President Christinah Leshego, who urged attendees to fully utilize available government initiatives and support networks to expand their ventures.
As the Re Godisa Botswana National Roadshow continues its journey to Ghanzi and Kanye, its message remains clear; supporting local businesses is not only a path to economic empowerment but a cornerstone of national development.
