Tokafala, an enterprise development programme has collaborated with Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) and the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) to assist Small and Medium enterprises(SMEs) in the tourism value chain in Maun and Kasane.
Tokafala offers advisory and mentorship services to citizen owned tourism companies also focuses on how enterprises can revive growth following the COVID 19 pandemic as well as assist in growing online sales.
In an interview Tokafala Senior Business Advisor, Nnyaladzi Monyamane explained that the current programme which mainly focuses on reviving growth, targets 40 companies. He noted that the programme will take a 10-month period and thereafter participating companies will later be linked to their potential suppliers and customers as per their need.
“Application forms are currently circulating online and can be found at our Maun office located above Lewis,” Monyamane announced.
He explained that they will provide free services to existing companies with at least a 6 months’ bank statement to track their financial management and what can be done to improve the company’s finances.
“We offer business monitoring and advisory support rendered to the specific needs of companies, help clients evaluate their financial needs as well as build financial models and prepare loan applications,” Monyamane explained.
He noted that the programme also offers local tourism businesses online trading skills among them about how to be able to secure and seal deals online, online communication skills with customers and being able to meet a client’s needs as agreed.
Furthermore, Monyamane said the programme assists businesses in terms of market access and helps enterprises establish linkages to potential buyers. He added that it also seeks to develop an enterprise development program which will strengthen the entrepreneurs’ business management skills, business skills development and guidance on developing survival strategies.
He revealed that in 2019, the programme managed to mentor 37 tourism chain companies on survival skills during the hard times of Covid-19.
Tokafala, launched in 2014 is a partnership in enterprise development between the Government of Botswana, Anglo American, De Beers, and Debswana. The programme focuses on helping existing micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Botswana to grow their businesses through financing, mentoring, and advisory support.
interventions.
The programme provides tailor made services to companies according to their location and the dominant economic aspect in the area. Tokafala has also extended its services across the countries areas as Gaborone, Selebi Phikwe, Letlhakane, Orapa, Jwaneng and Kasane.
