The event is designed to highlight mining-supported manufacturing ventures and provide a crucial networking platform for emerging entrepreneurs.

Briefing journalists on Tuesday, BCM's CEO, Charles Siwawa, stressed that the summit’s focus is on addressing critical issues such as economic diversification, growth, citizen empowerment, and job creation. Siwawa highlighted BCM’s collaboration with the government to promote industrialisation through SME growth.

“By enhancing and supporting local manufacturing capabilities, the summit seeks to cater to both domestic consumption and export markets. “BCM is committed to ensuring that local entrepreneurs have opportunities to network and significantly contribute to the local economy. “This summit is crucial,” Siwawa stated.

The Chamber of Mines, which groups all the country’s minerals-producing companies and some of those in advanced exploration and development, has an established local procurement policy, aimed at using the industry’s combined buying power to support local entrepreneurship and manufacturing.

Siwawa said that fostering local industries will not only generate employment but also enhance the competitiveness of Botswana’s manufacturing sector. The summit aims to create a level playing field for local manufacturers and boost the global competitiveness of Botswana-made products, thereby improving industrial metrics and employment rates.

Siwawa also mentioned that the mining sector’s purchasing power has already opened new markets for local manufacturers, both domestically and regionally. The initiative is expected to generate over 20,000 jobs by next year.

“I urge manufacturers to produce high-quality goods that comply with Botswana Bureau of Standards and international standards to compete effectively in the global market,” Siwawa said.