In Southern Africa, Leveling the Playing Field at Birth Critical to Reducing Inequality, Intergenerational Poverty

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• A new report finds that inherited circumstances over which an individual has little or no control drive overall inequality in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region
• Lack of access to jobs and key productive assets, such as skills and land combine with conditions at birth to further perpetuates inequality
• The assessment suggests three policy options for accelerating inequality reduction, including strengthening resilience to climate change risks and economic vulnerability

PRETORIA, March 14, 2022—Overall inequality in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is driven largely by inequality of opportunity. The report, Inequality in Southern Africa: An Assessment of the Southern African Customs Union, says climate and economic shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which generally affects poor people more severely, makes gains towards a more equitable society fragile.

Comprised of Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa, SACU is the world’s most unequal region. Average inequality in SACU countries has declined since the 1990s but remains relatively high compared to both other Sub-Saharan African and upper-middle-income countries. In 2010–15, the average Gini coefficient for SACU countries was around 59, compared to 42 for Sub-Saharan African and upper-middle-income, the report shows. There is, however, heterogeneity across countries; with a consumption per capita Gini coefficient of 67 in 2018, South Africa ranks as the most unequal country in the world, according to the latest World Bank data. The Gini coefficients of all other SACU countries except Lesotho, exceeded 50. Even Lesotho, with a Gini coefficient of 45 in 2017, was among the top 20% of unequal countries.

The report finds that the contribution of inequality of opportunity to overall inequality in SACU has increased in recent years. This is perpetuated by poorly functioning labor markets that are characterized by high unemployment especially among the youth, and where inherited circumstances continue to determine employment outcomes and earnings. Further, there are barriers to accessing productive assets such as education, skills, and land that people need to generate income and improve their wellbeing.

“Leveling the playing field at birth through expanding coverage of quality education, health, and basic services to disadvantaged populations in the SACU region is critical to reducing inequality and breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty,” said Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, World Bank Country Director for Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa.

The report provides a comprehensive diagnosis of the sources of inequality in SACU, finding that differences in circumstances children are born into, over which they have little or no control, explains at least one-fifth of inequality in SACU. Further, when race is included in the analysis, the contribution of inequality of opportunity in South Africa more than doubles. Circumstances at birth and during childhood, such as gender, race, location, parental education, and family wealth, are strongly associated with inequality of opportunity, even before people interact with factor markets.

The report also shows that lack of jobs and access to key productive assets such as education, skills, and land, is slowing down progress towards a more equitable income distribution. In addition, inequality in wealth is high and invariably results in inequality of opportunity. As a result, intergenerational mobility remains among the lowest in the world. In a context where jobs are scarce and skilled labor is in short supply, having post-secondary or tertiary education is key to both accessing jobs, and obtaining better wages once employed.

“To accelerate inequality reduction, SACU countries can build on what they are already doing well with the same resources through improving the efficiency and effectiveness of social spending,” said Pierella Paci, World Bank Practice Manager of the Poverty and Equity Global Practice for Eastern and Southern Africa.

The report also finds that fiscal policy in SACU significantly reduces poverty and inequality through progressive tax and benefits systems and by spending a relatively big share of their public resources to social sectors such as education, health, and social protection. However, despite considerable social spending, outcomes are relatively poor and highly unequal. The contribution of social spending to inequality reduction could be enhanced by improving quality, targeting, and efficiency.

The report suggests three policy measures to accelerate the reduction of inequality in SACU region, including: 

• Promoting policies that foster equality of opportunity through expanding coverage and quality of education, health and basic services across sub-regions and disadvantaged populations.
• Addressing the highly skewed distribution of productive assets by strengthening access and availability of private sector jobs, facilitating entrepreneurship and skills acquisition for disadvantaged populations and improved access to land and productivity in rural areas.
• Investing in adaptive social protection systems to increase resilience to climate risks and economic vulnerability while enhancing targeting of safety net programs towards the most vulnerable populations for more efficient use of fiscal resources. 

President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana visits the Legatum Center at MIT

His delegation’s trip to campus included a conference on entrepreneurship and a meeting with Institute President Sally Kornbluth.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana delivering a keynote speech at a conference, “Innovation in Global Growth Markets: Prosperity Through Entrepreneurship,” hosted by the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT on April 30.

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Photo: Adam Glanzman

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President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana meets with Georgia Perakis, the John C Head III Dean (Interim) of the MIT Sloan School of Management at the conference.

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Photo: Adam Glanzman

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President Sally A. Kornbluth of MIT delivered a speech at the conference, and highlighted the ways that the Legatum Center — which is part of the MIT Sloan School of Management — enables innovation-driven economic growth.

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Photo: Adam Glanzman

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Participants at the conference pose for a group photo. The three figures standing in the center are, from left to right, MIT President Sally A. Kornbluth; President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana; and Dina H. Sherif, executive director of the Legatum Center.

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Photo: Adam Glanzman

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President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana visited the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT on Tuesday, delivering a speech on the value of entrepreneurship in growing economies and affirming an interest in working with the center on spurring innovation in his own country.

“Innovation is … not a privilege for the few, but a powerful tool that should be accessible for all,” Masisi said during a speech at the Legatum Center’s “Innovation in Global Growth Markets: Prosperity Through Entrepreneurship” conference, marking the center’s 15th anniversary.

Botswana, Masisi said, should undertake a “deliberate effort to deliver a vibrant innovation ecosystem by increasing investment in science, technology, and innovation, thus creating space for our current and future generations … to thrive and ensure an improved quality of life” in the country.

MIT President Sally A. Kornbluth also spoke at the event, highlighting the ways that the Legatum Center — which is part of the MIT Sloan School of Management — enables innovation-driven economic growth.

The goal, Kornbluth said, is to “help advance innovative ideas that have the potential for real impact and require long-term investment to succeeed; help connect promising entrpreneurs with investors, mentors, and advisors; and provide the resources that are needed to develop, scale, and deploy their solutions.”

Kornbluth also highlighted MIT’s new effort to combat climate change, the Climate Project at MIT. She noted that more than a quarter of MIT faculty have already been working on climate issues but that the new Institute-wide effort can produce “ways to have talented people do more together than they can do alone, so that we can help direct that collective power to deliver climate solutions to the world, in time.”

Georgia Perakis, the John C Head III Dean (Interim) of MIT Sloan, also delivered remarks at the conference, noting that MIT Sloan and the Legatum Center are committed to “educating principled innovation leaders and entrepreneurs who will make a difference and have an impact in the world.” She added, “And I know with the support of everybody here, this is what we are accomplishing.”

In addition to his appearance at the conference, Masisi, along with a delegation of government leaders from Botswana, met directly with Kornbluth, as well as with Dina H. Sherif, executive director of the Legatum Center, and other MIT administrators and faculty members.

In opening remarks at the conference, Sherif observed, “The majority of the world’s growth now comes from what has historically been referred to as the developing world. It is time for us to start recognizing that our time is now. We are not rising. We are here, we are strong, and it is up to us to create the prosperity that we need.”

Sherif added: “Long heralded as a regional reference for good governance and stability, Botswana is now uniquely positioned to become more influential globally and set an example for a rapid transition to a knowledge economy, leading the path for the rest of Africa.”

Masisi has been president of Botswana since 2018. He served as the country’s vice president from 2014 through 2018 and as a member of parliament from 2009 through 2018. The son of a longtime Botswana politican, Edison Masisi, he has a BA from the University of Botswana and an MA from Florida State University.

Botswana has one of the highest per-capita incomes in Africa. The country gained independence from Britain in 1966 and has been a democracy ever since. However, leaders are continuing to examine ways of diversifying the country’s economy.

As such, Botswana and the Legatum Center issued a memorandum of understanding to explore new ways to enhance innovation-driven growth in the country. Elements of the memorandum include establishing a fellowship for African innovation-driven entrepreneurs and student fellows in the mode of the Legatum Center’s fellowships, accelerating the country’s digitalization through uses of artificial intelligence, building an MIT Sandbox program to encourage entrepreneurship within Botswana, participation in the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program, and possibly other joint activities.

For its part, the Legatum Center also issued a report summarizing its 15 years of impact in global growth markets. The center was initially housed in the MIT School of Architecture and Planning, during which it supported graduate students from all five schools at MIT. It then became part of the MIT Sloan School of Management in 2014.

The Legatum Center’s Student Fellowship supplies MIT students with curriculum, tuition support, advisor networks, and experiential learning opportunities to help drive their venture ideas ahead. So far, the center has provided over $10 million in fellowship funding to 326 fellows. In turn, those Legatum Fellows have created 282 ventures, about three-quarters of which still exist, raising over $1 billion in funding and creating over 17,000 jobs by themselves.

Among the center’s core aspirations has been to “create a home for immensely talented and promising young entrepreneurs,” said Legatum Group CEO Mark Stoleson, during an interview with MIT News between conference panel sessions.

In turn, Stoleson added, those Legatum Fellows will then “hopefully go back to the countries they came from and start businesses, create jobs, and be leaders within the ecosystem of entrepeneurship and prosperity within their countries.”

The currency of Botswana is called “Pula,” which literally translates to “rain.”

Botswana’s Kalahari desert spans 70% of the country’s landmass, equal to the same size as the state of California.

(Side note: the world massively underestimates the size of African countries..)

In deserts, water is everything. My grandmother, born in the desert of Sukkur, loved living in Florida because she said the plants were always singing with all the rain. 🌧️

I am told that Botswana 🇧🇼 has a blue flag precisely because of the significance of rain.

Had an amazing time meeting banks and companies in Gaborone. TLG Capital has a lot of exciting plans in the works for financing great SMEs in Southern Africa.

Botswana rejects controversial UK proposal on asylum-seekers

Botswana's foreign minister, Lemogang Kwape, has disclosed in an interview with a South African TV channel that the British government approached Botswana to receive migrants deported from the UK.

It was however not clear the exact timing of this approach.

This development comes in the wake of earlier reports in the British press suggesting that the UK government sought to implement a scheme similar to its controversial Rwanda initiative in Botswana, Armenia, Ivory Coast, and Costa Rica.

In the phone interview with Newzroom Afrika, Kwape stated that Botswana declined the request. He clarified that the contact was made by Britain's foreign secretary and minister for Africa through diplomatic channels.

Kwape emphasized that Botswana's decision was influenced by its own immigration challenges, asserting, "The British government does not want these people in their country so they want to ferry them to a faraway country... To receive unwanted immigrants from another country while we're dealing with our own problems in the region would be unfair to Botswana.

AI vs. Nature: The New Diamond Rush in Botswana

Why AI?

AI, with its ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data at speeds incomprehensible to the human mind, offers an unparalleled advantage in identifying patterns and anomalies that might indicate the presence of diamond deposits. This isn't just about speed; it's about the transformative potential to uncover insights that were previously invisible or too complex to discern.

The Scope of Botswana Diamonds' Database

With 95,000 km² of data, including 375,000 km of airborne geophysical data, 606 ground geophysical surveys, and over 228,000 soil sample results, the magnitude of Botswana Diamonds' database is staggering. Each piece of data represents a puzzle piece in the vast mosaic of the geological underworld, a potential clue leading to the next significant diamond find.

Planetary AI Ltd's Xplore System: A Game-Changer

The collaboration with Planetary AI Ltd and the utilization of its Xplore system is particularly noteworthy. Xplore isn't just another AI application; it's a system designed to understand geological data contextually, mimicking a geologist's interpretative skills but with the added benefit of AI's computational speed and accuracy. This could very well be the key to unlocking new diamond deposits, and perhaps even other minerals, in ways previously deemed impossible.

What This Means for the Future

The venture by Botswana Diamonds and Planetary AI Ltd is not just a leap forward for the company or the country; it's a leap for the entire field of mineral exploration. As AI continues to evolve and integrate with various sectors, its application in geology and mineral exploration offers exciting possibilities. The prospect of AI-driven discoveries doesn't just promise new diamond deposits; it hints at a future where the exploration of natural resources is more efficient, less invasive, and far more effective.

A Catalyst for Change

This collaboration between Botswana Diamonds and AI technology stands as a testament to the power of innovation. It's a bridge between the rich, earthy roots of diamond exploration and the lofty heights of artificial intelligence. As this venture progresses, it will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for further innovation in the industry, inspiring others to explore the untapped potential of AI in unearthing the treasures hidden beneath our feet.

Closing Thoughts

As we stand on the brink of this new frontier, it's clear that the fusion of AI and mineral exploration is not just about finding new diamond deposits. It's about reshaping our approach to natural resource exploration, making it smarter, faster, and more sustainable. The journey of Botswana Diamonds and Planetary AI Ltd is one to watch, as it may very well redefine what's possible in the search for the Earth's hidden gems.

During discussions at the Science and Technology Park in Gaborone, attended by Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi, Minister of Foreign Affairs lemogang kwape, and entrepreneurs from both countries, Estonia shared valuable insights on digital transformation and economic competitiveness.

"Our mission extends beyond mere collaboration; we aspire to deliver the foundational building blocks of a digital society, including a robust single service portal," Üllar Jaaksoo, commented regarding empowering Botswana's digital transformation journey. Üllar commended the nation's visionary approach toward embracing digitalization to enhance citizen services and drive economic prosperity.

President Karis emphasized Estonia’s keen interest in supporting Botswana’s digital transformation journey, particularly in areas such as e-governance, cybersecurity, and green technologies. This collaboration will focus on people-centric and secure digitalization and business development.

President Masisi expressed Botswana's aspirations to become a knowledge-based economy, largely driven by technology, digitalization, and innovation. He emphasised that Botswana can learn from Estonia’s success in digital innovation, citing the country as the first to use e-voting.

As Botswana embarks on this transformative journey, we are ready to be a strategic partner, contributing our expertise and innovative solutions to co-create a digitally empowered future for all.

Title: Botswana's Role in Driving African Trade Growth: A Focus on 2024

Introduction:

In the dynamic landscape of African trade, Botswana has emerged as a key player, contributing significantly to regional economic integration and growth. As we delve into the developments of 2024, it becomes evident that Botswana's strategic initiatives and proactive policies have propelled its stature as a trade hub within the continent, fostering partnerships and opening new avenues for economic cooperation.

1. Trade Facilitation and Infrastructure Investment:

Botswana's commitment to enhancing trade facilitation and investing in infrastructure has been instrumental in bolstering its position as a regional trade hub. The government's emphasis on developing world-class transportation networks, modernizing customs procedures, and improving border infrastructure has streamlined trade flows, reduced transaction costs, and enhanced the efficiency of cross-border trade. Projects such as the Kazungula Bridge, linking Botswana with Zambia, have not only improved connectivity but also catalyzed trade within the Southern African region.

2. Diversification and Export Promotion:

In 2024, Botswana's efforts to diversify its export base and promote value-added products have yielded positive results, contributing to the expansion of intra-African trade. The country has strategically leveraged its abundant natural resources, including diamonds, minerals, and beef, while also nurturing emerging sectors such as tourism and services. Initiatives to promote trade fairs, business forums, and export-oriented policies have facilitated market access for Botswana's goods and services across Africa, fostering mutually beneficial trade relationships.

3. Regional Integration and Partnership Building:

Botswana's proactive engagement in regional integration initiatives has been a cornerstone of its trade strategy in 2024. As a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Botswana has actively participated in negotiations aimed at harmonizing trade policies, reducing trade barriers, and promoting greater economic cooperation among African nations. By forging strategic partnerships and strengthening regional ties, Botswana has positioned itself as a gateway to the broader African market, attracting investments and facilitating trade linkages across borders.

4. Innovation and Digitalization in Trade:

In line with global trends, Botswana has embraced innovation and digitalization as key enablers of trade growth in 2024. The adoption of digital platforms for trade facilitation, electronic documentation systems, and e-commerce platforms has streamlined processes, reduced bureaucracy, and enhanced transparency in cross-border transactions. By harnessing the power of technology, Botswana has enhanced its competitiveness in the global marketplace, attracting tech-savvy entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of innovation within its trade ecosystem.

5. Sustainable Development and Inclusive Trade:

Botswana's commitment to sustainable development and inclusive trade lies at the heart of its trade agenda in 2024. The country has prioritized initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, social inclusivity, and equitable economic growth. From supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to promoting green technologies and sustainable practices, Botswana is laying the foundation for a resilient and inclusive trade ecosystem that benefits all segments of society.

Conclusion:

As Botswana continues to play a pivotal role in driving African trade growth in 2024, its commitment to trade facilitation, infrastructure development, regional integration, and sustainable practices underscores its significance as a catalyst for economic transformation within the continent. With a forward-looking approach and a determination to harness the opportunities of a rapidly evolving global marketplace, Botswana stands poised to chart a path towards prosperity and shared growth for Africa as a whole.

Navigating the Tech startup competitive landscape in Botswana.

Hi, I wanted to share my thoughts about the competitive landscape for tech startups in Botswana. One thing you'll always hear whenever you're selling your product is how it differs from product X. Yes, competition is inevitable. It's difficult to deal with competitors, especially when you have a limited budget and resources. Most of them are well-established and have bigger budgets than you do, and heck, they even have more salespeople than you. So, how do you differentiate yourself in such an environment? How do you become the David and beat Goliath?

Understanding the needs of your target market is key. By building a product that truly serves those needs, you can differentiate yourself from the competition. Don't get caught up in building fancy tech that nobody wants to use. Instead, talk to people, find out what they need, and build something they'll love.

The key to success is to make sure that your product's user experience, features, and value proposition are satisfying an underserved need of your target customer. This doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. Just get out of your laptop and start talking to customers, get immersed in their world. Observe them as they do their daily tasks, learn their behaviours and empathize with them. By doing so, you will have better insights than most of your competitors.

Don't make the same mistake that many tech founders do and build solutions that never sell. Focus on your customers, build something they need, and you'll be well on your way to success. To better attain product-market fit in this fast-growing industry we must adopt lean methodologies and make sure the user experience, feature set and value proposition adequately serve the underserved needs of your target market.

𝗗𝗧𝗖 𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗨𝗡𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗞 𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗘

The Managing Director of the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) Mr. Sedireng "Sed" Serumola, is looking forward with anticipation to the new Sales Agreement.

While the new Sales Agreement between De Beers Group and the Government of the Republic of Botswana has set 10 years as the timeline for Botswana to reach its 50 percent allocation, Serumola believes it is possible for Botswana to even do it earlier.

"The longer we wait; we will lose out on opportunities in the industry. Secondly, it is getting highly competitive, and we ought to make the changes now! The longer we wait we are delaying development of skills for the future of many Batswana youths who are unemployed now," said Serumola when speaking to the MIT Executive MBA candidates who are currently in Botswana as part of initiative between MIT and HB Botswana.

"If we attain the goal in 5 years these issues will be addressed in a short period of time, thus progress not just for us as a business but also for Batswana."

According to Serumola, the days of Botswana’s diamond industry being just a dig, wash and sell of the diamonds are nearing an end.

The DTCB MD noted that “we are excited as we look forward with the new Agreement; it is a transformational landmark agreement. The new Agreement enables significant expansion of Botswana’s footprint and leadership position across the diamond value chain. Botswana can benefit more from the processes of diamond cutting, polishing, jewellery design and making. Sustainable economic development in Botswana depends on the success of the diamond industry.”

DTC Botswana also takes pride in being well-positioned to unlock diamond value and playing a role in facilitating the growth of the diamond beneficiation sector.

Serumola emphasised the importance of effective leadership in driving transformational and developmental agenda in Botswana. Part of this leadership is execution, getting things done, and developing people to be highly effective in execution.

Meanwhile, Shai de Toledo, Co-founder and Managing Partner HP Antwerp disclosed that this is the second instalment of the MIT and HB partnership.

"We have opened our doors to MIT as a means to create transparency in the diamond industry, everything has been done behind closed doors and it is wrong," he said.

The MIT team comprises a team of engineers who bring their expertise to disrupt the diamond industry for the betterment and benefit of all players involved.

He highlighted that the collaboration was also influenced by Presiden Masisi’s call for Botswana to be a knowledge-based economy. de Toledo mentioned that the global North has made strides in research and technology and Botswana has already gained leverage from such expertise and partnership from MIT.

The MIT team this afternoon visited Jwaneng and had consultations with the Town Council’s Leadership.

𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 ~ 𝗕𝗜𝗧𝗖

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 | 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀

Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) Executive Director ~ Brand Management Mrs Kutlo Moagi has urged Batswana , especially the young people to take advantage of value chain business opportunities that are presented by local citrus production.

Speaking at a citrus farms media tour held in partnership with SPEDU and the Ministry of Agriculture in the Tuli Block area over the weekend, Moagi said Batswana’s citrus production industry has grown over the years.

The media tour was undertaken as a build up to the much anticipated first harvest of the Selebi Phikwe Citrus that will be officiated by President Masisi on 21st of March, to showcase the existing citrus production in Botswana as the country builds capacity for export market and various value chain opportunities.

“Citrus can produce juice , various food products, cleaning detergents, cosmetic products amongst others, the farming itself requires implements, equipment, fertilizers, pesticides, all of these are opportunities for Batswana to venture into and create value for the country,” Moagi said.

The tour entailed visiting Africa Ranch 5 (AR5) in Sherwood and Kwadiwa Ranch Citrus Farm in Tuli Block.

At Kwadiwa Citrus , first trees were planted in 2019, being the Bennies Valencia variety which was the first Bennies planted in Botswana.

In 2020 the Gusa Kora Valencia variety was planted , which was also the first of its kind to be planted in Botswana

These constitute about 40 hectares : 19 000 trees planted with first harvest expected end of May / beginning of June.

Development is ongoing to plant about 10 000 trees of Turkeyvariety on about 20 hectares.

The Kwadiwa Citrus currently has 17 permanent employees which increases during peak seasons of planting and harvesting.

The farm will supply both the local and export market and will send some of its produce to the Selebi Phikwe Pack House ( SPP) located in the Selebi Phikwe Citrus farm for export.

The AR 5 farm which started planting citrus in 1997 currently has 120 hectares of Citrus production ,close to 50 000 trees .

In total the Tuli Block area has about 7 citrus farmers planting a total of 167 000 trees.

In a significant development that underscores the deepening economic ties between Botswana and Zambia, the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This pivotal agreement was formalized during His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana's working visit to Livingstone, Zambia, upon the gracious invitation of His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia.

The MoU aims to bolster trade and investment promotion activities between Botswana and Zambia, marking a significant step towards sustainable economic growth and the creation of employment opportunities in both nations. It outlines a strategic framework to enhance commercial relations through the establishment of mechanisms and institutional arrangements designed to foster interaction and exchange among private sector entities, investment, trade, and commercial organizations in both countries.

A key objective of this agreement is to amplify efforts to promote bilateral trade and investment, with the goal of expanding trade volumes and addressing the trade imbalance between the two countries. The MoU entrusts both parties with the critical task of identifying and developing trade and investment opportunities for mutual benefit.

The ceremony saw Mr. Keletsositse Olebile, CEO of BITC, and Mr. Albert Halwampa, Director General of ZDA, signing the MoU, marking a new chapter in the economic partnership between Botswana and Zambia. This collaboration is a testament to the commitment of both nations to work together towards common goals of prosperity and development.

#investinBotswana