The two winners are representative of a diversifying Botswana export sector covering agricultural equipment, handicrafts, and cosmetics. They were selected by a panel of industry and government experts and will compete for the Regional Exporter of the Year in August against other national Exporter of the Year winners from Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia.
Assistant Minister of Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Molebatsi Molebatsi represented the Government of Botswana at the event. The CEO of Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, Keletsositse Olebile, Managing Partner of Grant Thornton Botswana, Kalyanaraman Vijay, and CEO of Business Botswana, Norman Moleele also participated in the virtual awards ceremony.
Speaking at the event, the USAID/ Botswana Country Representative, Alyson McFarland, reaffirmed the U.S. Government’s commitment to supporting Botswana’s private sectorand export-led economic growth model, saying “These awards recognize export innovators who are affirming Botswana’s export policies that are leading to a more balanced, economic growth.”
The U.S. Government, through USAID, will continue to help Botswana export firms to increase exports by overcoming complex market entry requirements and connecting with South Africa and U.S. companies.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) leads the U.S. Government’s international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises.