Own Correspondent
1st December 2020
In a continued effort to empower citizen owned businesses and accelerate their growth, the Government has made a pronouncement that all Government and State Owned Entities will procure goods and services from citizen owned businesses in their regions.
This move is expected to resuscitate the SMME sector after being negatively affected by the COVID 19 and lockdowns. The initiative will also increase SMMEs participation in public procurement through market access opportunities, resulting in SMME sector growth, employment creation, import substitution and economic diversification.
LEA will also identify the capacity development needs of the SMMEs operating in various parts of Botswana, with the intention to address their challenges and transform their businesses into innovative, competitive and sustainable businesses.
The Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) has therefore been assigned by Government to lead this national project, and monitor its implementation and progress.
LEA will work in partnership with stakeholder institutions such as Office of the President, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Public Procurement and Assert Disposal Board and others.
