Cut 3 inspires CEDA new branch in Boteti

As Debswana embarks on an ambitious project to expand the lifespan of Orapa mine by an additional 35 years, government’s business financing arm, CEDA has opened a new branch in Boteti. The Opening of the new office is expected to ease financing for entrepreneurs eyeing opportunities from Debswana’s Cut 3 project, to remove 96 million tonnes of waste and tap into more diamonds. Apart from activities at the mine, the Boteti district is expected to witness a boom during the expansion of Debswana’s Orapa Mine. Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Bogolo Kenewendo challenged people in the region to put to use the facility.“I implore the people of Letlhakane, Rakops, Mopipi, Orapa and surrounding areas to utilise the proximity of this office to venture and grow other sectors of the economy,” said Kenewendo opening the branch. Over the past years CEDA has invested over 123 million in Boteti region in areas such as agriculture, property and manufacturing.Kenewendo said the Agency through the Mabogo Dinku facility has disbursed 66 000 to four active groups out of which three are in Letlhakane and one in Mokubilo. CEDA’s Mabogo-Dinku offers short term loans from P500 to a maximum of P150 000 per person, payable in three to 12 months to citizens who are micro-entrepreneurs to assist in the growth of their business.