BDC breathes life to Lobatse
Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) has been applauded for its commitment to breathe new life into Lobatse’s economy, through investment in various industries. Over the past years, the Corporation has invested into Delta Automotive Technologies, a manufacturer of vehicle harnesses for export, and Milk Afric, a dairy project aimed at meeting local demand.
The latest BDC investment is in revatilising Lobatse Clay Works (LCW), a development expected to boost the Lobatse economy, and contribute to the broader national effort to diversify the industrial sector. “BDC has demonstrated its long-term vision and alignment with Botswana’s economic goals,” said Mayor of Lobatse, Mosimanegape Dithebe. He said BDC’s three projects in Lobatse reflect the broader aspirations of Vision 2036, which calls for the nation to transition into a high-income economy offering inclusive prosperity for all Batswana.
Dithebe the latest BDC project in Lobatse, LCW is a reminder that with the right mindset, the nation can unlock countless opportunities. “Lobatse Clay Works has faced its fair share of challenges, but through determination, perseverance, and strategic intervention, we now stand here to celebrate its reopening. This is proof of what can be achieved when we unite for a common purpose and align our resources to the national agenda,” said Dithebe. He said the local economy must continue to foster collaboration between government, the private sector, and local communities to unlock further value chain opportunities and build an inclusive and diversified economy. “Let this (LCW) project serve as a benchmark for future industrial initiatives in Botswana.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mmusi Kgafela said the relaunch of LCW is a vital step towards achieving the country’s broader goals of economic diversification and industrialisation. “This policy emphasises reducing our dependency on the mining sector by developing other industries, such as manufacturing and agro-processing, to create sustainable jobs and drive value addition,” said Kgafela. He said the government is committed to supporting BDC as the nation’s primary investment vehicle.
“Through various policy frameworks, including the industrial development policy, the government has and continues to provide the necessary resources, and a conducive regulatory environment to enable the Corporation to execute its mandate effectively,” said Kgafela citing that the government support has empowered BDC to spearhead transformative projects across multiple sectors. The new LCW plant features cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced automation in clay processing, precise moisture control, and energy-efficient kilns of a hybrid fuel system, allowing the use of both coal and liquid fuel. In addition, the plant is now amongst the most modern and energy-efficient brick manufacturing facilities in the region.