Modibedi to take his welding business outside Botswana
Local enterepreneur, Edson Modibedi aims to penetrate the regional market through artistic and quality products he produces from his small firm in Newstands Gaborone. Modibedi started his registered his welding company, ET MOD Investments in 2013 which is currently trading as Classic Collection Club located at Newstands Council market. He manufactures tables, flower pots, garden chairs, wine rags, flower pots anther furniture. He told the Business Trends that he believes his products can make it in the international market because he is highly skilled in design and produces the best products. “I am talented in design skills so my products are always unique and beautiful. They are always attractive to customers,” he said. He has worked as a welder for three years and this increased his skills and experience in the field. Recently he got first prize at the Gaborone City Council’s mini show fair organised by the Poverty Eradication Unit. The City gave him the opportunity to showcase his products at the Consumer Fair at the end of August. Currently he has two employees. Modibedi, who is a beneficiary of Poverty Eradication Program also wants to expand his small production to mass production. However, he is limited by equipment as he only uses manual equipment. “I need modern equipment which will enable me to speed up production and save time. The current machines are slow and this limits my production. I (also) want to export my products, ” he said. Modibedi revealed to the Business Trends that Poverty Eradication Programme funding model contributes to low production and stunted growth of Small, Medium Macro Enterprises as they do not offer enough equipment required to start up the business. “They only provide few equipment which are not sufficient and this limits production levels. Even if we have submitted quotations of all the machinery we need they alter it but during the first application they do not give us the maximum amount they give,” said Modibedi. The Poverty Eradication Programme is geared towards assisting Batswana to attain food and economic security, and at a minimum, sustainable livelihood among the disadvantaged individuals and families. The programme issues equipment worth between P35 000 to P45 000. Modibedi is currently designing a unique table with five legs using steel and rubber from car tyres. He is currently seeking funding from institutions to help him achieve his goals to produce in large quantities and supply big furniture shops locally and regionally. Currently his major clients are organizations and individuals.