Women make strides in business
Local women entrepreneurs gathered to share their success stories in penetrating the international markets despite the challenges. Speaking during the Lionesses of Africa breakfast seminar hosted by Stanbic Bank Botswana, Sleek Food Founder and Director, Nkata Seleka said running a successful business does not require a lot of money to start but it requires ambition. Her company recently penetrated the international market by winning a tender to supply the Multinational Franchise, KFC with Chakalaka relish.
She started the company in 2010 and is currently operating from the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) Pilane Multi-Purpose Incubator. The company produces self-developed condiments, an assortment of relish, in different flavours made from locally produced vegetables. Seleka started selling her products at small events such as parties, family fun day events and individuals and later started to supply the local retailers such as Choppies, Sefalana, Spar and Pick & Pay. “I was so determined to grow this business.
I knocked on all these retail shops and never took a no for an answer. Retail was my start, my dream was to become the international brand,” she said. Founder of RH Diamonds, Rutang Moses said she has always dreamt of working in international organisations. After working for 13 years in various organisations she realised that she can own a company and work for herself.
She then registered her company last year. She said she chose the diamond sector because it is a sector which drives the economy of Botswana and it is mostly dominated by men. Through her company she wants to partner with international investors and also attract them to buy rough diamonds in Botswana.
“I have always dreamt of big things when I was young and I managed to penetrate the international job market and now I am working for myself and my company deals with international investors, everything is possible when you believe in yourself,” said Moses. Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) Group Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Lesetedi said mentorship is important for any entrepreneur as many challenges exist on the way. “Mentorship and coaching is important as it will help you to focus and be disciplined and also be strong to face the challenges,” she said.
She grew up with dreams to do big things and she continues to believe that she can do big tasks and succeed. Lioness of Africa is an online platform where successful women entrepreneurs from across the African continent share their stories and encourage others to work hard to take their businesses to the international markets. Stanbic Bank Botswana Head of Personal Markets, Omphemetse Dube said the bank is delighted to partner with Lionesses of Africa as they are committed to supporting women and ensuring that they take part in economic development.
“This is premised on the belief that we have a great wealth of talent in Botswana when it comes to women entrepreneurs, there is much to be done however in acknowledging, celebrating and empowering these women further,” she said. She said the bank continues to build on their existing efforts to support women including Women In Business Association (WIBA) through engagement with Lionesses of Africa.