BDC launches Alosa Group of companies
The Managing Director of Botswana Development Corporation limited (BDC), Cross Kgosidiile, has highlighted that Alosa Group of companies was awarded the first ever Business Den prize money, worth P500 000 in March 2021. When giving an overview of the project, at the official launch of Alosa Group Companies in Francistown, Kgosidiile explained that BDC launched its first entrepreneurship development programmed dubbed 'The Business Den' in 2020.
“This programme aimed to reach out to budding, ambitious and self driven youth entrepreneurs to allow them to secure funding on grant basis accompanied by mentorship and networking opportunities. Through Alosa Group of Companies, BDC will be fulfilling its mandate of Promoting Citizen Economic Inclusion; Creating Sustainable Economic Diversification and Creating jobs for Batswana,” he said.
The Managing Director further applauded Alosa feeds to be the first animal feeds manufacturing company that produces pig and fowl feed among others in the northern part of Botswana. “With this role in mind, the BDC management is happy to have launched this initiative to help and inspire young entrepreneurs in their quest to take their business ideas to the next level.
The Business Den competition was open to youth businesses across all sectors with 243 entrants. Samuel Ntshiwa, the founder of Alosa feeds thanked the BDC for the commitment and dedication to the growth and transformation of scalable businesses that will propel Batswana and push the economy of Botswana forward.
Ntshiwa gave an overview of their business name 'Alosa' explaining that the name means to nurture something until it realises its full potential. He further explained how BDC gave them an opportunity to realize their full potential as they submitted their business proposal and got shortlisted for top 50 and eventually won the Business den.
“The market reception to our animal feed have been a great motivation and a driving force to continue penetrate the market. Alosa has been able to output about 120 tonnes of animal feed on a monthly basis. Alosa was able to employ seven workers and casual labourers,“ he said.