P23 million pumped into SSKIA SEZ

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport Special Economic Zone (SSKIA SEZ) has been described as a ‘transformational project’ for the country's economic future, despite trailing behind schedule. Once a barren land, SSKIA SEZ has attracted billions of pula in investment, with over P23 billion injected into the project.“This was empty land. To see what is taking shape now is truly moving," said Assistant Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti. Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) Acting Chief Executive Officer, Tapiwa Masie told the minister, the SSKIA SEZ is one of nine special economic zones nationwide and among four prioritised under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP).The landmark project, a collaboration between SEZA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), covering 865 hectares, 375ha under SEZA and 490ha under CAAB with phase 1 development spanning over 1,200 hectares, has been cleared and fully serviced. To date, 33 companies have been licensed across all SEZs, with eight based at SSKIA. Total investment value stands at P23 billion, with approximately 9,000 jobs expected at full operation. SSKIA investors alone are projected to contribute P3 billion and create around 1,500 direct jobs.However, Ossy & Sons Investment, contractor for modern factory shells at SSKIA SEZ has reported that progress currently stands at 63 percent against a target of 91 percent. The contractor has cited delays in planning permits and recent heavy rains affecting concrete works. To recover lost time, the company has deployed four teams working simultaneously across all shells, increased workforce to 191 employees (129 adults and 62 youth), extended working hours including Saturdays, and introduced concrete pumps and an on-site batching plant to accelerate production.Executive Director of Investor Licensing, Neo Mahube revealed that licensed investors at SSKIA include ventures in e-commerce logistics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, automotive conversion, oils and lubricants (Batswana-owned), commodity trading, diamond cutting and polishing, gold smelting, jewellery manufacturing, and conference facilities. "Additional investments in the pipeline include another pharmaceutical company, a South African electric vehicle company nearing licensing, and interest from a Chinese investor," Mahube said. She emphasised that all licensed companies must be export-oriented to drive an export-led economy, though the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship may approve limited local market access where necessary.Investment thresholds require a minimum of P50 million for standard clients and P200 million for strategic clients, with each company expected to create at least 50 direct jobs while generating opportunities for local suppliers. Meanwhile, 25 percent of Phase 1 net developable land has already been taken up at the envisaged Airport City and World Trade Centre. In addition, the land servicing project by Bothakga Burrow is nearing completion, delivering 82 industrial plots with full infrastructure covering roads, water, sewage, electricity, and street lighting.

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P23 million pumped into SSKIA SEZ