BITC CEO gone: Sejoe’s last words
The Board chairman of the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), Victor Jakopo Senye has announced the end of Chief Executive Officer, Letsebe Sejoe’s contract, further indicating that Chief Operations Officer, Meshack Tshekedi shall act as CEO of the parastatal.
Sejoe’s contract expired at the end of February and the Board decided not to renew it. Indications are that the Board was not happy with Sejoe’s performance hence the decision not to renew his contract. There are already speculations on the corridors of the BITC as to who could be next to head the BITC.
While Tshekedi has been asked to act in the meantime, possibilities are that he may be preffered at his COO position and a new person will be brought in to lead the BITC. Weekend Post learns that former CEDA boss, Thapelo Matsheka and former Bank of Botswana Governor Linah Mohohlo’s names are already being touted as potential replacement to Sejoe.
In his last statement in the BITC 2016 Annual report, Sejoe pointed out that the “BITC’s fourth year of operation was driven by focus on increasing Botswana’s share of Africa’s foreign direct investment by attracting more investment into the country and equally increasing citizen participation through domestic investment promotion.
The organisation during the period under review developed and packaged value propositions for various prioritised sectors of the economy, largely driven by the desire to adopt a sector specific approach when attracting investment into Botswana that will require building inhouse skills and domain expertise in the respective sectors.”
He further said the value propositions were developed in sectors such as automotive components manufacturing, leather, cargo and logistics, Soda Ash, Beef and ICT. “The value propositions are equally important to the local business community, as they highlight existing investment opportunities that Batswana may not have previously been aware of. In addition to articulating why Botswana is an attractive investment destination, the value propositions provide detailed information on Botswana’s global positioning within the respective sector; global and regional market dynamics; Botswana’s competitive advantage including available sector specific incentives; as well as the legal and regulatory framework that is to be complied with.”
Sejoe wrote that: According to the World Investment Report 2016, FDI flows into Africa fell to $54 billion in 2015, a decrease of 7% from the previous year. The top five FDI recipient economies were Angola, Egypt, Mozambique, Morocco and Ghana. An upturn in investment into North African economies such as Egypt was offset by decreasing flows into SubSaharan Africa, especially in the resource-based economies in West and Central Africa.
Further, Sejoe stated that “In Southern Africa, FDI flows increased marginally by 2% to US$17.9 billion, mainly driven by large inflows in Angola. After several years of negative flows, Angola attracted a record US$8.7 billion of FDI in 2015, becoming the largest recipient in Africa, largely driven by loans provided to Angolan affiliates by their foreign parent companies. Major projects were in the oil and gas industry mainly dominated by global oil majors from Britain, Italy, France and the United States. Prospects reveal that FDI into Africa could return to a growth path in 2016, increasing by an average of 6%.”
PERFORMANCE REVIEW: SEJOE RATES HIMSELF
Although there is an opinion that he had not delivered to the expected level, Sejoe has a different, at least according to what he wrote in the BITC 2016 annual report:
“Despite intensified international competition for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and export markets, BITC achieved an overall annual organisational performance of 90% on the corporate scorecard during the period under review. Our targeted investment promotion efforts resulted in a total capital investment amounting to P3.12bn exceeding our annual target of P1.6bn.
From the total capital investment achieved, FDI companies contributed P1.49bn, while business expansions and domestic investments contributed P377.05m and P1.25bn respectively. The financial services sector represented the largest contribution to this performance at 58.7%.
Other sectors that contributed to investment realised include Mining, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Property, Tourism and Transport and Logistics. The companies that invested were from countries such as South Africa, India, Canada, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and China.
Total employment of 1,703 jobs resulted from these investments falling short of desired outcomes due to the capital intensive nature of the financial services sector, which was the largest contributor to the investment realised.
The mining and manufacturing sectors contributed more significantly toward jobs created during the period under review. BITC’s export portfolio exceeded its target of P2bn reaching a total generated export value of P2.1bn contributed by forty four (44) BITC client companies exporting thirty six (36) product lines. A notable development in this regard was the diversification of export products resulting in an increase of nine (9) new products being introduced to the export market.
Markets penetrated by the local products during the period include Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, Hong Kong and the European Union. In an effort to grow BITC’s product portfolio, the organisation diagnosed several companies for export readiness.
The companies are to be supported with capacity building interventions through BITC’s partnership with Senior Experten Services (from Germany) such that they are capacitated to provide goods and services of a standard quality that can compete effectively in the international market place.
Our investor value added services delivered through the Business Facilitation Services Centre (BFSC) continued to facilitate for investors to access Government authorisations. BITC continues to realise an increase in the demand for facilitation services compared to authorisations processed in the previous year. The increase in the demand for BITC services signifies the difficult business environment that companies experience when they proceed on their own.
Our efforts to improve and advocate for a conducive business environment continue through increased strategic stakeholder engagement including the signing of Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) with five (5) Government Departments to streamline various Government authorisations including the acquisition of manufacturing and industrial licenses for BITC assisted investors. BITC continues to impress upon key role players within Government to enhance the certainty and predictability of outcomes for various Government authorisations.”
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Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
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Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Health Day” 2024 together with Africa’s First Ladies who are also Ambassadors of MerckFoundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign through their Scholarship and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year over the past 12 years, by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care across Africa, Asia and beyond.
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
News
Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.