PPC CALLS FOR PUBLIC, PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS

PPC Botswana has implored the nation to prioritise public and private partnerships (PPPs), as it has potential to change the local economy. The company believes national partnerships between private and public sector can revive and create employment amidst current economic uncertainties and social challenges.

PPC Botswana Head of Business Unit, Tuelo Botlhole said policy makers should prioritise local entities for national projects and in return the private sector will increase employment and net growth.

“It’s time we as the industry captains came together to map a way of how we can solve this unemployment issue which has been building up for years and has now heightened, especially due to COVID- 19.

“At the same time the government can create policies that will stop a number of imports and product dumping so that we produce various goods locally,” said Botlhole.

He said indigenization plays a critical role in the creation and driving of economic viability, emphasizing that the private sector players should make it a priority to work closely with local suppliers on every level of production as it will create downstream beneficiation.

Botlhole urged policymakers to be strict in regulating indigenization initiatives which play a critical role in the development of the country’s economy.

Meanwhile, PPC Botswana has engaged with the local truck association for transport and logistics jobs to members of the association.

“In our industry local cement manufacturers are looking towards maximizing local raw materials such as fly ash from Morupule, to improve value chain. If imported cement is cut off, we will see a huge increase of employment,” said Botlhole emphasizing on partnerships.