MCM empowers SMEs

Morupule Coal Mine (MCM) has invested millions in supporting local businesses through the Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme (CEEP). Initiated in May 2022, CEEP aims to boost Botswana’s socio-economic development and foster robust service industries capable of serving both domestic mines and potentially exporting services in the future. Speaking at the PushaBw forum during the 17th Global Expo, Resego Keipidile, MCM’s Supply Chain Manager, emphasised the company’s commitment to promoting Botswana’s socio-economic development through Citizen Economic Empowerment.

“CEEP has unlocked the potential citizen-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) possess in furthering their contribution to Botswana’s economic growth. The programme has positively contributed to increased participation of citizen-owned businesses,” he stated. From January to September, MCM procured goods and services worth P342 million from local businesses. “We have set ourselves a target where wehave identified key areas where Batswana have skills, then we capacitate them,” he said. Meanwhile, Morupule has entered a Memorandum of Agreement under CEEP with Absa Bank of Botswana, First National Bank of Botswana, and pan-African micro-lender Letshego. These financial institutions have committed millions to the MCM programme, providing exclusive funding access for MCM Citizen-Owned Business Partners.

The objectives of the agreement are to leverage opportunities in the mining value chain, promote local business growth, increase citizen participation, diversify the economy, and create sustainable job opportunities.

The partnership involves creating meaningful opportunities for citizen-owned companies through MCM’s Supply Chain, comprehensive banking services and financial solutions from FNBB.

Additionally, it includes joint enterprise capacity-building support for targeted entities.