Botash launches new strategic plan
“Our newly unveiled strategy, ‘ Double in Five, Safely,’ encapsulates our dedication to fostering diversified natural sodium- based product growth while prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and stakeholder value,” said the buoyant Phatshwane at the recent launch of the new strategy by Minerals and Energy Minister, Lefoko Moagi.
The company, which is based in Sowa Town, is looking to expand its soda ash production as well as introduce sodium bicarbonate into the market during the strategic period. As a contribution towards minerals beneficiation, which is highly encouraged by government, Botash plans to integrate its food grade salt business over the next 5 years. “Currently most of our products are sold in bulk. In the coming few years, we want to ensure the products are beneficiated before they are sold outside the country,” he said by phone from Sowa Town this Tuesday.
As the company remodels its food grade salt business, this will mean new infrastructure will be constructed, resulting in hundreds of jobs created, both during and post construction periods. Currently, Botash employs just over 650 people, direct and indirect. “Going forward our employees will be the driving force behind the efficiencies and innovations that will allow us to maintain our relevance and scalability in an increasingly diversified market landscape. We are steadfast in our resolve to sustain and strengthen our position as an African leader in natural sodium products, and we are poised to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” stated Phatshwane.
Under the well- oiled strategy, Botash is seeking to expand into Mozambique, Tanzania and Eastern
Angola. Already the company sells its various products to select southern African countries such as South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe and DRC. Botash’s impressive track record as a leader in the supply of natural sodium and related products positions it to continue to making significant contributions to various value chains across southern Africa. The company’s products are integral to the production of glass for buildings and motor vehicles, container glass, PVC piping for water reticulation, water treatment solutions, and many more.
According to a statement, the launch of the new strategy emphasises Botash’s involvement in the community, including the support of Flamingo International School and other local schools, as well as supporting Sua Flamingoes Football Club currently playing in the Premier League. Additionally, the company has embarked on co- determined community programmes through ‘ Towards Sustainable Mining Initiative’ in Sowa Town and other communities of interest within which it operates, further solidifying its commitment to local impact.
“With an established legacy and a visionary roadmap, Botash is set to reinforce its position as the foremost supplier of soda ash and industrial salt in southern Africa. The ‘ Double in Five, Safely’ strategy is not just a blueprint for growth; it is testament to Botash’s enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable progress. We invite our stakeholders to join us build ‘ Africa’s leading supplier of natural sodium and related product,” reads the statement from the miner.
Botash is a 50/ 50 joint venture partnership between the Government of the Republic of Botswana and Chlor Alkali Holdings, part of the Bud Group of Companies in South Africa.