Botswana’s First Registered Cooperative Marks Legacy of Community-Led Enterprise

Botswana’s First Registered Cooperative Marks Legacy of Community-Led Enterprise. As Botswana approaches 61 years of cooperative development, the Swaneng Consumer Cooperative, the first cooperative ever registered in the country, stands as a lasting symbol of grassroots economic empowerment. Officially registered on 31 July 1964, Swaneng Consumer Coop has played a crucial role in promoting self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Ms. Ontebaditse Koosaletse, the current General Manager, shared insights into the cooperative’s formation and its ongoing contribution to Botswana’s cooperative movement. “Swaneng was founded with a clear goal — to unite the buying power of local people and reinvest profits into their own communities,” she explained.

Among its notable achievements is the ownership and development of the Tshwaragano Hotel, an iconic property located in Serowe’s commercial district. Constructed in the early 1960s using locally sourced stone and thatch, the hotel remains a testament to the cooperative’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while creating economic opportunity.

Over the decades, Swaneng Consumer Coop has evolved beyond retail services to become a model of inclusive economic participation. Its governance structure allows members to have a direct say in operational decisions, reinforcing principles of democracy, mutual benefit, and transparency.

Under Ms. Koosaletse’s stewardship, the cooperative continues to explore new business opportunities while staying true to its founding vision of collective progress. Her leadership reflects a broader shift toward revitalizing Botswana’s cooperative model to meet modern business challenges.

For Botswana’s entrepreneurs and community leaders, Swaneng serves as a reminder that shared ownership and collaboration remain powerful tools for long-term economic resilience.