Debswana and CEDA Partner to Expand Citizen-Owned Businesses Across Mining Supply Chain

Debswana and CEDA Partner to Expand Citizen-Owned Businesses Across Mining Supply Chain. Debswana and the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at creating more opportunities for citizen-owned businesses within and around Botswana’s diamond mining value chain.

The partnership will combine Debswana’s operational expertise, supply chains and market access with CEDA’s financing and enterprise development capabilities. The goal is to support businesses that can compete in Botswana and potentially expand into international markets.

The collaboration will focus on identifying commercially viable opportunities across sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, engineering, processing, logistics, infrastructure, innovation and business services.

CEDA and Debswana will also explore ways to support employees and other individuals who want to move from formal employment into entrepreneurship. This will include business preparation, financing, mentorship and support after businesses launch.

Debswana said its supply chain provides an opportunity to go beyond procuring products and services from citizen-owned companies. The company wants to explore opportunities for businesses to develop manufacturing capabilities around products currently supplied to its mines.

The partnership comes as Botswana seeks to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on diamond mining. Debswana said its strategy includes diversifying its revenue base beyond mining, while the MoU will provide a platform to identify and commercialise opportunities that could create new industries.

CEDA said the initiative could also contribute to the long-term sustainability of mining communities such as Jwaneng and Orapa by encouraging economic activity that can continue beyond the life of the mines.

The institutions said the partnership’s progress will be assessed through outcomes including sustainable enterprises created, jobs generated, increased procurement from citizen suppliers and the establishment of new productive industries.