P60 Million Tender Dispute Puts Spotlight on Transparency in Botswana’s Procurement System

P60 Million Tender Dispute Puts Spotlight on Transparency in Botswana’s Procurement System. A P60 million sanitary pads tender dispute has placed Botswana’s public procurement system under scrutiny once again, as a local manufacturer, Otsile Moje, takes legal action against the Ministry of Basic Education and Child Welfare.

The case, currently before the courts, stems from allegations that the tender was initially awarded to Moje’s company but later withdrawn and reallocated to major retail chains Choppies and Sefalana. The dispute has raised broader concerns about fairness, transparency, and equal access for local businesses within government procurement processes.

Moje emphasized that this matter extends beyond a single contract and highlights ongoing challenges that local manufacturers face when competing with larger corporations for government tenders.“Such disputes underscore ongoing challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses seeking fair participation in government contracts,” Moje said.

He further called on President Duma Boko to intervene, alleging that certain cabinet ministers may have vested interests in the process. While he stopped short of naming individuals, Moje stated that he and his associates are prepared to reveal the names in court should the opportunity arise.

For many local entrepreneurs, the case has become a symbol of the struggle for fair competition and accountability in public spending. Allegations of corruption and conflict of interest continue to cast a shadow over Botswana’s tendering landscape, with calls growing louder for stronger oversight mechanisms.