CEDA SPONSORS AND PARTICIPATES IN THE SEROWE DISTRICT SHOW 2016

                                               CEDA SPONSORS AND PARTICIPATES IN THE SEROWE DISTRICT SHOW 2016

In an effort to strengthen its support and presence for the Serowe District Show, the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) recently participated in the revamped Serowe District from the 20 – 24 July 2016.

CEDA became a headline sponsor for the District Show in 2015 after seeing the need to support the business communities in the Central District. Through the sponsorship, the Serowe District Show has managed to grow and become a well –recognised event on the National Shows Calendar.

His Honour the Vice President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi was the Guest of Honour at the Official Opening held on the 22^nd of July 2016 at the Showgrounds. For his part, the Vice President encouraged Batswana to get more involved in the Agricultural Sector in ensuring there is Food Security, he also encouraged Batswana to support one another and buy from each other to encourage a competitive business environment through the “Buy Botswana” Campaign. He went on to say “The fact that these farmers offer their animals and produce to be judged must be applauded because they are sending a message of confidence in their output and willingness to compete regionally and nationally. This confidence is necessary for the growth of the sector”. The Vice President also made mention of the various initiatives taken to ensure that Batswana support each other such as Economic Stimulus Package and Economic Diversification Drive. The Vice President further offered his support to the farming community by pledging Government to further look at helping farmers from all kinds of income brackets.

During the official opening, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Thabo Thamane commended the Serowe District Show committee for making a concerted effort in improving the Serowe District Show. Mr. Thamane went on to say “Shows of this magnitude can only grow if they receive adequate support from stakeholders in both Government and Private Sectors. Support does not necessarily always imply financial, but could provide manpower and their services”

Mr. Thamane  also made mention of CEDA’s investment to the Country and informed the public that CEDA has a portfolio investment is P1.878 billion as at June 2016. The Agribusiness sector at P753 million has the largest portfolio size which accounts for 40% of total investment, followed by Services sector at P663million or 35% of total investments, whilst the Property and Manufacturing sector at P461 million accounts for 25% of the portfolio. The Palapye Client Service Centre which services the Central District is the second largest portfolio after Gaborone at 17%.Palapye portfolio growth is on the back of the beef cattle producers. The recent allocation of additional farms in the Mmashoro Zone 8 area has further assisted to grow this portfolio.” Mr Thamane further committed to assisting the Serowe District Show to help it grow.

In his vote of thanks, the Chairperson of the Serowe District Show Committee thanked both the Vice President and the CEDA CEO for their support and ongoing commitment to the growth of business, particularly farming. He said, “With support from CEDA we have managed to become a show that attracts SMME’s, institutions and farmers from all over the country. Next year we can only strive to attract more farmers and exhibitors to ensure that we get the necessary exposure.

For further information contact:

Name: Leatile G. Bakwena

Position: Communications Manager

Tel: +267 3991084

Fax: +267 395 1823

Email: lbakwena@ceda.co.bw