- Tsaone Segaetsho
In an economy driven by mining, particularly diamond revenue, the industry has always had an impact on carbon emissions and climate change.
Debswana Diamond Company’s Managing Director (MD), Andrew Maatla Motsomi, stated that the company has taken a leadership role in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) scoring while ensuring that mining activities are mindful of reducing carbon emissions.
Motsomi made this keynote speech at the ongoing Botswana Consumer Fair, which runs from 26 August to 01 September.
Speaking to the Fair’s theme: “Building a Sustainable Future: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Protection,” Motsomi said, “Debswana’s leadership and stewardship role towards the environment is showing strides, and the company is constantly looking to innovate and create enduring value for communities and our planet.”
The Debswana MD shared the company’s sustainability initiatives, noting that Debswana is investing in cutting-edge, energy-efficient technologies and practices that not only reduce its carbon footprint but also enhance operational excellence.
Motsomi highlighted the importance of the Botswana Consumer Fair, emphasising that it provides a critical platform for businesses to showcase their products, engage directly with consumers, and network with industry professionals.
For 17 years, the Fair has established itself as a support system for local enterprises, offering them visibility, access to new markets, and opportunities for growth, Motsomi added.
He also praised the efforts of the Traders Hub and Tourism Pavilion at the Fair, noting their pivotal roles in showcasing diverse industries and attractions, enhancing cross-sector collaboration, and promoting Botswana’s rich cultural and tourism potential to a wider audience.
The CEO of Fairground Holdings, Gorata Gabaraane, told this publication on the sidelines of the Fair that the Botswana Consumer Fair has positioned itself as the leading and largest premier event in Botswana’s calendar. It serves as an inclusive platform that fosters interaction between exhibitors, manufacturers, traders, and visitors, offering opportunities to diversify the economy. She also mentioned that the Fair promotes trade between local and foreign exhibitors.
“The Fair continues to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the country by supporting significant sectors of SMMEs during the lifecycle of the event,” Gabaraane added.
Last year, with foot traffic recorded at 36 000, Fairground Holdings hosted over 70 businesses participating under the Traders Hub. This year’s Fair has reportedly attracted over 550 exhibitors from 28 different sectors, including participants from 15 foreign countries: Ireland, Lesotho, Zambia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Japan, India, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
