Service to Investors

A focal point for prospective investors and existing manufacturing enterprises, Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority (BEDIA) has been set-up. This professional organisation is responsible for: promoting investment into Botswana with special emphasis on export-oriented manufacture; identifying market outlets for products manufactured in Botswana; and constructing factory buildings for investors. The Authority assists potential investors to obtain the various clearances ( residence permits, work permits, licences, factory space, etc.). It also assists existing manufacturing enterprises to sort out any administrative matters they may be confronted with. BEDIA is virtually an autonomous organisation with its own Board of Directors, comprising mostly private sector representatives, including the Chairman. Government is represented on the Board by two officials from the Ministries of Commerce and Industry, and Finance and Development Planning.

BEDIA plays a major role in the industrialisation process of Botswana and the diversification of the industrial base. It organises: outward investment promotion missions to main capital-exporting countries to attract investors into Botswana; inward investment missions of potential investors to familiarise themselves with the investment climate in the country; meetings between potential investors and local businessmen, especially where foreign investors are looking for local partners. BEDIA also encourages local businessmen to invest in manufacturing, and promotes collaboration with their foreign counterparts in developing entrepreneurial skills in the country. Such collaboration also facilitates a smooth transfer of know-how and modern production techniques.

In the area of export promotion, the Authority sponsors participation of manufacturing enterprises in exhibitions at regional and international levels. It also conducts market surveys, and contact promotion missions to enable Botswana entrepreneurs to discuss business transactions face-to-face with importers in other countries. Lastly, BEDIA provides factory buildings with a good working environment to maximise productivity. It also maintains a database of factory shells, which are readily available, in the private sector. In short, BEDIA provides a first class service to the manufacturing sector. BEDIA is a friend of the investor. The motto of the Authority is "BEDIA takes good care of you", and it does.

For more information, visit: www.bedia.co.bw/

The Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) is a development finance institution that has been established to act as the country's main agency for commercial and industrial development. The Corporation is a major investor in the local economy, in partnership with both foreign companies and local entrepreneurs. Despite the good economic performance of the country over the years, the economy remains comparatively undiversified. The BDC is committed to diversifying the economy by developing sectors such as the manufacturing, services and tourism. These sectors will not only assist in the economic diversification drive, but will also further economic growth and employment creation. As a means of encouraging investment, and making it easy for investors to operate in Botswana, many services are made available through the BDC, such as: loan financing; equity financing; loan and overdraft guarantees; management advice and secretarial services; and provision of business premises.

For more information, visit: www.bdc.bw/