Trade Up North, a platform designed to connect Botswana's small and medium enterprises SMEs with buyers, is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Initially conceived to address the challenge of SMEs gaining access to procurement decision-makers, the initiative has evolved from a conventional trade exhibition into a significant supplier development platform. Its success is measured by contracts signed rather than attendance figures. Founder Vuyiswa LeVuyo Mojela noted that early challenges stemmed from a lack of direct engagement between businesses and procurement teams. The platform shifted its focus to structured business-to-business meetings, procurement education, and alignment with Botswana's industrialisation goals. A key innovation was the "Deal Room" model, which pre-matches SMEs with procurement teams from government, state-owned enterprises, mining companies, manufacturers, and major contractors. This approach has helped many SMEs become recognised suppliers, securing contracts and creating employment. Despite its success, the journey has faced hurdles, including changing SME mindsets, as many initially viewed exhibitions as solely marketing opportunities, while buyers sought compliance and operational readiness. Bridging the trust gap between large buyers and local suppliers also required patience. Funding growth has been another challenge, necessitating strategic partnerships with government, corporate sponsors, and development agencies. The platform's philosophy emph
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Must ReadSunlux Solar, led by local entrepreneurs Portia Masunda and Baleseng Masunda, has broken ground on Botswana's first large-scale solar light manufacturing operation. The P14 million warehouse and manufacturing facility in Tlokweng is expected to create approximately 160 jobs, with 80% designated for women and young people. Director of Sunlux, Portia Masunda, stated that the decision to venture into manufacturing was inspired by a 2023 government call for local businesses to invest in manufacturing to create jobs and diversify the economy. After benchmarking in China, where they previously sourced products, the couple acquired the necessary manufacturing equipment over 12 months. Sunlux Solar has already commenced preliminary production activities in November last year, with some manufactured products already on the market. The company has operated for several years as suppliers and installers of solar lighting products.

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A man suspected of car break-in died in Mmopane Block 1 after being severely assaulted by residents. This incident occurred just one week after a similar mob killing in Gabane. Residents apprehended the suspect after an alarm was raised, leading to a brutal assault. While acknowledging community anger over theft and the lawful act of raising an alarm, the publication condemns mob justice, stating it is a criminal offense that turns citizens into murderers. The article emphasizes that while reasonable force can be used to detain a suspect, punishment must be handled by the courts, noting that recent cases of savage beatings have led to murder investigations.