dyton mupawaenda
Mathew Masinge
SCHWEPPES Zimbabwe Limited is eyeing to expand its Sunrise citrus processing and manufacturing business to Botswana.
This was confirmed last Friday during a tour of the company’s state-of-the-art Willowvale Industrial site plant by a Botswana delegation led by its Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Lemogang Kwape.
The tour was on the sidelines of the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of States and Government in Harare.
President Mnangagwa assumed office as the chairperson of the regional board.
Schweppes Holdings Africa Limited chairperson, Vulindlela Ndlovu said efforts to secure land and set up a plant are already at an advanced stage.
“The last six months have been vital for our business as we have set our eyes on expanding the Schweppes food production and processing business.
“We started our engagements with our Botswana counterparts earlier this year and we never thought it would culminate into these high-profile engagements on the sidelines of the 44th SADC Summit.
“We are excited about the prospects of expanding into Botswana, which shares long-standing historical, social, and cultural affinity and links with Zimbabwe,” said Ndlovu.
Dr Lemogang Kwape said he was doing everything in his power to have the Schweppes business successfully set up in Botswana.
“I am going to make sure that all the infrastructure that you need, electricity or water or land is in place so don’t worry the Botswana people will make you feel at home.
“We are very excited about this investment opportunity to improve our citrus production and manufacturing in Botswana, we also hope the products will indicate that they are made in Botswana,” said Dr Kwape.
The plan to invest in Botswana aligned with the broad regional growth strategy under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
Botswana ambassador to Zimbabwe Sarah Moloiswa, Zimbabwe ambassador to Botswana Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro, and other officials graced the event.
Online Reporter