03 Feb 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi expressed gratitude to Kavango Engineering and Aliboats companies for producing quality products that were marketable outside the country’s borders. President Masisi had paid a visit to the two companies and acknowledged that they were moving in the right direction as the country was striving to achieve an export led-economy that would create sustainable jobs. He was accompanied by Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane and the North West district leadership. He, therefore, implored other manufacturing businesses in Maun to take leaf out of Kavango Engineering and Aliboats companies by increasing production with a view to enhance export competitiveness. Established in 2009 and with 20 years hands on experience within the tourism and safari industry, Kavango Engineering specialises in safari vehicles design and customisation in order to supply and benefit the surrounding safari operators and beyond. The company offers refined, custom designed and skilfully constructed products for any customer looking to purchase quality. On the other hand, Aliboats manufactures and supplies various lodges in the Okavango Delta with aluminium boats. The company also enjoys support outside the country as 80 per cent of its production is exported to countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda and Angola among others. President Masisi appreciated that the two companies had unique products and were continuously striving to broaden their horizons. “I encourage you to work harder and keep moving to remain competitive in the global market in order to grow the business. We are happy that you are a skilful workforce and we want to see more quality boats branded Botswana sold outside the country,” he said when addressing Aliboats employees. He challenged employees to be innovative and creative to stimulate the economy and noted that government was also committed to the knowledge based economy which would contribute to their efforts of diversifying the economy and eventually creating employment opportunities. He also stated that the government came with the idea to design and manufacture the first of its kind electric boat in the country through Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) in collaboration with Aliboats. “I am reliably informed that the boat is almost complete and awaiting handing over,” he said. Aliboats managing director, Mr Rod Bateman said they were enjoying support both locally, regionally and international citing that their target market was the tourism industry. “This is not an easy business but we are striving to keep our heads up and supply local market and more than 25 countries with quality boats mostly in Southern Africa but we have also supplied beyond the continent” he added. The production director, Mr Digby Bullock also concurred that technically, their boats were market leading around the world and said they were producing strong products that could last long for more than 20 years. He said the electric boat project was initiated by President Masisi under the guidance of BITRI. He appreciated that they received a team of qualified artisans who did a commendable job noting that the project was complete and they were looking forward for President Masisi to do the test drive. Mr Bullock said they intend to do more of electric boats for the local market and appreciated competition since there were some companies beyond borders doing the same. Currently, the company has 65 employees and has opened a small branch in Kazungula in the Chobe region and many of its artisans come from local vocational schools commonly known as brigades. BOPA