Hello and welcome to the third edition of The Projects Magazine! Our publication continues to grow in leaps and bounds. In our last edition, we added print to our fold, as part of bringing this critical content to you. Our print edition is currently circulating in Square Mart/Food Lovers Market in Gaborone and Palapye, as well as in select fuel stations countrywide. Copies are also available on delivery to our subscribers.
As the curtain closes in, on the first quarter of the year 2022, things are clearly moving, with COVID-19 subsiding in many parts of the world. Authorities are relaxing restrictions, and most industries are reverting to pre-pandemic operational levels. All these are cultivating good business sentiment across global economies albeit a rise in inflation and uncertainty brewing from the Russian–Ukraine conflict, and its potential threat to global commodities supply of chain, oil in particular.
Locally, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Peggy Serame delivered a solid budget on February 7, projecting a rise in government revenue, and a decline in budget deficit for the first time in three years, as well as a positive forecast in economic growth for the financial year 2022/23.
Some of the pronouncements made by the Honourable Minister are the country’s small but significant steps towards renewable energy, and continued government commitment to delivering water to Batswana as evidenced by the allocation of over P4 billion to water projects. These and many other exciting developments in engineering, mining, construction, and property development are covered in this edition.
We have compiled for you leading stories that headlined the first three (3) months of 2022, from ongoing mine development and expansion projects, mergers and acquisitions, citizen economic empowerment financing, and property development.
In our leading story, we have covered the Mohembo Bridge Project, a landmark infrastructure development undertaking by the Government of Botswana, soon to be completed and commissioned.You will also read about headways that Lucara is making at its 100% owned Karowe Mine in Letlhakane, redeveloping the iconic diamond mine into a world class underground operation. We have also covered exciting Public-Private Partnership between Time Projects and Botswana Railways aimed at developing the latter’s land in Francistown to erect a state-of-the-art mall; these and many other stories are featured in this edition.
Last but not least, March marks the end of The Expo2020 Dubai after six months of unprecedented global networking, business and cultural integrations. Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) hosted the Investment and Trade Conference on the 14th of March, which was headlined by His Excellency the President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi; we have compiled some key takeaways from the conference for you. Continue staying safe to prevent COVID-19 resurgence. Enjoy your read and take care…
