The Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) has licensed 3 investors to operate within the Lobatse Meat and Leather City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Lobatse, Botswana, bringing a combined investment of P437.1 million (~$32.5 million).
The update was shared by Lobatse Mayor Aron Ganakgomo during a full council session.
Mr Ganakgomo said the development of the Lobatse Meat and Leather City SEZ remains a key priority under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP). The project has been included in National Development Plan 12, with the first phase focused on the design and servicing of 100 hectares of land.
He said progress at the SEZ was advancing well, with 3 investors already licensed by SEZA. One investor is operational and manufactures car harnesses. The company has invested P89.3 million and created 303 jobs.
The remaining two investors are expected to invest a combined P347.8 million (~$6.65 million) and create 122 jobs once operational. Their projects include an export oriented abattoir, a leather processing plant and a tannery.
Mr Ganakgomo said a feasibility study covering infrastructure development for 9 SEZs across Botswana, including Lobatse, has been completed to identify suitable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. The report is being reviewed by relevant ministries and is expected to be finalised during the second quarter of the current financial year.
He said adoption of the PPP model will depend on government approval, land ownership requirements and confirmation of contingent liability implications by the Ministry of Finance.
SEZA is also in discussions with an experienced international developer interested in developing 3 SEZs in Botswana, including the Lobatse SEZ, through the PPP model.
He allso said the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Zone 11 has resulted in the temporary closure of the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) plant in Lobatse.
The Department of Veterinary Services ordered the closure under FMD protocols and the plant is expected to remain shut for between three and six months, affecting employees, the commission and the wider local economy.
Despite the setback, he said the Tannery Revitalisation project has reached a 94% completion rate and remains on track for final completion in September 2026. He said the project would support industrialisation, value addition, economic diversification and future job creation in Lobatse.
