Debswana Diamond Company and the Textile Accelerator Programme (TAP) beneficiaries took time to reflect on the implementation of the programme since its inception in 2022.
TAP is a collaboration between Debswana, Tokafala, the Local Enterprise Authority, and the Botswana Bureau of Standards. Debswana invested P4 million in the programme to purchase equipment earmarked for producing all the company’s personal protective clothing, such as two-toned shirts, overalls and dustcoats in the mine’s area of influence. The flagship programme further aims to boost the local textile industry which was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Delivering welcome remarks at the TAP retrospect held in Gaborone recently, the Executive Head of Corporate Affairs, Rachel Mothibatsela highlighted that March 2025 marked 3 years since the programme was launched. She mentioned that this milestone dictated a review of the milestones and challenges encountered thus far, to continuously reshape the programme to deliver its intended objectives. The programme has been hailed as an international benchmark based on the benefits it has managed to accrue to those who are part of it. Since its inception, TAP has created employment for 512 Batswana with sales revenues of P34.9 million, directly benefiting the enterprises. Some of the enterprises are based in Jwaneng, Letlhakane, Molepolole, Kanye, Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, Tutume, Palapye and Selebi-Phikwe. Mothibatsela emphasised that the partnership has been able to deliver resilient commercial entities that will be able to sustain beyond the full support of Debswana.
Speaking on behalf of the TAP Beneficiaries, the Chairperson of the Joint Ventures, Tshepiso Robert hailed Debswana for the groundbreaking project that has been able to empower the thirty-four businesses. He stated that there has been significant growth in terms of sales and skills development through the support given by partners such as BOBS, Tokafala and LEA. Robert further mentioned that when the programme started, only one business was BOS 822:2019 certified, and now the joint ventures boast of five newly certified businesses. Robert further asserted that the programme is mostly inclusive since it comprises 95 percent females and caters for disadvantaged populations such as the youth and differently abled persons.
Debswana remains committed to citizen economic empowerment through enterprise development and forging beneficial partnerships. TAP was funded through the company’s Corporate Social Investment which seeks to assist the company to maintain its Social Licence to Operate, by creating a legacy of prosperity and resilience among the communities in which it operates. The company spends over P10 million on Personal Protective Equipment annually, since safety is at the core of its operational strategy.
