Puma Energy has launched Project Maatlafatsa, a Citizen Economic Empowerment Initiative aimed at increasing local participation in the fuel industry and driving economic growth across the country.
The initiative, introduced by Puma Energyโs Managing Director, Dominic Dhanah, reinforces the companyโs long-standing commitment to Botswana, where it has invested over P2.1 billion since entering the market in 2010.
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โAt Puma Energy Botswana, our mission is to energise communities. We believe that empowering citizens is essential to creating a prosperous and sustainable future for the energy sector in Botswana. Through Project Maatlafatsa, we are committed to playing a meaningful role in this transformation, in collaboration with the government and our stakeholders, and driving sustainable change in the fuel sector,โ said Dhanah.
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A key element of the project is fostering entrepreneurship by promoting local procurement and partnerships. By the end of 2024, Puma Energy aims to source 100 percent of its fuel and 40 percent of non-fuel products and services from citizen-owned businesses. The transition has already begun, with Puma Energy shifting its internal transportation services to local transporters.
To support these citizen transporters, the company is providing additional systems and equipment to improve operational safety, supply security, and service delivery.
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A highlight of the initiative is the Puma Energy Entrepreneurial Masterclass, a programme aimed at empowering young Batswana with the skills needed to succeed in business and entrepreneurship. The initiative will offer 2โ3-day masterclasses to 20 university graduates annually, followed by a three-month attachment at Puma Energy sites across Botswana.
Dhanah emphasised Puma Energyโs readiness to guide and mentor participants through various stages of business development, particularly in retail operations, which is still in its early stages in Botswana.
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โWe are equipping young Batswana with the tools to run their own businesses. Some may eventually work with us, while others will start their own ventures, contributing to Botswanaโs economy in significant ways,โ Dhanah explained.
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Puma Energy is also making headway in job creation by expanding its infrastructure network. Currently, the company operates 44 service stations and 21 convenience stores, with plans to grow this footprint further, creating new job and business opportunities in both urban and rural areas.
In an effort to support rural development, Puma Energy is rolling out movable, containerised fuel stations to ensure even the most remote areas have access to fuel. These cost-effective stations are designed to promote local growth and enhance convenience for underserved communities.
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The initiative has already received support from local leaders. Kgosi Keineetse Sebele of Molepolole, who will open a new Puma Energy filling station on his land next month, expressed pride in joining the Puma Energy family through Project Maatlafatsa. โThis initiative will contribute to community development by creating job opportunities for young people in areas where such opportunities were previously limited,โ he said.ย
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The new station is expected to generate 60 jobs in the Molepolole community.
