BEDIA host
Botswana Export Development & Investment Authority (BEDIA) was yesterday (Thursday) expected to host a delegation from India as part of their inbound investment promotion at the GICC. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) leads the Indian delegation. The delegation was in the country to explore investment opportunities in the energy, mining, ICT manufacturing, agriculture and pharmaceutical sectors among others.

BOCCIM meets Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM) will today (Friday) host the Indian delegation led by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The meeting takes place at Cresta Lodge in Gaborone. The Indian delegation comprises close to 30 businesspeople. In the past Botswana has hosted delegations from Japan, China and Bangladesh. In a statement BOCCIM said the meet was meant to create opportunities for local businesses interested in doing business with the Indian business community in future.

BPC signs deals
Botswana Power Corporation yesterday (Thursday) signed a shareholders and share purchase agreements with Electricite de France (EDF). The agreement will enable the two power utilities to undertake grid rural electrification and provision of renewable energy services. At the time of going to press BPC Rural Electrification Coordinator Masego Kealotswe could not give much information on the agreements.

Aviva’s Perth
Perth-based and Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) listed resources developer, Aviva Corporation has said Australian Environment Minister Donna Faragher has communicated her decision on (environmental approval) appeals in respect of the company’s proposed new 400MW Coolimba Power Project in Western Australia’s fast growing Mid West region. The company reiterates its position that under current government policy it is not possible to progress Coolimba as an Independent Power Project, however the minister’s decision will make it more attractive for third parties interested in Coolimba as a captive energy supply for their own needs. 

Mayibuye buys
Blue, the JSE and Botswana Stock Exchange listed micro lender announced this week that it had entered into a Subscription Agreement with the Mayibuye Group whereby Mayibuye will subscribe for R163 million ordinary shares in the company and in addition will provide loan financing of R300 million.