Source: News24
Botswana is enforcing a law that bars foreigners from opening businesses in townships. Dubbed the Industrial Development Act of 2019 and its Regulations of 2020, the law seeks to ring-fence business activities reserved for locals, and “perpetrators” will be prosecuted.
A statement, issued by the country’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry highlighted some of the businesses to include wholesale retail and filling stations (petroleum).
The protected list has 21 business crafts, ranging from bread and confectionery to furniture.
The new turn of events has been attributed to the devastating effects of Covid-19 on the economies of member states of SADC, making them find ways of survival, and adopting a “my people first” attitude.
An economic outlook statement by SADC says as the pressure mounts, industries are moving swiftly to build resilience, while governments are mobilizing to safeguard citizens and manage the socio-economic fallout.
