A strategic and sustainable partnership is reworking Botswana’s agricultural panorama. Customary Financial institution – by means of Stanbic Financial institution Botswana – has joined forces with Kwenantle Farmers, a distinguished agricultural enterprise, to advertise eco-friendly farming practices whereas contributing to Botswana’s sustainable financial improvement and diversification. This collaboration highlights the shared dedication of each organisations to environmental stewardship, group improvement, and attaining the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Growth Objectives (SDGs), benefiting native communities and the broader financial system.
Kwenantle Farmers, a number one participant in Botswana’s agricultural sector, has constructed its repute over the previous eight years by means of its experience in irrigated fodder manufacturing. The partnership with Customary Financial institution goals to additional improve the sustainability of their operations by financing a 1MW solar-powered irrigation system to the quantity to BWP27 million. This revolutionary answer will cut back power prices by 65%, guaranteeing extra dependable and cost-efficient manufacturing.
“We’re thrilled to associate with Kwenantle Farmers to drive sustainable development in Botswana’s agricultural sector,” stated Lesego Osman, Head of Enterprise and Business at Stanbic Financial institution Botswana. “This collaboration is an ideal instance of how embracing sustainable practices can create lasting, constructive change. It not solely helps defend the environment and cut back our carbon footprint but additionally stimulates financial development by selling innovation, creating jobs, and empowering native communities. By supporting Kwenantle Farmers’ transition to renewable power, we’re enabling them to scale their operations and strengthen all the agricultural worth chain. By means of initiatives like this, we will pave the best way for a extra sustainable and affluent future for Botswana, guaranteeing that we develop in concord with the surroundings and create alternatives for generations to come back, all whereas contributing to the expansion of a affluent Botswana in keeping with the nation’s nationwide imaginative and prescient.”
The partnership’s affect extends past environmental advantages. By considerably decreasing power prices, Kwenantle Farmers will unlock essential money circulate, facilitating an growth of their operations from 574 hectares to 839 hectares. This development will enhance their annual manufacturing from 6,150 tonnes to 7,850 tonnes, creating 50 new jobs and boosting native employment from 104 to 154 individuals.
“Kwenantle Farmers is deeply dedicated to sustainable farming practices that assist our group, the surroundings, and the way forward for agriculture in Botswana,” stated Obonye Lembie Mmereki, Co-Principal of Kwenantle Farmers.
“For us, sustainability is about extra than simply adopting inexperienced applied sciences—it’s about creating long-term worth for our individuals, our nation, and the planet. By means of revolutionary farming strategies and renewable power options, we’re decreasing our environmental footprint whereas boosting productiveness and guaranteeing meals safety. With Customary Financial institution’s invaluable assist, we’re assured in our potential to broaden our operations and proceed making a constructive, lasting affect in Botswana. Their partnership has been essential in offering the monetary backing and strategic steering we have to undertake applied sciences that improve our farming practices and empower our crew. Collectively, we’re setting a brand new customary for sustainable agriculture in Botswana, and we’re excited in regards to the future we’re constructing—one which nurtures financial development, creates jobs, and preserves the surroundings for generations to come back,” added Obonye Lembie Mmereki.
With technical assist from the Customary Financial institution – Agri3 Fund synergy, the undertaking is implementing greatest practices in fertilizer utility, worker housing, and biodiversity conservation, thereby championing local weather change. Furthermore, it helps Customary Financial institution’s dedication to the Sustainable Growth Objectives (SDGs), notably Purpose 2 (Zero Starvation), Purpose 7 (Inexpensive and Clear Vitality), and Purpose 8 (Respectable Work and Financial Progress). Each organisations are guaranteeing that financial development aligns with environmental sustainability, making a mannequin for improvement that may profit Botswana for generations to come back.