Forging a Collaborative Future: SEZA Engages Lobatse Leadership on Meat and Leather SEZ Vision
LOBATSE, Botswana – In a move underscoring the power of local collaboration for national economic growth, the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA) met with the Lobatse Urban Development Committee this week to chart a shared course for the town’s industrial future. The engagement, led by SEZA’s Acting CEO, Ms. Tapiwa Masie, focused on transforming the vision for the Lobatse Special Economic Zone (SEZ) into a tangible hub for investment and job creation.
The meeting, held on November 11, 2025, served as a strategic dialogue to align local development plans with SEZA’s national investment promotion mandate. At its heart was the ambitious plan to develop Lobatse into a specialized Meat and Leather city.
Unlocking Potential Through Partnership
Ms. Masie opened the discussion by outlining the significant opportunity the SEZ presents. “Our mission is to transform this vision into a beacon of industrial activity,” she stated, addressing the committee. “The Lobatse SEZ is earmarked to become a specialized Meat and Leather city, boasting 72 industrial and 12 commercial plots ready for investor allocation.”
She candidly addressed the current status of the zone, viewing it not as a setback but as a canvas for collaboration. “While the plots are currently undeveloped and awaiting services, we see this as a prime opportunity for pioneering investors and developers,” Ms. Masie explained. “We are actively inviting partners to join us under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to build the necessary infrastructure and unlock this zone’s immense potential.”
Emphasizing the need for a unified approach, the Acting CEO called on the committee’s support. “To ensure our success, it is crucial that our local development plans are in harmony with the SEZ’s strategic goals. A collaborative effort is the surest path to sustainable growth and economic expansion for Lobatse and for Botswana.”
A Candid Exchange on Foundations for Growth
In a spirit of constructive dialogue, committee members welcomed SEZA’s initiative while raising a critical point for the zone’s long-term viability. Their primary concern centered on the foundation of the proposed meat and leather industry: the national cattle herd.
Committee members highlighted the challenge posed by the declining cattle population, noting that this could significantly hinder efforts to develop a thriving processing industry. They unanimously urged SEZA to fast-track strategic partnerships with key industry players, specifically mentioning the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) and various farmer associations, to address this supply-chain challenge at its root.
A Unified Path Forward
The meeting was characterized by a shared commitment to problem-solving and a mutual understanding that the SEZ’s success is intrinsically linked to the prosperity of the Lobatse community. The dialogue demonstrated that while the vision for the SEZ is clear, its realization depends on tackling practical challenges together—from securing raw materials to attracting the right private sector partners.
This engagement is part of SEZA’s ongoing national initiative to work hand-in-hand with district leadership in SEZ areas. By fostering these direct conversations, SEZA aims to ensure that the development of Special Economic Zones is a collaborative effort, driving sustainable economic growth from the ground up. The path forward for the Lobatse SEZ is now being paved not just with plans, but with partnership.
