-Committed to citizen economic empowerment and localization
-‘National Lottery to run within months’
Gaborone, Botswana: Ithuba Botswana, a subsidiary of a well-known Pan African group, Ithuba Holdings has welcomed, with excitement a recent decision by Gambling Authority Botswana to confirm the company as the Preferred Bidder to operate country’s first National Lottery.
The company is expected to commence negotiations with the Gambling Authority, which will ultimately pave the way for the awarding of the National Lottery licence. According to the Chairman of Ithuba Botswana, Mr Todd Mangadi, the latest developments could not have come at a better time for the Company and indeed the country at large. “We as Ithuba Botswana are ready to contribute significantly to the country’s economic advancement and diversity. We have a strong view that, the National Lottery-which Ithuba Botswana has the capacity to sustainably operate, given our strong track record in other jurisdictions- is one of the avenues which can contribute significantly to Botswana ‘s economic growth and diversity,” said the Chairman of the Board.
Through the National Lottery, Ithuba Botswana will be in a better position to immediately start empowering citizens as more opportunities will open up in the National Lottery value chain. “We wholeheartedly support the Botswana government’s push to have citizens run the economy. We view ourselves as more than just a business, but partners in the country’s growth story. Our citizen empowerment approach is hinged on our commitment to ensuring citizen participation in the rollout of the National Lottery, where citizens are shareholders of the project, empowering/bettering communities and societies in the length and breadth of the country through maximizing contributions for good causes. Through a portion of resources set aside for broad based organizations and entities, employment opportunities and skills transfer of a dynamic new industry, we ensure mark-moving and meaningful citizen participation. We also aim to stimulate the retail industry as retailers will earn a commission through ticket sales,” stated the Chairman.
Some of the immediate services which will be procured locally include, but are not limited to printing services, maintenance, security, distribution, warehousing, staff hiring among others. In fact, the company has in place an initiative to increase local game content, train retailers and staff during the License period. Already, Ithuba Botswana has partnered with local businesses who have intimate knowledge of the market. Our partners range from law firms, banks, marketing and communications agencies, accounting, telecommunications and many others. Ithuba Botswana, which is a duly and locally registered business, is expected to invest heavily in the domestic economy, in the process ensuring Botswana has one of the best run Lotteries both regionally and continentally once implemented.
The company’s ability to run a National Lottery is unrivalled. There is evidence to illustrate on this. “With a proven track record, sound understanding and knowledge, and experience in the lottery industry, Ithuba Botswana has the capital in terms of the guarantees required by the Gambling Authority, as well as the expertise and resources to roll out the National Lottery with immediacy, should we be awarded the opportunity. All things being equal, we can be in a position to start running the National Lottery in matter of months.,” said the Chairman.
“In conclusion, Ithuba Botswana is committed to engaging all stakeholders to collaborate in unlocking value for Botswana through the efficient and robust management of the Botswana National Lottery”.