Minister of Trade and Industry Appoints BEDIA CEO- Mr. Jacob Nkate

The former Minister of Education, Mr. Jacob Nkate has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority (BEDIA) effective January 1, 2009.
 
Mr. Nkate's predecessor is Ms Dorcas Makgato-Malesu who in October 2009 became one of the specially elected Members of Parliament and later Assistant Minister for Trade and Industry after Botswana's 2009 general election.
 
At BEDIA, Mr. Nkate will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the organization and for driving dynamic policies and strategies to make Botswana a viable investment destination.
BEDIA is established to encourage, promote and facilitate export-oriented enterprises and selected services that will result in economic diversification, rapid economic growth and creation of sustained employment opportunities.
The Authority is also charged identifying market for locally manufactured good and to provide infrastructure for setting up manufacturing enterprises. BEDIA also works closely with the Government of Botswana to ensure that the country has a conducive investment climate.
 
Mr. Nkate has served in Government as Minister of Education and Skills Development, Minister of Lands and Minister of Trade & Industry among his former portfolios.