BITC’S FACILITATION OF THE DELTA AUTOMOTIVES TECHNOLOGIES

Botswana aims to create a competitive and globally integrated automotive manufacturing sector. With a focus on long-term sustainability, the country has increased its component exports tenfold over the past 20 years and now supplies half of South Africa’s imports of ignition wiring sets. This represents a significant growth opportunity. In recent years, there has been a rise in investment and trade, attracting several international auto component manufacturers, which include Delta Automotive Technologies.

Delta Automotive Technologies first visited Botswana on an exploratory mission in 2013 through the BITC-RSA office. The purpose of this visit was to conduct a feasibility study and explore potential site locations, as the company was considering expanding into Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland at the time. Following this mission, BITC developed a value proposition that encouraged PASDEC to relocate to Botswana. In 2014, BITC facilitated the establishment of PASDEC in Botswana with support from the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC).

In 2017, with customized investment facilitation services provided by BOSSC, PASDEC completed its relocation to Botswana, contributing to job creation for locals and bringing in foreign capital. In 2021, the company rebranded to Delta Automotive Technologies.

Delta Automotive Technologies is one of the few companies currently producing automotive components in Botswana. Specifically, it manufactures wiring harnesses for various automobile assembly plants in South Africa, including selected models from Volkswagen (VW) and Renault.

As part of its advocacy efforts to create a conducive business environment for expansion and diversification, BITC submitted a proposal to the Government of Botswana in 2022 to grant incentives to Delta Automotive Technologies in light of its expansion plans. BITC recognizes Delta's role in supporting the government's aspirations for developing the automotive value chain in Botswana and views the company as a springboard for further industry growth.

Today, October 23, 2024, we celebrate the success of that advocacy agenda and the achievement of ambitious and robust expansion plans. As part of these efforts, Delta Automotive Technologies was awarded a contract in 2023 by Nissan Japan to produce wiring harnesses for the new Nissan Navara model. This expansion is expected to increase employment from the current 356 to 989 by 2027.

The role played by Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) both at initial setup, and in the recent expansion of Delta Automotive Technologies, was instrumental and stands as a testament to its commitment to fostering economic growth and development. This achievement highlights the power of collaboration, and it is through strong stakeholder partnerships—such as those between BITC and BDC—that ambitious projects like Delta Automotive Technologies, not only come to life but grow. Together, these efforts are creating opportunities that drive Botswana forward, ensuring sustainable progress for our nation.