Women Entrepreneurs Make Strides in Botswana’s Cleaning Industry. Four women entrepreneurs are making waves in Botswana’s cleaning industry through their company, Pinbelly Elite (Pty) Ltd. Founded by Baikanne Toteng, Gofaone Botshelo, Kenyatsegile Gotewang, and Stephinah Gaanakobo, the company specializes in manufacturing cleaning detergents and has successfully positioned itself in both the public and private sectors.
Despite having no prior business experience, the founders faced early challenges in financial management, marketing, and bookkeeping. Their turning point came after joining the Tokafala enterprise development program, an initiative by Debswana in partnership with the Government of Botswana, De Beers, and Anglo American. The program provided business mentorship, allowing them to refine their pricing strategies and improve their competitiveness in tenders.
As a result, Pinbelly Elite secured contracts with the Selebi Phikwe District Health Management Team and the Gaborone District Council, leading to substantial revenue growth. Within a year, the company expanded from a microenterprise to a small business, demonstrating the impact of strategic business support on women-led ventures.
Recognizing the potential in the retail market, the company took steps to meet industry standards by acquiring product barcodes, obtaining the Brand Botswana certification, and ensuring compliance with packaging and labeling requirements. These efforts enabled Pinbelly Elite to secure listings with major retail chains, including Choppies, Fours, and Welcome Cash & Carry.
Their success highlights the growing influence of women entrepreneurs in Botswana’s economy and the role of enterprise development initiatives in fostering sustainable business growth. As Pinbelly Elite continues to expand, it sets a precedent for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the competitive manufacturing and retail sectors.
