Moyo journey to BOW

Source : BOPA

Author : Thamani Shabani

Location : Francistown

Event : Interview

The journey of Providence Moyo, a determined entrepreneur, reflects tenacity and ambition to create a business empire.
A prominent Botswana businessman and politician whose vision resonates with her dreams may have kindled her aspirations.
In 2023, Moyo and her friend, Nobuhle, visited Botswana to attend Global Expo in Gaborone, only to be disappointed with their hotel accommodation and they reached out to their acquaintance, Mmapaseka, who kindly offered them a room at her home.
On the day of the expo, the duo stopped at a nearby filling station to refuel but soon found themselves lost.
As fate would have it, a charismatic gentleman, who recognised their predicament, likely inferred from their Zimbabwean vehicle license plates, approached them.
He graciously offered them directions to the expo venue. Just then, another of their friend, Palesa, arrived and they hurriedly left without exchanging contact information with the kind stranger.
Fast-forward to October 2024, after the Botswana General Elections, Palesa shared a photo of the man in their women’s networking group called “Women of Valor.”
To Moyo’s astonishment, the gentleman was identified as Mr Ndaba Gaolathe, the Vice President (VP) of Botswana and Minister of Finance.
Reflecting on this encounter, Moyo expresses her desire to personally thank him, stating, “If protocols allowed, I would love to pay him a courtesy call to express my gratitude and congratulate him on his new role.”
She believes their chance for a meeting was divinely orchestrated and considers Mr Gaolathe not just a leader but a “destiny helper,” whose vision for job creation through manufacturing aligns perfectly with her ambitions.
Inspired by the VP’s commitment to setting up manufacturing factories in rural areas, Moyo has taken significant steps to relocate part of her business from Zimbabwe to Botswana.
This move has been facilitated through partnerships with local manufacturing firms, notably Bagpiper, a certified beverage manufacturing company.
Her own enterprise, Divine Procare, alongside her non-profit initiative, Providence Pro Foundation, aims to establish a manufacturing facility in Nlaphwane village, located in the North East District.
Moyo’s products, beverages crafted from indigenous African plants such as the Baobab tree, Mangongo tree, Morula tree and Tamarind, are currently sold in Choppies retail stores in Francistown.
Her innovations include four distinct juice lines, Baobab juice, Bao-ginger, and Tamarind-infused variants, all of which have been met with overwhelming demand.
Her story is not just one of business success but also of resilience. Growing up as an orphan and enduring a forced marriage at a young age, Moyo has transformed her hardships into opportunities.
“Divine Procare, under the theme ‘Hand in Hand Changing Times,’ embodies my journey of turning challenges into achievements,” she states.
Her commitment to empowering the local community is clear, as she sources raw materials from rural areas to promote fair trade and create jobs.
Giving back is an integral part of her mission, every March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day, she dedicates her efforts to assisting the less privileged, distributing food hampers and clothing to vulnerable groups.
Moreover, Moyo, a devoted Christian with the Church of God International Ministries and an ordained Minister herself, emphasises that Botswana, with its rich natural resources and stable environment, is an ideal setting for business growth.
She firmly believes that intertwining faith with entrepreneurial endeavours is key to achieving success.
“My business is a blessing, a demonstration of God’s providence in my life. I advocate for women to discover their purpose and recognise that their past does not define them,” said Moyo.
As an educator with numerous accolades from business expos in Zimbabwe, Moyo stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Meeting her at the recent Absa Women Empowerment Workshop in Francistown was a truly enlightening experience.
At first glance, her quiet demeanor might suggest shyness or reserve. However, beneath that calm exterior lie a profound depth and a passionate commitment to uplifting and empowering women.
Moyo embodies the spirit of empowerment and her dreams extend far beyond her own ambitions.
She is dedicated to creating opportunities for women to thrive, fostering an environment where they can pursue their aspirations without barriers.
 Through her work and personal mission, she inspires those around her to realize their potential and find their voices.
Her insights and perspectives during the workshop transcended the usual discussions, sparking meaningful conversations about challenges women face and the collective strength women possess to overcome them.
Moyo is not just a participant in the movement for women’s empowerment; she is a catalyst for change, encouraging others to join her in this vital endeavour.
She calls upon other women to pursue their passions with perseverance and prayer, stating, “I live by purpose, through prayer, patience, and passion, we can turn lemons into lemonade.”
With the support of local partners like Choppies and an unwavering faith in God, Moyo continues to strive towards her vision of empowering others and contributing meaningfully to society.
As she looks to the future, she remains dedicated to building not just a business empire but also a legacy of hope and empowerment for generations to come.
Moyo’s chance meeting with Mr Gaolathe was a turning point in her life, inspiring her to relocate her business to Botswana and pursue her dreams with renewed passion.
Her story is a testament to the power of kindness, faith, and determination in achieving success and making a positive impact in the world. ENDS