New Retail Hub in Block 6 Creates Over 25 Jobs, Champions Local Development in Line with Vision 2036
Puma Energy Botswana, a leading energy provider, today announced a landmark partnership with Hungry Lion, one of Africa’s rapidly expanding quick-service restaurant chains. This collaboration culminates in the opening of the first Hungry Lion restaurant at a Puma Energy service station in Botswana, specifically at the Gaborone Block 6 site. This strategic alliance is set to enhance local convenience and make significant contributions to the national economy through job creation and support for Botswana’s long-term development goals.
The new Hungry Lion establishment at the Block 6 Puma Energy service station has immediately created over 25 new employment opportunities for Batswana. This figure is anticipated to grow as the partnership strengthens, aligning with a shared commitment to youth empowerment and skills development within the retail and hospitality sectors. The integration of a popular fast-food brand into a key service station provides increased choice and convenience for residents of Block 6 and surrounding areas, reflecting a modern approach to community service offerings.
Tendai Mwewa, Managing Director of Puma Energy Botswana, emphasised the partnership’s alignment with national objectives. “This collaboration between Hungry Lion and Puma Energy is a direct response to Botswana’s Vision 2036 agenda, specifically targeting sustainable economic growth and citizen empowerment,” Mwewa stated during the launch. “By expanding access to modern retail and quick-service restaurant options within our fuel retail sites, this project actively stimulates local economic activity. It not only creates vital employment opportunities but also enhances overall service delivery for our customers across various needs.”
Mwewa further elaborated on the broader impact, explaining, “Beyond direct employment, this partnership is designed to support enterprise development and facilitate critical skills transfer within Botswana’s burgeoning retail and hospitality sectors. This directly contributes to the growth of a more diversified, inclusive, and competitive economy, which is a cornerstone of Vision 2036’s ambition to transform Botswana into a high-income, knowledge-based economy driven by robust private sector participation and innovation. We are genuinely excited about our future growth plans within Botswana and across Africa, and our continued investment in new infrastructure, technology, and people remains a testament to our commitment to the nation’s progress.”
Guest of Honour, Assistant Minister for State President, Honourable Maipelo Mophuting-Dikoloti, reiterated the government’s appreciation for such private sector initiatives. “The collaboration between Hungry Lion and Puma Energy serves as a tangible example of how strategic partnerships in the private sector can significantly contribute to Botswana’s Vision 2036 goals,” Minister Mophuting-Dikoloti remarked. “This investment promotes economic diversification, stimulates the development of local enterprises, and, crucially, generates sustainable employment opportunities for the people of Botswana. As a government, we are profoundly encouraged by initiatives like these, which not only improve public service offerings through increased convenience but also significantly enhance citizen participation in the economy and strengthen capacity within the retail and hospitality sectors. We
commend Puma Energy and Hungry Lion for their steadfast commitment and support, and we look forward to the enduring growth and success that this partnership promises.”
This new venture by Puma Energy Botswana and Hungry Lion is set to be a model for integrated service offerings, aiming to meet diverse customer needs while making a tangible difference in the economic landscape of Gaborone and contributing to the nation’s development trajectory.