US-based MCC Worldwide has signed a long-term MOU in Wilmington, Delaware to enter into a 99-year lease agreement with the Ministry of Entrepreneurship Botswana, the Special Economic Zones Authority, Botswana (“SEZA”), and the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (“CAAB”), to develop 371 acres (150 hectares) for an MCC Worldwide Free Trade Hub Zone with direct flight line access. MCC Worldwide will be the economic engine to spur development at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport’s, Airport City, stimulating trade to and from Africa. Leading the effort with the Government of Botswana is George Kearns, Chairman and CEO of MCC Worldwide. He said that this will give a tremendous boost to Botswana’s logistics industry resulting in increased trade. “The first phase of this project is estimated to be $800 million.”

In a visit to Delaware on December 20th, a member of the Republic of Botswana’s trade mission to Delaware expressed its appreciation for “the extraordinary job WTC Delaware did for them during their visit in November, “said George Kearns, who also serves as Vice Chairman of World Trade Center Delaware. “It created an opportunity for the delegation to understand the advantages Delaware offers to international business.” Their visits ranged from the Port of Wilmington, the Wilmington Airport and Flight Safety International to numerous departments at Delaware Technical Community College, Delaware State University and UD’s STAR campus, and meetings with the Delaware Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock, and business leaders. The Gala provided another opportunity for them to meet U.S. Senator Tom Carper, U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, Delaware’s Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long and many others in a wide variety of sectors. Mr. Kearns added that “The trip was very productive and they have been conducting follow up meetings with organizations they met.”