Building Botswana’s Future: A Bold Vision for Private Sector Growth. Business Botswana (BB), the apex body representing the interests of the private sector, has launched its much-anticipated strategic plan for 2024-2028. This comprehensive blueprint, unveiled in Gaborone, seeks to transform the country’s economic landscape by fostering a dynamic, competitive, and inclusive private sector.
Speaking at the launch event, Business Botswana President Gobusamang Keebine emphasized the organization’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses. “Our goal is to ensure that the private sector becomes the backbone of Botswana’s economy. This plan is a roadmap to address challenges, leverage opportunities, and drive sustainable growth,” Keebine stated.
A Strategic Approach
The plan focuses on several critical areas, including policy advocacy, stakeholder collaboration, and capacity-building for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Key pillars of the strategy include:
- Strengthening Advocacy: BB aims to enhance its engagement with policymakers to shape regulations that encourage investment and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
- Promoting Diversification: Recognizing the need to reduce dependency on diamond mining, the strategy emphasizes innovation and investment in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy.
- Empowering SMEs: The plan includes initiatives to equip SMEs with the skills, funding, and technology needed to thrive in a competitive global market.
Keebine highlighted the critical role SMEs play in Botswana’s economy, saying, “SMEs are the lifeblood of our communities. By supporting them, we are not just creating jobs but building resilient economies across the country.”
Tackling Persistent Challenges
While the plan is ambitious, BB acknowledges the significant hurdles facing Botswana’s private sector. High unemployment, limited access to finance, and slow adoption of digital transformation are among the pressing issues. However, the strategy aims to address these by working closely with government agencies, international partners, and local businesses.
In an exclusive interview, BB CEO Norman Moleele elaborated on the importance of collaboration. “We cannot do this alone. This is a collective effort requiring input from all stakeholders—government, businesses, and civil society. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem that benefits all Batswana,” Moleele said.
A Call for Action
Business Botswana’s strategic plan also includes measures to address youth and women’s participation in the economy, aligning with national priorities such as Vision 2036. By fostering inclusivity, the organization hopes to unlock the untapped potential within these demographics.
Entrepreneurs in Botswana have welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism about the focus on diversification and SME empowerment. One local tech entrepreneur, Tebogo Moagi, shared her thoughts: “It’s encouraging to see a plan that prioritizes innovation and addresses the challenges we face daily. With the right support, Botswana has the potential to become a leader in Africa’s tech revolution.”
Looking Ahead
As Botswana navigates the complexities of a globalized economy, Business Botswana’s 2024-2028 strategic plan presents a clear vision for progress. By addressing long-standing challenges and fostering an inclusive, diversified economy, this roadmap has the potential to position the private sector as a driving force behind the nation’s growth.
The success of this ambitious initiative will depend on effective implementation and unwavering collaboration among stakeholders. As Keebine aptly put it, “This is more than a plan—it’s a promise to the people of Botswana to create a brighter, more prosperous future.”
