GABORONE, Nov. 11 — Botswana’s President Duma Boko on Monday called for innovation, investment, and partnership to drive economic transformation and build a stronger Botswana.
Delivering this year’s State of the Nation Address in the capital, Gaborone, Boko highlighted the country’s progress over the past year and outlined government plans and priorities for the year ahead.
Under the theme “The Steady Path: Delivering on Our Promise, One Step at a Time,” the address focused on Botswana’s transport infrastructure, strategic trade and connectivity position, agricultural competitiveness, tourism and mineral economies, health insurance, social protection, education, housing, environmental conservation, climate change, and leveraging public-private partnerships to finance projects amid fiscal constraints.
“The ongoing forensic audit will undoubtedly culminate in strengthening governance. It will foster a culture of transparency and accountability across the economy,” Boko said.
“Agriculture remains the mainstay of the rural economy. We need to raise agriculture’s contribution to the gross domestic product from the current 2 percent to at least 6 percent,” said the president.
On environmental initiatives, he announced a national clean-up campaign, designating the second Saturday of every month as Clean-Up Day. On peace and security, Boko added that Botswana has submitted its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2030-2031.
