03 Feb 2015

A Presidential Task Team is to be appointed in March to lead development of the next national vision, as the period of the current long term vision- Vision 2016 approaches the end. 

This task team, according to the finance minister, Mr Kenneth Matambo, was anticipated to conclude its work by December 2015, whilst the new vision was expected to be launched in September 2016.

The minister, who was delivering the 2015/2016 budget speech said government, through the National Strategy Office, had embarked on the preparation of the National Vision Beyond 2016.

In this regard, he said diagnostic studies of the four thematic areas of; Economy and Employment, Social Upliftment, Sustainable Environment and Governance and Safety and Security had been undertaken. 

He said in November 2014, the draft vision framework was approved by the Botswana Economic Advisory Council chaired by President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama and as from April, 2015 would guide discussion and consultations with the general public.

Furthermore, he said considering that the development of a new vision provided an anchor for medium term plans, government also took a deliberate decision to extend the period of NDP 10 by one more year. 

“I am happy that Parliament endorsed this decision at its last meeting in December 2014. This would allow for proper alignment of NDP 11 goals and objectives with the nation’s future aspirations as would be articulated in the National Vision Beyond 2016,” he added. ENDS