05 Dec 2016

The President, Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, says Vision 2036 underscores the fact that the nation must remain focused on its national development path.  

Delivering State-of-the-Nation Address on Monday (December 5), President Khama said the prime objective of the new vision remained delivery of prosperity for all and ensuring that every Motswana enjoyed a dignified livelihood.

Vision 2036 has four pillars being; Sustainable Economic Development, Human and Social Development, Sustainable Environment and Good Governance, Peace and Security.

Talking about Sustainable Economic Development, President Khama said the goal under this pillar would be to see Botswana transformed into a high-income country, where continued growth would be underpinned by a more inclusive, diversified and export led economy.

“This will require us to become more innovative, flexible and productive in our delivery and approach to the world of work.  It also calls for an environment in which private sector expansion is not hampered by onerous regulation and an over reliance on the state,” he said. President Khama said the aim of the human and social development pillar is to build upon Botswana’s legacy as a moral and tolerant society that is inclusive of all Batswana.

“Consistent with our longstanding traditions of mutual support we seek a harmonious future that ensures dignity for all by contributing to the wellness and social upliftment of the whole community,” he said.

He said building a sustainable environment is predicated on the optimal use of natural resources, which is held in stewardship as God’s enduring gift to past, present and future generations.

“We must know the carrying capacity of the diverse ecosystems within our borders, in order to maximise sustainable yields from our renewable resources,” he said.

“With respect to good governance, peace and security, by 2036 we shall have ensured that our republic remains a bastion of freedom, security and the rule of law.

This will require both continuity and evolutionary transformation in our legal and institutional frameworks in response to changing popular expectations for a more disciplined society,” the President said.

President Khama said the four pillars provide an ambitious but realistic framework for further progress that will be translated into programmes and initiatives with measurable timeframes.

He said the successful implementation of Vision 2036 across the next four National Development Plans (NDP), beginning with the just approved NDP 11, will furthermore be driven by a structured delivery mechanism based on enhanced monitoring and evaluation as well as communications, change management, planning and delivery capabilities.

The president said the government’s recent decision to rename, rationalise and increase the number of line Ministries was motivated by a need to focus more on key developmental issues as part of NDP 11, while underscoring the intention to align Botswana with a changing world. ENDS