24 Feb 2019

Government has devised several strategies and programmes geared towards reduction of unemployment throughout the country.

Responding to a question in Parliament, Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Nonofo Molefhi said the strategies included the development of National Employment Policy, which would assist the country in achieving productive, gainful and decent employment for all, to contribute to the reduction of income inequality as well as to support government’s poverty eradication efforts.

He said the envisaged policy was expected to be in place by March. Other strategies, he said, included intensified efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment flows into Botswana, Economic Diversification Drive, implementation of Poverty Eradication Programme, Youth Development Fund and Women Empowerment Programme.

Mr Molefhi emphasised that reduction of unemployment remained government’s priorities as articulated in NDP11 and Vision 2036 as well as President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s roadmap.

He stated that government remained deeply committed to effectively implement NDP 11 by leaving no one behind in order to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for all Batswana. Francistown East MP, Mr Buti Billy had asked the minister to state strategies in place to assist in reducing unemployment in rural areas and towns. ENDS