28 Jan 2020

As Botswana readies itself for being an international events hub, the nation should play a pioneering role in its way of doing things, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said.

Addressing the media in Gaborone on the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting outcomes yesterday, he said in the quest to create jobs and a thriving economy, Batswana should show their potential, urge, hunger and develop a deeper resolve to succeed.

Dr Masisi said this against the backdrop of Botswana having been chosen to be among three African countries selected to pilot the Africa Growth Platform (AGP) alongside Ghana and Rwanda.

AGP is a WEF initiative aimed at mobilising the global community to create 100 million Small Medium Enterprises and start-ups by 2025.

He said Botswana’s selection was an advantage as it would be a test of the country’s ability to allow the private sector to be central to the economy.

“Selection itself is an advantage for us. It will be a test of our efficacy as citizens and it will show dynamism and fluidity of systems that provide access and opportunities.

It will be a test in the willingness of the economy and those who manage it, to allow for SMMES to thrive,” he said.

President Masisi said Botswana participated in the WEF meeting that brings together some of the most influential global leaders in government, industry and business by special invitation.

“If I had not gone there to articulate Botswana’s story, Botswana would have not been among the three countries selected to host AGP.

This is an opportunity that we should go for. It is the test of our willingness to crack unemployment problem, productivity challenge and to want to have higher income and wealth and to spread it. It is really a test for everybody including me,” he said.

He said the platform enabled space for learning, interaction, networking with world leaders, heads of international organisations, the media and young people.

Furthermore, he said this year’s theme: Stakeholder for a Cohesive and Sustainable World, recognised the need for countries and businesses to rally together to address global challenges.

He said the Botswana delegation engaged in platforms of structured discussions, bilateral meetings and media events focusing on a number of key issues that included harnessing and taking advantage of the technological revolution to create employment and enhance productivity as well as competitiveness.

President Masisi said the meeting also enabled his delegation to engage in tackling environmental issues, effects of climate change and learning from the most relevant technologies on how to mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance development.

The meeting, he said, also focused on issues dealing with corruption and its adverse consequences for development.

He said a lot had been done in trying to create an enabling environment to lure investors to  Botswana and employ locals. ENDS