02 Feb 2020

In anticipation of the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Dr Thapelo Matsheka’s maiden budget speech today, some Batswana believe the speech will focus on ways of improving the economy.

Mr Kganetso Ramogosa, a final year Business Tourism Management student at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology student, said they expected to see growth stimulation especially in the tourism sector.  

He said the tourism industry was evolving at a rapid rate creating more job opportunities for the youth.

“Although there are endless job opportunities for the youth in the sector, I wish to get employed before I can venture into business,” said Mr Ramogosa.

With the digital transformation in the industry, Mr Ramogosa  said he hoped that government could regulate private sector wages.

He also said government should reduce foreign private entities and promote locals, adding that a tourism graduate should not be without a job in this the sector.

The Small Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) have always been identified as drivers of inclusive economic growth and development in the world including Botswana.

“The SMMEs is considered an integral part of the economy as they are a major source of employment and drivers of economic growth in the economy as they reduce unemployment,” he said.

As for small business owners like Ms Baphutholodi Obonye, the budget speech might open opportunities to grow her business.

She said with better opportunities she would be able to access financial assistance and ultimately opened market opportunities.

She said government would empower them through training, business networking, financial skills and management skills in order for them to grow their small businesses.

To those in the transport industry, their wish was to see improvement in road infrastructure and management of public transport. ENDS