13 Oct 2020

A key pillar in Botswana and Germany’s development trajectory entails continuously developing their human capital says President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

   The two countries therefore remain important partners in the development of a highly skilled workforce, he said when receiving letters of credence from the new German ambassador to Botswana, Ms Margit Hellwig-Böette October 13.

   President Masisi said the development of local human capital would stabilise migration of locals to foreign developed countries.

He said Botswana noted with admiration how Germany had managed to develop a dual system in vocational training in order to meet its economy’s demand for highly qualified personnel. 

 The President acknowledged the role that Germany was playing in transforming Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) in Botswana adding that the upgrading would be beneficial in the transformation drive to a knowledge-based economy.

President Masisi said he was convinced that the development of a productive human capital through effective vocational training was the right remedy in developing the proposed Maun science park.

Expressing optimism that Ms Hellwig-Böette would fully facilitate local human capital development, the President said the wide-ranging support and assistance that Germany continued to extend to Botswana in the areas of education, human resource development, tourism, energy, conservation and technology had contributed immensely to Botswana’s development. 

Dr Masisi said Botswana attached a lot of importance to its relations with Germany, dating back to 1966, which were premised on their shared values of democracy, good governance, respect for the rule of law, mutual respect and understanding as well as continuous pursuit of sustainable development.

He said the two countries were working together on the international front to find solutions to the many and complex challenges afflicting humanity, particularly COVID 19.

For her part, Ms Hellwig-Böette said Botswana and Germany were important partners who shared the same values of democracy and roots governing multi-racial cooperation.

She said her appointment was testament of the excellent relations existing between the two countries to further strengthen their partnership for the mutual benefit of their respective citizenry.  

It was imperative that both countries worked together to deliver on the noble aspirations of mankind, she said adding they should continue collaborating in shaping globalization rather than lamenting its consequences. ends