17 Nov 2020

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says young people are key in finding creative solutions to the diversification of the economy and create employment. 

Officially opening the 15th Global Expo Botswana in Gaborone yesterday, Dr Masisi predicted it would deliver a premier online business-to-business exhibition using virtual reality technology developed by a team of talented youth.

Dr Masisi urged the private sector, civil society and government’s development partners to continue supporting the youth in showcasing their talents and tapping into their innovative potential.

“Government will continue to partner with strategic stakeholders such as the World Economic Forum (WEF) and global hi-tech companies to fast track digitisation and lend support to our young people. These initiatives will also go a long way in contributing to our efforts towards the ease of doing business in Botswana,” said President Masisi. 

He said the exhibition, which had attracted more than 120 local and international companies, presented an opportunity for local entrepreneurs, especially the youth,  to interact and network with the business community and potential investors. 

“It also provides an opportunity for them to share ideas, knowledge, as well as learn from the best practices that will help them improve their enterprises,” he said.

Dr Masisi said it had become normal for meetings and events to be conducted virtually in an effort to minimize the spread and transmission of COVID-19.

 “Until an effective and reliable vaccine is found, we will continue to follow laid-down health protocols and regulations to protect ourselves and our nations from this deadly virus,” he said. 

Noting that the pandemic had negatively impacted on health systems and the global economy, the President said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had forecast a deep recession this year with the global economy projected to decline by 4.4 per cent. 

Dr Masisi  said in the case of Botswana, estimates showed an 8.9 per cent contraction in domestic output for 2020 compared to pre-COVID-19 growth projections of 4.4 per cent.

To re-boot the economy and cushion it from the unprecedented shock brought by COVID-19, Dr Masisi said government had adopted the Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan (ERTP). 

Dr Masisi said government had prioritised the use of technology and digitalisation in efforts to create a digitally inclusive nation. 

The country had therefore adopted  Smart Botswana Strategy expected to digitise the service sector to improve service delivery, he said.

The President said government continued to implement robust programmes to enhance the strategy. 

To this end, President Masisi said Botswana Fibre Network (BoFiNet) had increased national fibre coverage to over 10 600 kilometres across the country to help reduce the digital divide. 

Dr Masisi said Botswana had identified digital technologies as key enablers for economic recovery and transformation.

He therefore emphasised the need to prioritise skills development and capacity building, digital infrastructure development, digital access and international collaboration in the economic recovery trajectory.

The theme for this year’s expo is “Using Disruptive Tech to Shape the New Normal in the era of Covid-19 and Beyond.” Ends