27 Mar 2022

President Mokgweetsi Masisi reflecting on his presidency in an interview with Duma FM radio personality, Mr Michael Dignash Morapedi at Office of the President on Friday. President Masisi labelled COVID-19 the worst assault on Botswana’s economy as funds had to be diverted from development projects to saving lives. The President explained that the Reset Agenda, with fighting the pandemic as its top priority, was necessitated by the realities of responding to COVID-19.  According to Dr Masisi, ICT and education having been  identified as critical tools for economic growth, digitalisation, entailing extending fibre optic connectivity to villages, businesses and homes as well as lowering charges, was another priority area. He said with digitalisation and opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area, the country could stretch the value of its beef by harvesting semen, branding and exporting it to the rest of Africa. He also talked about profitability of small stock as an export commodity. As an example of government’s intention to bring in influential people,  President Masisi mentioned the forthcoming Forbes Under 30 summit which will make Botswana the first African country to host the event. Photo: Yobe Shonga