19 Feb 2023

For Botswana to become a high income country by 2036, productivity should be recognised as a key component for economic growth.

Deputy director for Productivity and Competitiveness in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, Mr Kesegofetse Oaitse said this during a workshop on developing a productive competitiveness policy in Gaborone on Friday.

Mr Oaitse said Batswana needed to align themselves with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Reset Agenda in order for the country to attain national development goals.

He also emphasised the need for Batswana to be productive despite challenges, citing the COVID-19 crisis, which slowed down productivity. 

Mr Oaitse pointed out that in recognition of Botswana’s declining competitiveness, government had prioritised development of policy and strategy. 

He said Botswana had been stuck as a developing country, adding that to realise the dreams of high income country there was need to focus more on productivity.

“As a country, to attain a high income status, the nation needs to be productive,” said Mr Oaitse.

For his part, the director for Productivity and Competitiveness, Mr Bonnie Jim also reiterated that the journey towards high income status meant being productive. 

Mr Jim said unfortunately Botswana had an economic growth of between -6 and 3, saying that was at almost 0 per cent, therefore rendering Botswana a middle income country.

“Productivity encompasses every area, be it from home, work, no one should be left behind,” he said, adding that even house helpers, cattle herders should not be left behind. 

Consultant, Dr Lindani Ndlovu said drivers of productivity and competitiveness improvement included being innovative, having better education and investment in physical and capital aspects.

Dr Ndlovu said innovation should come from all streams and there should be enhanced human capital, including investment in research and development.

He also called on every household to pursue excellence, adding that for productivity to be achieved at national level, it should start at household level.

“Productivity should be self-driven in all sectors be it agriculture, church, village development committees, construction in an effort to improve service facilitation,” said Dr Ndlovu.

The half day workshop had gathered officials of the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, dikgosi, members of the taxi association, Botswana National Productivity Centre officials under one roof to deliberate on the national productivity and competitiveness policy development. ends