10 Dec 2023

Government has implemented policies and legislation such as the Corruption Policy, Whistleblowing Act and the Financial Intelligence Act to combat corruption.

Speaking at the Africa Business Ethics conference in Gaborone last Wednesday, Assistant Minister of Trade and Investment, Ms Beauty Manake said the implementation of the policies and legislation was testament to government’s unwavering dedication to foster transparency and accountability.

She also said the synergy between government and the private sector had resulted in a conducive environment for ethical business practices to flourish, adding that the establishment of institutions such as the Ethics and Integrity Directorate had resulted in the country being ranked fifth among 54 African countries in 2022.

She said the ranking was not just a reflection of their compliance, but also a testimony of their continuous pursuit of excellence in ethical business practices.

Ms Manake also said while they celebrated 20 years of progress, they acknowledged that challenges persisted, adding that transparency and accountability were ongoing pursuits. She said their commitment was not just to address challenges, but to transform them into opportunities for innovation and improvement. She argued that challenges were a stepping stone to a more robust and ethical business landscape.

Minister Manake also said they had to collectively address challenges with determination, resilience and ingenuity, adding that as they looked into the future they invited active participation and engagement in discussions that would shape the country’s evolving approach to business ethics.

Ms Manake also said innovation and technology would play pivotal roles in defining the next chapter of Botswana’s ethical journey. She said they should not only explore new frontiers, but also forge a path towards a future characterised by transparency, integrity and sustainable business practices.

“The  challenges and opportunities before us are vast and our collective wisdom will chart the course for a brighter tomorrow,” said Ms Manake, adding that they had not merely adhered to international standards, but had actively shaped and enriched the principles of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) to which Botswana was a signatory to. She added that their commitment to upholding the values outlined in the international treaty was not just a legal obligation, and that it was a manifestation of their collective will to create a business environment characterised by transparency, integrity and ethical excellence.

For her part, the managing director of Collective Value Creation Botswana, Ms Tsiamo Thapa said two decades after the ratification of UNCAC, they found themselves at a critical juncture celebrating successes and reflecting on the journey ahead.

She said at the heart of their mission was a fervent belief in the power of ethical business practices to uplift, not only corporations, but also the fabric of communities. Ms Thapa also said engagement with local suppliers would catalyse their growth and success.

She said by embracing business ethics and incorporating ethical considerations into supply chains they played a critical role in fostering a business ecosystem that thrived on integrity.

She further said it was through dialogue, exchanges and collaborations that they laid the groundwork for a future where ethical business practices were not just a choice but the norm.

She also said small businesses, often faced with resource constraints, could benefit from a robust ethical framework.

She said the conference was not just another conference, but a platform for empowerment and a platform where ideas, experiences and expertise converged to create a roadmap for sustainable growth.

Ms Thapa also said engagement with local suppliers would ensure their growth and success. Ends