12 Mar 2024

Manufacturing and innovation sectors, serving as key drivers of economies globally, compel Batswana to realise their full potential for economic growth and job creation. 

It is essential to position the private sector at the forefront of the economy and prioritise the transformation of the manufacturing sector as a gateway to a privately-led economy.

During the 12^th Leadership Forum for the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Kasane, Minister Mmusi Kgafela emphasised the significance of the private sector in Botswana’s employment landscape.

 According to the most recent survey by Statistics Botswana, the private sector emerged as the largest employer in Botswana, accounting for nearly 50 per cent of paid employment, compared to 47 per cent in government and 4 per cent in parastatals. Manufacturing followed closely, contributing nine per cent to employment, with wholesale and retail trade leading at 22 per cent.

Minister Kgafela said this year theme of the year, Transforming the Manufacturing Sector: A Gateway to a Private Sector-led Economy, called for a shift towards long-term industrialisation strategies aligned with Vision 2036. 

While acknowledging past initiatives by the ministry to boost the manufacturing sector, including incentive regimes and local production support, he stressed the need for a deeper focus on sustainable growth beyond short-term gains.

The agenda for manufacturing, he said also entailed maximising local preference schemes to facilitate industry growth, promote homegrown goods and services globally, and foster collaboration and partnerships within growing sectors. 

Minister Kgafela highlighted the importance of identifying strategies to unlock manufacturing and export potential, address emerging issues, and pave the way for economic inclusion, particularly for the youth, women, and People with Disabilities. as it was crucial in realising national goals of economic diversification, job creation, and poverty eradication.  

Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Trade and Industry Ms Ellen Richard-Madisa stated that the forum intended to review past performance and collectively close performance gaps, re-focus, re-align and re-set the ministry’s mandate and the country’s economic development path.

She said the forum also provided a platform for the ministry to receive feedback on its services to the public from the private sector and other equally critical stakeholders.

She reiterated that manufacturing was the cornerstone of economic growth however noted the manufacturing sector had faced challenges that hindered its growth and consequent contribution to the GDP.

The purpose of the leadership forum is focused on critically analysing challenges inherent in the manufacturing sector and coming up with strategic initiatives that will give more value to drive achievement of the intended outcomes in the year 2024/25.  Ends