21 Apr 2024

Ministry of Trade and Industry remains committed to facilitating the promotion of investment and the development of sustainable industries to diversify and grow Botswana’s economy. 

In his opening remarks on Thursday during the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) stakeholder briefing, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mmusi Kgafela, said it was through vehicles such as BDC that investment and the development of sustainable industries to create wealth and employment, could be accomplished.

Mr Kgafela expressed gratitude that BDC stakeholder briefing provided an important platform for stakeholders to share their vision for the advancement of the country’s economy and their realisation of their collective aspirations. 

“Our journey towards 2036 is not merely about setting ambitious goals, but it is about fundamentally transforming our nation and cultivating a mindset change that embraces innovation, adaptability and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he said. Through its strategic investments and partnerships, BDC was a pivotal player in driving sectoral and economic growth, adding that the Corporation had also laid a foundation for a more prosperous future, he said 

“The Reset Agenda envisions a Botswana that boasts effective infrastructure, streamlined systems and a citizenry equipped with globally competitive skills, serves as our roadmap towards this vision,” Minister Kgafela said. 

Additionally, he said the Reset Agenda reminded Batswana to re-imagine their approach to development; to challenge the status quo and forge new pathways to success. 

Thus, he encouraged all the stakeholders to keep the principles of the Reset Agenda at the forefront of any discussions and explore how BDC, with its strategic investments and partnerships, could serve as a catalyst for realising the aspirations of Vision 2036. 

The minister further said it was through such forums as the BDC stakeholder briefing that key players could effectively deliberate and exchange ideas towards the country’s economic transformation and investment. 

In its 54 years of existence, Mr Mmusi said BDC had built Botswana, “having delivered impact across various sectors of the economy, including; manufacturing, property, infrastructure and services, and other key industries, that have contributed to Botswana’s economic landscape”. 

Sharing insights of BDC’s operating environment,  Managing Director, Mr Cross Kgosidiile, said the corporation was well-equipped to play a pivotal role in realising Botswana’s vision of becoming a high-income economy by 2036. 

Mr Kgosidiile said BDC’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan served as a roadmap for it’s intention, as it was also through the same strategy that BDC survived the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  As the country’s main agency for development and one of the biggest investors in Botswana, Mr Kgosidiile said BDC was ready to lead the way in the country’s economic transformation by effectively placing Botswana in the global economy space through investments and partnerships. 

“We don’t believe that we can be a do-it-alone company,” he added. “Our success lies upon our ability to make use of partners and our strength lies in our shareholders’ support, a resilient business model and a robust strategy.” Ends