20 Mar 2025

Assistant Minister for State President, Ms Maipelo Mophuting has vowed to revitalise Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) to its former glory.

During a courtesy call in Gaborone today, she urged BIDPA staff to guide her in fulfilling the institution’s vital mandate, which was essential for informing legislators during the policymaking process.

Established in 1995 by government, BIDPA plays a significant role in the nation’s public policy landscape. The assistant minister underscored the critical function it served in advancing human development. BIDPA’s mandate focused on conducting demand and supply driven researches, analysis and publications on developmental policy issues relevant to Botswana and the Southern Africa region.

Acting executive director, Dr Gloria Somolekae, said BIDPA provided research findings in easily understandable language for policymakers. However, due to capacity erosion, it struggled to recruit and retain staff, hindering its ability to fulfil its mandate effectively, she said. She said BIDPA’s insufficient support and resources diminished it to a consultancy role, which posed implications for its effectiveness.

Dr Somolekae said the institution’s evidence-based policy advice was crucial for government decision-making, urging government to resuscitate BIDPA from its current state. Additionally, Dr Somolekae raised concerns about dilapidated and abandoned buildings around BIDPA facility, which she described as a security threat to employees.

Dr Raymond Lekobane, an employee from the human and social development unit, echoed the sentiments that BIDPA’s transformation into a consultancy firm had detracted it from its advisory role.

He urged the assistant minister to allow the institution to present research ideas and request funding to align with its mandate and deliver on its critical contributions to human development and economic growth. ENDS