23 Jul 2025

The motion  on National Productivity and Competitiveness Policy, that was tabled before Parliament by the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware has been adopted. 

Legislators unanimously supported the policy, saying it would help the country tackle productivity and competitiveness challenges. MP for Jwaneng/Mabutsane, Mr Omphemetse Kwapa applauded the ministry’s plan to merge the Botswana National Productivity Centre, Botswana Public Service College and Institute for Development Management, saying it was a good initiative that would help enhance productivity through consolidation of resources and expertise. 

Bobirwa MP, Mr Taolo Lucas said the policy was long overdue, stressing that it would assist in ensuring delivery of quality service to Batswana. To achieve high levels of productivity and competitiveness in the country, he said there was also need to ensure effective leadership and good management principles within all sectors. 

Tlokweng MP, Mr Phenyo Segokgo expressed delight that the recently passed bills and adopted policies by Parliament, were aimed at promoting and protecting workers’ rights in line with government’s commitment to being a human rights based government. 

Kgatleng East MP, Mr Mabuse Pule also noted that the policy would help ensure there was effective and efficient service delivery to the public. Mr Pule said the policy also showed government’s commitment to improved performance and economic growth, which could be realised through adoption of good work ethics, efficiency, innovation and quality service delivery. 

In his response to the debates, Minister Mokgware said the policy objective was to drive economic growth and transformation by enhancing productivity and competitiveness across all sectors, given the decrease in the country’s competitiveness. 

He expressed appreciation to the MPs for supporting the motion, saying ‘this policy will also provide an opportunity for government to address productivity and competitiveness challenges in a more coordinated way, throughout all levels of the country’s economy.’ Maj. Gen Mokgware said stakeholders tackling productivity and competitiveness issues could help achieve the country’s desired economic growth through collective responsibility. ENDS