05 Aug 2025

The Minister for State President, Mr Moeti Mohwasa has expressed concern that many MPs were debating the Conventional Arms Control Bill without fully understanding its content.

His remarks came following the second reading of the Conventional Arms Control Bill, 2025, which was subsequently passed to Committee Stage in Parliament yesterday. Mr Mohwasa emphasised the importance of MPs familiarising themselves with the Bill to ensure their contributions aligned with its purpose.

“Let us read and understand the Bill before debating it. The Bill is not just about weapons, it is about establishing a regulatory framework for a new industry in Botswana,” he said.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish the National Conventional Arms Control Authority and the National Conventional Arms Control Committee. Minister Mohwasa said the bodies would form part of a national system designed to regulate international trade in conventional arms, ensuring responsible and transparent arms transfers.

“This is not only about guns, it is about investing in Botswana, creating jobs in sectors such as arms production, including making items like shoe rifles among others,” clarified Mr Mohwasa.

He further said the industry had potential to grow and support other local manufacturing initiatives. Furthermore, he clarified misconceptions about the Bill, stating that the arms they were talking about were not for hunting birds.

“We are talking about ammunition production as a country, not to wage wars, but to build capacity and self-reliance,” he noted.

Mr Mohwasa also challenged the public and policymakers not to underestimate Botswana’s capabilities.

“Let us not think we are only consumers. We can also be manufacturers,” he urged.

He explained that the Bill introduced a trade law to regulate the authorisation, transfer, transit and brokering of conventional arms, adding that it aimed to promote transparency and responsible trade practices in the arms sector, while also addressing existing legislation such as the Arms and Ammunition Act.

Calling for collaboration, Minister Mohwasa encouraged MPs to bring their ideas forward to improve the Bill. Nevertheless, he expressed appreciation to MPs who constructively contributed to the debate, reiterating that the Bill was intended to support business development and economic diversification in Botswana. ENDS