14 Oct 2025

The presentation  the National Development Plan 12 to Parliament on Monday, marks a defining moment in the national planning journey.

The plan represents a deliberate and necessary shift from a government led model to one that is sector-based and private sector–driven, while founded on robust partnerships across government, business, civil society and communities, says Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse.

Addressing Members of Parliament during the official opening of the NDP 12 Parliamentary Seminar on October 14, Mr Keorapetse indicated that such paradigm shift challenged legislators to think differently and to take bold action in creating employment, empowering the youth, boosting productivity, and harnessing technology to drive sustainable transformation.

“NDP 12 is more than a document, it is a strategic roadmap guiding national development, growth and prosperity for the next four and a half years.

“The draft represents the culmination of extensive consultations involving citizens, civil society,the private sector and Members of Parliament,” he said.

He said it incorporated vital inputs from districts and local authorities, ensuring that it reflects the diverse voices of our nation.

Mr Keorapetse highlighted that the country’s development planning heritage was both distinguished and instructive citing that the journey began in 1965 with the Transitional Plan for Social and Economic Development (TPSED), which evolved in 1968 into the first National Development Plan.

“Since then, we have successively implemented NDPs 2 through 11, culminating in the Second Transitional National Plan,” he said.

This systematic approach, he said has been instrumental in Botswana’s remarkable transformation from one of the poorest nations at Independence to an upper-middle-income country since the development plans consistently provide government with strategic direction and identified priority projects for national advancement.

Mr Keorapetse said NDP12 underscored the imperative of resilience underpinned on building an economy capable of adapting to climate change, diversify sustainably and deliver inclusive growth that benefits every Motswana, regardless of their circumstances or location.

He further urged legislators to reflect on their responsibilities in process of development process, indicating the need to acknowledge the critical and multifaceted roles that Parliament played in driving national development.

“As lawmaker, we are entrusted with crafting and amending legislation that shapes policies addressing poverty reduction, gender equality, environmental protection and other pressing national imperatives,” he said.

He noted that Parliament should also provide oversight through rigorous scrutiny of government actions and expenditures, including budget approvals.

“We need to ensure transparency, accountability and value for money in the execution of development plans,” he said.

Through approving national budgets and taxation measures, Mr Keorapetse said Parliament directly influenced the direction of government spending and hold the executive accountable for prudent resource allocation.

He stated that Parliament constitutional functions was to empower citizens, uphold human rights and reinforce the rule of law, all of which were essential pillars of sustainable development.

It was against this background that Mr Keorapetse called on Parliamentarians to approach ongoing special Parliament session with a profound sense of purpose and measured optimism. ENDS