11 Feb 2026

Leadership should apply creative thinking and innovative approaches to confront societal issues such as economic inequality and unemployment, President Advocate Duma Boko has said.  

Speaking during the Botswana Prison Service senior officers conference, in Mahalapye on Tuesday, President Boko said  knowledge economy was driven by innovation, technology and capital accumulation.

He said success in government and society depended on the pace and scope of innovation, adding that institutions should continuously pursue innovation in their organisational frameworks, operational systems and use of technology.

President Boko further said effective leadership required making compelling arguments for allocating resources  based on proven cost savings, pointing to Botswana Prison Service cost containment and cutting strategies that generate financial savings, which could be redirected to other pressing institutional priorities.

He said creative solutions were necessary to address problems and improve operational efficiency. The President further said leadership should not be feared but should instead be open to feedback and suggestions for improvement.

He said improvisation was a vital part of effective leadership, enabling adaptability and responsiveness, and emphasised that leadership was a collaborative process that depended on contributions and teamwork from all levels. 

President Boko said addressing important societal questions was essential for both institutional and social advancement, highlighting that leaders should be willing to experiment with new approaches and learn from experience.

He also said exploring alternatives in the criminal justice system could help reduce prison populations and improve facility conditions.

For his part, Botswana Prison Service Commissioner, Mr Anthony Mokento said some of  Botswana Prison Service initiatives enhanced economic stability and prison self-sufficiency.

For instance, he said Botswana Prison Service was committed to supporting government initiatives focused on food security and cost containment to improve the economic situation and reduce import bill.

Mr Mokento said agricultural production for prisoners included maize, sorghum, cowpeas and vegetables, adding that the staff college supplied bread to various prisons, contributing to food self-sufficiency.

Furthermore, he said infrastructure maintenance projects carried out by inmates had saved government over P2 million in labour charges, noting that such maintenance was conducted for various government departments.

On other issues, Mr Mokento said they were facing challenges including the smuggling of prohibited articles such as cell phones and drugs into prisons. He said an integrated security solution had been proposed to address the smuggling problem.

He also noted that providing special diet for inmates places a strain on the budget, adding that they were working with the Ministry of Health to create suitable meals plans for prisoners with chronic health conditions. BOPA