12 Feb 2026

A strong partnership between government and labour unions is essential for fostering economic stability and enhancing productivity through social dialogue, President Advocate Duma Boko has said.

Speaking during a meet-and-greet session with labour union leadership, President Boko emphasised the importance of maintaining a tripartite collaboration between government, employers and trade unions.

He said such an approach would ensure inclusive economic growth while protecting the workforce, particularly during periods of economic transition or crisis.

“In essence, a constructive partnership transforms the relationship from an adversarial one into a collaborative, long-term strategy that drives both economic prosperity and social progress,” he said.

President Boko noted that one of the key benefits of this partnership was the promotion of economic stability and growth by ensuring that industrial strategies aligned with workforce development.

This, he said, would create a platform for workers to prosper while improving service delivery.

“When working in partnership with the government, unions can encourage members to participate in national productivity efforts and skills training, enhancing overall economic efficiency,” he said.

As the country continues to face pressure to diversify its economy, President Boko said the workforce was expected to be instrumental in driving this initiative, noting that labour was one of the core elements of economic growth, alongside natural resources, capital and entrepreneurship.

He said understanding the role of the workforce was crucial for appreciating how economic systems function and grow.

The President said at the heart of any thriving economy lies its workforce, which played a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape.

“Economically speaking, labour is essential for growth, driving production, innovation and consumption. It turns raw materials into goods and services, fuels technological advancement and generates income, which supports demand and stimulates further economic activity,” he said.

President Boko further noted that sound labour relations were critical for workplace conflict mitigation, as unions served as a channel for employee grievances, helping to reduce labour unrest, strikes and work slowdowns, thus promoting a more stable industrial climate.

Meanwhile, Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSO) president, Mr Gotlamang Oitsile called on government to create an enabling environment for unions to thrive, noting that unions played a crucial role in identifying emerging policy concerns and supporting evidence-based labour policy formulation.

Mr Oitsile said government needed to recognise the dynamics of bargaining power in labour economics.

“In the field of labour economics, the concept of bargaining power plays a crucial role in shaping the dynamics between workers and employers. This balance of power is instrumental in determining various aspects of employment, including wage levels, working conditions and job security,” he said.

He added that unions should remained aware of their regulatory function, as they were mandated to help regulate workplace environments and influence the direction government took on critical workforce-related matters.

To that effect, Mr Oitsile emphasised the need for adequate legislation to be in place to enable unions to fully execute their mandate of representing their members effectively. ENDS