07 Mar 2026

Government is working round the clock to address the country's fuel security concerns, says President Advocate Duma Boko.

Addressing the 2026 Botswana National Front leadership forum in Francistown on Saturday, President Boko, who is also the party leader, revealed that Botswana had only nine days’ worth of fuel reserves, far below the standard 90 days.

He stressed that fuel security was a critical issue impacting the country's overall security.

“We are beginning to build a robust economy with good policies and programmes, and captive markets,” President Boko said, highlighting the administration’s efforts to diversify the economy beyond diamonds, minerals, SACU revenues and taxation.

The President outlined several reforms and initiatives, including the national schools feeding programme, which aims to support local farmers and stimulate economic growth. He also cited the turnaround of the Botswana Meat Commission, which was now making profits and paying farmers promptly.

“The Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board has also paid farmers over P500 million, and we are transforming the Citizen Economic Development Agency to support economic diversification,” President Boko said.

Addressing health concerns, the President acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector, but noted progress in addressing drug shortages and upgrading healthcare facilities, including the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital.

President Boko highlighted the disparity in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed capacity between Princess Marina Hospital and Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital.

“Princess Marina Hospital, which serves as a major referral hospital in Gaborone, has only eight ICU beds, whereas Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital, with its modern equipment, has 36 ICU beds that remain under-utilised," he said.

The President explained that the government took steps to address this imbalance by upgrading Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital to a fully-fledged healthcare facility, aiming to alleviate the pressure on Princess Marina Hospital and improve healthcare services in the region.

This move, he said, was expected to enhance the country’s critical care capacity and provide better healthcare outcomes for patients.

“We have made significant strides in addressing health issues, and our efforts will continue to ensure quality healthcare for all Batswana,” he said.

President Boko also highlighted other achievements, including the absorption of former special constables into the Botswana Police Service and plans to insource jobs previously outsourced to private companies.

The Ipelegeng programme is set to be renamed Ikageng, with participants’ stipends increasing to P2,500, effective April. ENDS