27 May 2026

Botswana is intensifying efforts to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable tourism and green economic development following the launch of the Green Value Chain Development for Job Creation Programme, an initiative funded by the European Union aimed at promoting inclusive growth, environmental sustainability and employment creation.

In his remarks at the official launch in Gaborone on Monday, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi described the programme as a timely intervention aligned with Botswana’s broader ambitions to diversify the economy, strengthen ecotourism and create sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Mr Mmolotsi commended the EU for its continued support towards Botswana’s economic transformation agenda, describing the bloc as one of the country’s most dependable development partners.

“The EU has been a long-standing and valuable partner to Botswana and to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism,” he said.

The minister revealed that on May 12, 2026, the ministry had also launched another EU-supported initiative focused on the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area landscape. The project seeks to strengthen biodiversity conservation, improve protected area management and build economic resilience and green jobs for communities living along the Botswana–South Africa border.

According to Mr Mmolotsi, the newly launched Green Value Chain Development for Job Creation Programme further demonstrates the growing partnership between Botswana and the EU in advancing sustainable development and conservation-driven economic growth.

“Today we mark yet another milestone through the launch of the Green Value Chain Development for Job Creation Programme. This initiative demonstrates our shared commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, inclusive economic growth and the empowerment of local communities,” he said.

Mr Mmolotsi noted that the initiative came at a crucial time as Botswana seeks sustainable economic growth through tourism expansion and green enterprise development.

He said the programme’s focus on strengthening linkages between tourism and horticulture could significantly reduce dependence on imports while creating opportunities for local producers and small businesses.

“The Green Value Chain Programme is a welcome initiative because it promotes cross-sectoral linkages between ecotourism and horticulture. Locally produced horticultural products supplied to tourism facilities will enhance local sourcing, reduce imports and strengthen the authentic ecotourism experience,” he added.

He further stated that the initiative directly supported implementation of Botswana’s National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan, which advocated for tourism product diversification and stronger tourism value chains.

Despite Botswana’s reputation as a premier ecotourism destination, Mr Mmolotsi acknowledged that the sector continued to face challenges, including limited product diversification and shortages in specialised tourism skills. He expressed confidence that the programme would help address those gaps by strengthening ecotourism standards, promoting sustainability and improving market access for local enterprises.

“A key deliverable of this programme is to enhance ecotourism certification and further develop Botswana’s ecotourism offerings,” he said.

To improve quality assurance, credibility and competitiveness in international markets, the minister said the Botswana Tourism Organisation would play a central role in strengthening the country’s ecotourism certification system.

“As the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, through the BTO, we are committed to strengthening Botswana’s ecotourism certification framework and making it more accessible to small and medium enterprises as well as community-based tourism enterprises,” he said.

Mr Mmolotsi added that improving certification standards would support the integration of local horticultural produce into tourism supply chains, broadening economic opportunities for rural communities and farmers.

The minister also welcomed consultations led by the International Trade Centre involving stakeholders such as the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana, the Botswana Community-Based Organisations Network and tour operators.

According to Mr Mmolotsi, stakeholder engagement would ensure that community-based tourism organisations and smallholder farmers become primary beneficiaries of the programme.

The Green Value Chain Development for Job Creation Programme forms part of the EU’s broader support for Botswana’s transition to a greener and more diversified economy.

The initiative is expected to unlock opportunities in sustainable tourism, enterprise development, climate resilience and green job creation, particularly for youth and women. ENDS