24 Jun 2026

Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa has reaffirmed government’s commitment to the national transformation agenda, anchored by the implementation of National Development Plan (NDP) 12 and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme.

Officiating during the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) sensitisation and capacity-building workshop on Tuesday, Mr Mohwasa said government was pursuing a vision of a high-income, digitally enabled, export-driven and economically diversified Botswana, where every citizen was employed, empowered and fulfilled.

He said the vision was anchored not only on economic growth, but also on accountable governance, capable institutions and an effective public service.

Mr Mohwasa, therefore said the APRM process complemented Botswana’s national development efforts by providing a structured framework through, which government could assess its performance in key areas, including democracy and political governance, economic governance, and socio-economic development.

Through the process, he said, government was able to identify both its strengths and areas requiring further attention as it worked toward building a more prosperous, inclusive and responsive nation.

“The purpose of the sensitisation mission is therefore both clear and important. It is intended to deepen understanding of the APRA process, strengthen national ownership of the country’s self-assessment exercise and formally inaugurate the institutional structures that will guide Botswana through this important undertaking,” he said.

As Botswana advances governance reforms and its broader development agenda, Mr Mohwasa said the APRM would serve as an important instrument for strengthening accountability, improving institutional effectiveness and deepening public trust.

He said the success of the Local Governing Council and the National APRM Secretariat would be critical in ensuring that the process remained credible, inclusive and reflective of the diverse perspectives that make up the nation.

“The Local Governing Council and the National APRM Secretariat that we inaugurate today will not be measured by the reports we produce, but by the actions we take and the improvements we achieve in the lives of our people through a shared commitment to the national interest,” he said.

Mr Mohwasa added that strengthening oversight institutions such as the National APRM Secretariat would enrich Botswana’s democracy and contribute meaningfully to the country’s long-term development aspirations. ENDS