02 Jul 2026

The private sector has a critical role to play in transforming Botswana’s economy and supporting national development, according to the Acting Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Mr Justin Hunyepa.

Speaking at the Voorslag Agri and Mining Expo in Letlhakane, Mr Hunyepa described the event as historic for the Boteti district and the Republic of Botswana. 

He noted that it signalled the country’s readiness to enter a new era of bold economic transformation. 

The Expo, he added, was a declaration that Botswana is prepared to unlock opportunities in the agriculture and mining sectors while challenging every Motswana to become a producer and an innovator.

Mr Hunyepa commended the private sector for its continued partnership with the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education. 

“This collaboration has been demonstrated through the provision of learning materials, construction of classrooms, academic sponsorships, and student motivation programmes.

"The private sector is an important part of our communities and has consistently supported education by supplying books and printers, building classrooms, and motivating learners,” he said.

He noted that although education has always been an engine of national transformation, the government alone cannot transform Botswana.

“The private sector, farmers, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and communities must become equal partners in building the Botswana we aspire to have,” he stated.

Mr Hunyepa also highlighted that Parliament approved two landmark programmes last year: the National Development Plan 12 and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme and urged students to study these programmes to identify emerging opportunities. 

He added that the initiatives would fundamentally transform key sectors, including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, education, and healthcare.

Furthermore, Assistant Minister Hunyepa emphasized that Botswana was richly endowed with natural resources, including vast tracts of arable land suitable for agriculture and agro-processing, which must be fully utilised to strengthen the country’s economy.

He pointed out that President Advocate Duma Boko’s introduction of the English breakfast initiative in schools should encourage local farmers to increase production, thereby reducing the country’s dependence on imported food. ENDS