28 Jul 2026

Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe has urged stakeholders in Mmadinare to build business ideas around local resources, saying doing so could unlock major opportunities across the value chain and accelerate rural economic transformation.

Speaking at the official opening of the Mmadinare Rural Development Summit yesterday, Mr Gaolathe said the constituency was endowed with assets that remained under utilised.

“The Mmadinare constituency is particularly rich in natural assets, such as fertile agricultural land, diverse tourism attractions, and vital water resources. When fully leveraged, these resources can enhance economic growth and development within the region,”he said.

He said achieving that required a deliberate approach anchored in collaboration, coordination and clear responsibilities, a key principles of the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, BETP.

“This approach will help to viably make use of local resources that can stimulate entrepreneurship, create a sense of inclusion towards economic transformation, and generate employment opportunities in rural areas,” the Vice President said.

Mr Gaolathe called on community members, local businesses and government agencies to work together to identify bankable projects that add value locally rather than exporting raw materials.

“I urge all stakeholders, including community members, local businesses, and governmental agencies, to come together and identify viable projects that can maximize the value of local resources,” he stated.

Regarding the Botswana Economic Transformation Plan (BETP) , Mr Gaolathe said it served as a comprehensive roadmap designed to promote inclusion and sustainability in the country’s economic transformation efforts through the sustainable use of natural resources.

Mr Gaolathe emphasised that the BETP was designed to foster unity and collaborative efforts among key stakeholders, including local communities, the government, and the private sector.

He noted that this partnership was essential for unlocking the vast economic potential inherent in the nation’s natural resources.

Mr Gaolathe underscored that the success of the BETP hinges on a unified purpose, innovative thinking, and strong citizen participation, reinforcing that each stakeholder has a crucial role to play in the nation’s collective progress.

He reassured the community that the government remained committed to implementing supportive policies, investing in infrastructure development, and providing resources to empower communities to actively engage in the country’s economic transformation agenda.

The Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa who also serves as the Member of Parliament for the Mmadinare Constituency addressed the pressing issue of rural-to-urban migration.

He emphasised that this trend posed challenges that adversely affected both governmental operations and the social fabric of local communities.

Mr Motshegwa pointed out that one of the keys to mitigating  migration was in developing and promoting viable business projects that leverage local resources.

He stated that by focusing on sustainable initiatives tailored to the unique strengths of rural areas, communities can create jobs and retain their population.

He urged young people in these communities to adopt a proactive approach rather than relying solely on traditional employment opportunities or social grants for financial stability.

He encouraged the youth to explore entrepreneurial ventures, adding that by tapping into their creativity and local resources, they can establish businesses that not only provide personal income but also contribute to local economic growth.

The two-day summit brought together traditional leaders, farmers, tourism operators and government officials to map investment opportunities in agriculture, water use, and tourism in the Mmadinare area. ENDS