23 Sep 2026

Industrialisation through manufacturing and agro-processing is critical to diversifying the economy, Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe has said.

Addressing a kgotla meeting at Seetso Ward  in Serowe on Monday, Mr Mathoothe, who is also Member of Parliament for Serowe North, said following the decline in diamond sales, Botswana must find sustainable ways to keep the economy afloat.

He said government’s strategy was centred on value addition through localised processing, noting that minimising the export of raw materials would increase returns and profits while creating jobs and competitive salaries.

Mr Mathoothe said government was determined to transform the agricultural sector through investment, training and programmes that created a conducive environment for farmers to transition from subsistence to commercial farming. He said this would boost exports, create value addition opportunities and drive employment.

On health, he said government was committed to ensuring citizens benefited from quality medical services, noting that the envisaged National Health Insurance would provide private practices with an opportunity to open clinics in remote areas, ensuring equitable access to healthcare for those without medical aid.

He said government was also focused on reforming vocational education and training to address skills shortages and align training with industry demands through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Mr Mathoothe urged residents to support government’s economic transformation agenda, saying progress was only possible through collective effort and cooperation.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Marage Marage appealed for the construction and maintenance of internal roads and storm water drainage infrastructure. He said yards flood during the rainy season due to stagnant water with no diversion channels or culverts.

Kgosi Marage called on the community to foster collaboration and create a conducive environment to attract investors and business opportunities.

A resident, Ms Gosego Keseitseng, raised concern over the shortage of blood reagents at clinics and Sekgoma Memorial Hospital. 

She said patients who could not afford private laboratory services go for months without knowing their health status, a situation she said was life threatening for those with chronic conditions. ENDS