28 Sep 2026

The Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs has launched its Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Strategic Implementation Plan (CRVSSIP) 2026 - 2031.

The five-year plan demonstrates the country’s commitment to establishing an inclusive, contemporary system of public administration through implementing a comprehensive CRVS platform and aims to provide a continuous and reliable source of vital statistics and population data at both national and global level.

Officiating at the ceremony on Thursday, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware implored stakeholders to strengthen partnerships for the successful implementation of the plan, emphasising on key lessons to be drawn from the gaps identified from the previous strategy.

As one of the critical outcomes of the strategy, Minister Mokgware highlighted the launch of a modernised, robust and digital CVRS data management system that aims to ensure enhanced data availability for informed policy-making, public health initiatives and social services.

“The digital system will ensure accurate and timely recording of births, deaths, marriages and divorces ultimately promoting the rights and welfare of all citizens.” 

According to the minister, the digital system will streamline processes, improve accuracy and completeness of data, strengthening interoperability between CRVS and other information management systems to facilitate seamless data sharing and real-time updates, which are key for national planning and evidence-based policy formulation.

Through its global mission to ensure that every citizen was registered and protected, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) views the robust CRVSSIP as the foundational ‘book of life’ necessary for safeguarding human rights, advancing gender equality and driving evidence-based governance.

Speaking at the event, head of UNFPA Botswana, Ms Tlangelani Shilubane-Peterson noted that the strategy represented a key milestone that preserved human dignity and legal identity.

“When a birth is registered, a child acquires a legal identity, unlocking access to education, healthcare and social protection. Without civil registration, individuals remain invisible to the state and vulnerable populations risk being excluded from development progress,” she said.

A key outcome of the Strategy is the review and harmonisation of the legal and policy framework to address existing gaps and align with international standards to ensure the protection of data privacy and security while creating an enabling environment for effective coordination and service delivery within the CRVS system.

Launched under the theme: Strengthening Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems for Inclusive Governance and Sustainable Development, the strategy aims at raising awareness of strategic priorities aiming at protecting the legal identity of all citizens as well as strengthening coordination and accountability mechanisms.

The Strategy was developed through a structured, consultative and evidence-based, multi-sectorial task force comprising representatives from various ministries, United Nations (UN) agencies and key sectors using key lessons from the 2026-2020 Investment Plan. ENDS