26 Oct 2026

As government rolls out the country’s National Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy and framework, the private sector has been challenged to step up and bridge the gap between policy and practice.

Developed by the National Planning Commission (NPC) in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the framework provides a standardised roadmap for businesses to align profitability with measurable environmental and social impact.

The call was made by the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi at the Botswana Sustainability Week held in Maun recently, challenging the summit to focus on advancing practical, ready-to-implement projects.

He said government was in need of initiatives that tangibly protect the environment, measurably strengthen communities and unlock innovative frameworks to address finance, climate risk and resource security.

“This framework is the lever that will transform how we measure performance, manage corporate impacts and attract green financing to our shores. We are not here merely to discuss the problems, but to co-author solutions. We are here to define exactly what the public sector needs from business leaders and non-profit organisations,” he added.

Mr Mmolotsi said sustainability was no longer an item on a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) checklist as ESG principles were now central metrics of operational efficiency, risk management and competitive advantage.

He said companies that integrate ESG into their core DNA were the ones securing international funding, reducing operational costs and capturing the modern consumer market.

“Whether we are talking about transitions to renewable energy, developing sustainable eco-tourism models, or advancing smart climate agriculture, the private sector must take the wheel. Our role as government is to clear the path, de-risk the ecosystem and ensure coherent environmental governance that builds trust and fosters market confidence,” he said.

He challenged the gathering to use the 2026 Sustainability Week to build concrete partnerships, align resources and secure a resilient future for both the people and the ecosystems.

Minister Mmolotsi said the partnerships should not just be vision aligned, but market-ready.

Held under the theme: “Activate Private Sector Leadership to Drive Botswana’s Next Growth Economy,” he stated that the theme acknowledges a profound truth that the government could write policies, set standards and sign international treaties but the private sector has the agility, capital and innovation to scale them into bankable economic opportunities.

He further highlighted that environment and wildlife were the heartbeat of Botswana’s economy.

“Our healthy land, pristine waters and vibrant ecosystems not only define our heritage but also sustain our tourism industry, drive job creation, secure our food supply and anchor Botswana’s global reputation as a leader in conservation,” he said.

Mr Mmolotsi said communities were indispensable partners in conservation and development, therefore the people who live alongside wildlife must actively participate in decision making and share fairly in the economic benefits from tourism, conservation and responsible investment. ENDS