02 Nov 2026

Government will enforce transparency and clear consequences for persistent underperformance in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), to protect public resources.

Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, stated in Francistown on October 29, during a stakeholders consultative meeting on the SOEs Ownership Reform, that policy reform alone would not resolve every challenge.

Effective implementation will demand timely financial reporting and greater transparency around guarantees and contingent liabilities. Mr Gaolathe, also Minister of Finance, said the envisaged SOEs Ownership Policy would professionalise boards of directors, strengthen their capabilities and improve accountability, with transparent and merit-based appointments.

“Appointments will be supported by skills assessments, fit-and-proper checks, induction, performance reviews and safeguards against conflicts of interest,” he said.

Mr Gaolathe said the policy provided direction, but legislation would give reform durability, while the next phase must establish a stronger legal and institutional framework that clarified ownership arrangements and ensured consistent accountability.

“Durable reform must survive changes in administration, institutional structure and leadership,” he said.

Mr Gaolathe said government wanted a state that exercised disciplined ownership, regulated fairly, safeguarded public resources and enabled economic growth.

With these reforms, SOEs can contribute more meaningfully to service delivery, national competitiveness and economic diversification, with citizens experiencing the difference through reliable water services, dependable electricity supply and stronger economic opportunities.

Meanwhile, Francistown deputy mayor, Mr Uyapo Nyeku, stated that Francistown was committed to working with government, SOEs and the private sector to build a diversified and resilient local economy in which businesses could thrive.

Mr Nyeku said the city was committed to ensuring that its people benefitted from expanding economic opportunities.

He said Botswana’s tradition of therisanyo or consultation, reminded the nation that effective policies must be informed by the people and businesses they affected.

He therefore, encouraged the business community to share practical experiences, highlight operational challenges and propose solutions that would help ensure the policy supported enterprise development, investment and sustainable job creation. ENDS