05 Nov 2026

Botswana Economic Transformation Plan (BETP) has exposed significant structural gaps, with institutional silos and barriers emerging as the primary obstacles to executing transformational projects in the past. 

Speaking on Tuesday at the ongoing Executive Leadership Programme in Kasane, Ministry of Finance senior policy advisor Ms Naledi Madala asserted that government had, through BETP, pivoted to breaking those long standing barriers. 

She revealed that the BETP secretariat had dismantled the administrative red tape that had historically hindered national development; that breakthrough leading to resuscitation of mega infrastructure projects.

The advisor cited the Chobe Zambezi Water Transfer Scheme as one project that had stalled since it was first announced in 2009. 

However, Ms Madala attested that the project status had, after one year of BETP, advanced to the feasibility study phase, itself projected to be completed in December 2026 to enable kick-off of the procurement phase.

Furthermore, she said the dam tourism which was endorsed in 2018 had stalled since 2022, noting that BETP had broken years of implementation dreadlock through coordinated interventions across seven government institutions. 

She said parliament played a critical role to support economic transformation by enabling the reforms needed through legislation and driving accountability.

She stated that in addition to reforms and projects, there were legislative changes that would be tabled in Parliament for debate and interrogation as parliament formed part of the transformation agenda.

Ms Madala noted that the 186 BETP projects were spread across the country, adding that it was essential that every MP was acquainted with and owned the portfolio of projects in their constituency and even track their progress with the secretariat. 

Furthermore, she implored MPs to take the entire approach and strategy to the people so that they could understand their benefits.

In response to the BETP presentation, Moshupa/Manyana legislator, Mr Karabo Gare lauded the initiative, noting that its timing was ideal for driving private sector-led economic growth, accelerating infrastructure development, and creating the much-needed jobs. 

However, he observed that there was a lack of synergy with the three pillars; the national budget, BETP and the National Development Plan (NDP) because BETP and the national budget were under the custody of the Ministry of Finance, while the NDP was drafted and driven separately by the National Planning Commission under the Ministry for State President, Defence and Security.

He stated that the success of the programme hinged directly on Botswana’s ability to improve its ease of doing business by addressing impediments to critical processes such as acquisition of business licenses and operational permits, and other essential public services. 

MP for Nkange, Mr Motlhaleemang Moalosi reiterated that the success of the economic blueprint relied on robust institutional synergies. 

He noted that local authorities, government entities, and regulatory bodies must work together to facilitate projects in a timely manner without creating unnecessary bureaucratic barriers.

Mr Moalosi said it was imperative for the BETP secretariat to optimally capacitate and involve Members of Parliament, thus positioning them as the direct custodians of projects within their respective constituencies.

Offering a review of the initiative, MP for Letlhakeng, Brigadier Domcaza Mokgwathi, declared the programme a success. 

He noted that the blueprint had successfully channelled critical projects directly to local communities, breathing new life into district economies.

The legislator emphasised that it was impactful because of its broad and inclusive geographical reach. 

“With 186 BETP projects intentionally spread across every corner of the country, this initiative will act as a major catalyst for countrywide infrastructure development and sustainable job creation.”ENDS