Africa-Press – Botswana. Kweneng District will today welcome scores of business people and consumers to the inaugural business meeting dubbed ‘The Kweneng Economic Summit’ aimed at improving the district’s economic wellbeing.
The summit, held under the theme ‘Kweneng Rising: Economic Development for a Sustainable Future,’ will be held at Ntsweng Museum in Molepolole.
The Office of the Member of Parliament for Molepolole South, Mr Shima Monageng has taken the cognizance of the severe financial constraints that the economy was currently facing and has brought together government departments, independent researchers, private sector, civil society organisations and community leaders under one roof to discuss the potential economic development of the district.
Briefing the media during a press conference held in Gaborone on Tuesday, Mr Monageng said the summit was aimed at fostering economic development within Kweneng District.
He said they would deliberate and formulate a practical and realistic five year Action Plan that would successfully coordinate and direct the district’s development towards sustainability.
Mr Monageng said it was envisaged that all stakeholders will understand and assume their responsibilities in executing the anticipated National Development Plan (NDP) 12.
For her part, the founder and director of Market Players, Ms Katlego Mokgethi explained that the summit was community-driven in response to Botswana’s call for economic diversification and also aimed at promoting inclusive development through entrepreneurship and public-private partnerships.
She said this was also a response to President Advocate Duma Boko’s call for citizens to be included in economic development.
Ms Mokgethi therefore said the summit created a platform where key stakeholders would take part in shaping the economic outlook of Bakwena.
She added that the youth and women empowerment were central to unlocking the district’s economic potential.
The Summit, she said, aligned the district-level development with Botswana’s Vision 2036.
The Kweneng District Council Chairman, Mr Ontefetse Rankhibidu said the summit was not just an event but a pivotal moment for his district that seeks to harness resources, engage stakeholders and create pathways towards sustainable economic growth.
Mr Rankhibidu said the discussions would focus on several key areas such as agricultural innovation, youth empowerment, education and skills training, community engagement, tourism development, infrastructure improvement and sustainable practices.
He said they were anticipating that the summit would yield several outcomes that would embrace a comprehensive action plan outlining specific initiatives tailored to Kweneng’s unique context.
Furthermore, Mr Rankhibidu highlighted that the district was haunted by several key economic issues, amongst them a high unemployment rate, escalating gender-based violence and impact of climate change.
He urged participants to come prepared to share insights, experiences and opportunities and innovative ideas that could contribute to the discussions and ultimately provide solutions.
Meanwhile the summit will be opened by the Minister for State President Mr Moeti Mohwasa with the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Mr Trioyaone Ntsima.
The Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa will also address the participants.
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