Africa-Press – Botswana. Members of the National Planning Commission, led by Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, paid a courtesy call on President Duma Gideon Boko to discuss ongoing national development efforts. The meeting highlighted the critical role of strategic planning in shaping Botswana’s economic future. President Boko recognised the Commission’s work and expressed appreciation for its contribution to national policy direction. He reaffirmed his support for the Commission as it continues to guide government on key development priorities. The engagement created space for alignment between leadership and planners on long term economic goals.
Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe explained that the Commission began its work under significant pressure, particularly in guiding the formulation of National Development Plan 12. He noted that the Commission also played a central role in the approval of the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme. These frameworks aim to reshape the country’s economic structure and improve resilience in a changing global environment. He stressed that clear economic strategy must remain at the centre of national planning processes. His remarks pointed to the need for focused and disciplined execution of development plans.
Gaolathe emphasised that Botswana must prioritise a few high impact sectors to drive sustainable growth. He indicated that spreading resources too thin can limit results and slow progress. Instead, targeted investment and policy support can accelerate development in key industries. He highlighted the importance of aligning public and private sector efforts to maximise outcomes. This approach aims to create jobs, boost productivity, and strengthen economic stability. The Commission’s strategy reflects a shift toward more focused and measurable development planning.
Looking ahead, the Vice President stated that the next phase of work will focus on strengthening the National Planning Commission itself. He said the goal is to build it into a centre of excellence in strategic planning. This includes improving technical capacity, enhancing data driven decision making, and ensuring effective monitoring of national projects. Strengthening the institution will allow it to better support government in navigating complex economic challenges. The emphasis is on building a system that can deliver consistent and high quality planning outcomes. This step is seen as critical for long term national progress.
President Duma Gideon Boko welcomed continued engagement with the Commission and encouraged ongoing collaboration. He highlighted the value of sharing ideas and exploring new opportunities to strengthen Botswana’s economy. His response signalled openness to innovation and strategic input from the Commission. The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to improving planning systems and driving economic transformation. It also underscored the importance of leadership support in ensuring that national development strategies succeed.
