Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) has been described as the foundation and a driver for mindset shift that can drive meaningful change within communities.
North West District Council (NWDC) Chairman, Mr Itumeleng Kelebetseng shared the sentiments at a consultative meeting with district and community leadership on Friday in Maun convened by the National Planning Commission. Mr Kelebetse emphasised the significance of consultation in driving positive change.
Chief Development Planning Officer, Mr Monnaamasole Monnaamasole has describe BETP as a national initiative focused on inclusive, bottom-up economic development. Mr Monnaamasole emphasised that the call for ideas was an open invitation for thinkers, entrepreneurs and institutions to submit bold, high-impact concepts. Additionally, he said focus areas included agriculture, tourism, arts and culture, green energy, infrastructure, financial services and manufacturing.
“The initiative merges strategy and execution into one focused effort and the deadline for submissions in August 8,” he said.
Mr Monnaamasole said true transformation must begin at the grassroots level, with districts taking the lead in sparking and sustaining economic growth. Specially Elected Councillor, Kedibonye Kgari emphasised the need for intensified training of entrepreneurs and the empowerment of cultural arts such as basketry, recognising them as key assets in tourism development. He further proposed that Maun should position itself as Botswana’s solar capital, citing the region’s abundant sunshine and untapped potential in green energy.
“We must train our business people and uplift cultural industries like basketry to make tourism work for our people,” he said.
Mr John Kamedi of the Ministers Fraternal encouraged farmers to shift from traditional crops to high-value alternatives that could compete globally. He also called on faith leaders to have a seat at the table in local and national decision-making bodies like Council and Parliament.
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