Africa-Press – Botswana. As the nation awaits the first-ever budget speech from the new administration led by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), the future appears hopeful for the informal sector despite the current financial challenges facing the country.
Following the recent elections, it became evident that the nation’s financial situation is less than favourable, yet the new government has made ambitious promises. Citizens will gain insights into these commitments during the anticipated budget speech scheduled for February 10.
In Francistown, small entrepreneurs, like many Batswana across the country, await the Minister of Finance and Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe’s address.
Ms Belina Nkomazana, a farmer, expressed her high expectations for support in the farming sector, emphasising its importance given the country’s reliance on food imports.
“As farmers, if we receive adequate support, we can produce high-quality products.
Food security is vital for our economy, and it will also create jobs, reducing unemployment,” she stated.
Having entered the farming industry after completing her degree at ABM College, Ms Nkomazana turned to her passion for agriculture to establish an income following unemployment.
She hopes the budget speech would touch on critical areas such as health and education.
Ms Fela Maela, a 35-year-old businesswoman who engages in buying and reselling goods sourced from neighboring countries, stressed the need for the budget speech to focus on the informal sector.
“We are the real stakeholders in this budget, and the government must optimise resources to support us,” she asserted.
She believes that this year’s budget should aims to enhance the economy and improve living standards, while also emphasising the need for improved health and education systems.
Mr Bafentse Senyemba, a vendor specialising in shoes, headsets, and herbs, raised concerns about the mining and health sectors.
“Many hospitals face severe staffing shortages, leaving patients to wait for hours in pain,” he noted.
He called for prioritisation of the health sector, highlighting that a healthy population was essential for productivity.
Additionally, Mr Senyemba urged the government to reopen mines, asserting that such actions could create jobs.
As a former employee of BCL, he requested more funding for the mining sector to facilitate the reopening of BCL and Tati mines, which could employ a significant number of people.
Mr Thabo Maphutha, a 25-year-old photographer, called for the government to focus investments on the Ministry of Youth to address youth-related issues.
He emphasised that increasing job creation funding could stimulate economic revival.
Mr Maphutha also advocated for greater financial allocation to health and infrastructure, citing the need for improved medical equipment in referral hospitals and better road conditions.
He described unemployment as distressing and emotionally draining, driving some youth toward negative behaviours.
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