Private Sector Development Strategy Launch (2025-2029)

20 Mar, 2025

This morning, Business Botswana launched the Private Sector Development Strategy (PSDS 2025-2029). A comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming Botswana's private sector into a globally competitive force. During his welcome remarks, Mr. Neo Nwako, President of Business Botswana, stated that the strategy serves as a blueprint for the private sector, aligning with the broader vision of the organisation. He emphasised Business Botswana's commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports sustainable growth, drives economic diversification, creates jobs, and enhances global competitiveness.

The guest speaker, Ms. Olebile Makhupe, Managing Director of Bank Gaborone, delivered a powerful keynote address. She highlighted the strategy as not just a policy framework but a bold step forward, a blueprint designed to drive sustainable economic transformation and position Botswana’s private sector as a globally competitive force. She stressed that the strategy reflects a shared vision for a private sector-led, export-driven economy, one that facilitates innovation, expands industries, and embraces new market opportunities. Additionally, Ms. Makhupe spoke on Bank Gaborone’s commitment to mainstreaming and formalising SMMEs and the informal sector, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive. She shared Bank Gaborone's SMME banking solutions, including Business Loans, Asset Finance, and Business Transactional Accounts, aimed at providing flexible financial support to emerging enterprises. One such solution, the Easy-2-Pay app, allows customers to make in-person purchases using a contactless card via a mobile phone.

Mr. Norman Moleele, CEO of Business Botswana, then provided an overview of the strategy’s activities and the costs associated with the implementation of the Private Sector Development Programme (PSDS).

Ms. Makhupe and Mr. Nwako signed the commitment board to show their support for the strategy’s implementation, and participants also signed to demonstrate their commitment to a diverse, vibrant, and robust private sector.