Business Botswana Joins the Ministry of Justice in First SHLCC Meeting under New Administration
10 Nov, 2025
The Sectoral High Level Consultative Council (SHLCC) held its meeting today, 10th November 2025, at the Office of the Receiver, marking the first session under the new administration. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Honourable Ramaotwana Nelson Ramaotwana. In attendance were the MJCS Executive Committee, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Business Botswana, Mr. Mpaphi Tsholofelo, the Security Sector Chairperson, Mr. Gaolatolwe Modongo, members of Business Botswana, the National Planning Committee, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Attorney General’s Chambers amongst others.
In his welcome remarks, Honourable Ramaotwana emphasized that the gathering was a powerful statement of shared recognition that the challenges and opportunities facing the business and legal sectors are too significant for any entity to tackle alone. He stated that the purpose of the meeting was both critical and clear, to engage in forward-looking, and solution-oriented dialogue. The Co-Chair Ms. Lilian Muzimo, from Law society of Botswana, underscored the importance of making justice more accessible to all and harnessing innovation through technology to meet modern needs.
During the session, Business Botswana, represented by Mr. Kagiso Koyabe, Head of Capacity Building and Business Advisory, presented the organization’s initiative to establish a Mediation and Arbitration Centre. The desire to establish this Centre stems from the growing backlog and long turnaround times in commercial litigation. Through this initiative, Business Botswana aims to shorten the time to legal resolution of business disputes, support business continuity, and contribute to an improved investment climate.
Business Botswana also raised key issues affecting the private sector, including challenges related to delayed payments at commercial courts. It was noted that small and medium enterprises often struggle to collect debts due to the absence of mechanisms that ensure efficient legal support, with lawyers often prioritizing larger clients. The organization further highlighted concerns regarding the current bail system, submitting that the ease with which bail is granted has contributed to repeat offenses that threaten business and community safety. A call was made for a review and tightening of bail and fine conditions to address this growing concern.
As the meeting drew to a close, there was a shared sense of commitment to strengthening collaboration between the justice system and the business community. Both sectors recognized that sustainable economic growth and an effective justice system are deeply interconnected.
Business Botswana reaffirmed its dedication to working closely with government to drive solutions that promote fairness, efficiency, and business sustainability for the benefit of the nation.