All Quotes

"One of the big ticket issues that we are looking at with the President is the issue of how we modernise, revitalize, reconfigure state-owned enterprises so that they punch at their weight or more than their weight, as opposed to the punching below of the weight that they do."

"Botswana Railways and Air Botswana have recorded five consecutive years of financial losses, signalling persistent structural and operational inefficiencies. “Their continued reliance on public support is fiscally unsustainable and reflects a misalignment or malalignment between their mandates and operating models."

"We are looking at advancing the unbundling of Botswana Railways into infrastructure, which is called below the rail, and operations, which is called above the rail, to facilitate a more robust and effective rail sector ecosystem. “We are also looking to introduce a potential strategic partner or strategic partners into a partnership with Air Botswana to restore its commercial viabilities. “These reforms are critical in reorienting Botswana Rail and Air Botswana."

"BAMB is expected to benefit from commercialisation initiatives and potential public-private partnerships aimed at improving market responsiveness. “The Botswana Meat Commission is also earmarked for restructuring through a potential strategic joint venture, again intended to revitalise operations and attract private investment. “The WUC and BPC are prioritised for debt restructuring, infrastructure efficiency, and general improved strategy upgrades to address their persistent operational deficits. “Government is confident that our comprehensive governance reforms, strategic interventions alongside key partnerships will drive recovery of key commercial parastatals."

"Corruption has become endemic with all its corrosive and cancerous manifestations, an impediment to the achievement of the lofty aspirations of our people."

"This is evident in our deteriorating scores on the Corruption Perceptions Index. The data shows that our ratings declined from a score of 6.5 in 2012 (30 out of 180 countries) to 6.1 in 2019 (34 out of 180 countries)."

"The most recent figures show a further drop and a significant decline in rankings in the space of one year, from a score of 6.0 in 2022 (35 out of 180 countries) to 5.9 in 2023 (39 out of 180 countries)."

"Our conviction is that a corruption-free culture will save us, not a billion, but billions of pulas every year. This is why an array of efforts are already underway to review our current procurement model, enhance transparency, support free press, as well as revise and approve the Draft National Anti-Corruption Policy. “With these initiatives, we hope to protect whistle-blowers, strengthen institutions, and enhance integrity and accountability."

"As part of revitalising the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) towards pursuing its legislative mandate, we have already facilitated the commencement of their work, along with other oversight agencies, towards the conduct of comprehensive audits of the projects under the Development Manager model, the Central Medical Store (CMS), as well as other infrastructure projects at key State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs)."

"Yet, despite this bleak picture, I have a hope in me that is rising like a phoenix. Mr Speaker, we in the new Botswana have the hope that collectively we will turn the tide."

"Key areas of non-compliance report include imbalanced board compositions, where the majority of non-executive directors lack independence due to outdated statutory provisions. “Further, many boards have failed to conduct regular performance evaluations, develop succession plans for senior positions, or even ensure continuity in leadership, while some entities have operated for extended periods without substantive CEOs or senior executives in place."

"As at end of June 2025, only 19 out of 62 SOEs submitted responses."

"Of the 19, 16 had majority of corporate governance tools in place while three only had some in place. “In the meantime, the Agency is exploring additional ways to engage with the SOEs to get the requested information, including follow-up outreach or alternative methods."

"I know that these changes have sparked frustration, even anger, among many who ask if the government understands the pressure on livelihoods. Let me assure this nation that I do and we do. These are not abstract and theoretical concepts; they directly affect everyday essentials such as groceries, fuel, and other basic needs. I want to assure you that this policy is not about sacrifice for its own sake, rather, it serves as a protective measure and shield against economic collapse."

"This decline reflects the increased cost of accessing foreign exchange from the central bank. The reduced volume of foreign exchange trading between the BoB and commercial banks is a positive development, aligning with the Bank’s objective of preserving foreign exchange reserves. The changes are meant to shield this country from a far more devastating outcome where we are not able to pay for imports, a situation where we can’t afford fuel, food, or medicine, where banks run dry and where the poor pay an even higher price."

"We are focused on ensuring that there is robust fiscal consolidation. There is a need to ensure that the entire government system is functioning in our effort to build a resilient economy and rise again."

"There are gaps in our collections and we are aiming to collect every pula from every tax liable business. We are not collecting well with regards to online taxes. This is where BURS needs to strengthen screws and ensure that these billions of Pula that we are missing are recovered."

"In the new Botswana that we envisage to build, there would be no under table dealings. Much can be said but I can promise you that in the new Botswana we will be exemplary. We will fight corruption to the bitter end."

"Some of the best performing companies and most innovative companies in the world were founded during period of recession and hardships, so something good must come out of the circumstances that we face today."

"We shall rise again despite the economic circumstances that we find ourselves in at the moment. Young men and women roaming the streets due to unemployment shall rise and dream again."

"At the same time, we must not miss out on strategic opportunities, particularly where travel is fully funded by partners or organisers, so long as it aligns with national priorities and offers clear benefits to Botswana."

"This strategy will not be just a document but a national playbook, clear in vision, collective in ownership, and relentless in execution. Grounded in rigorous research and sound economic science, this blueprint will align all ministries, sectors, and institutions under a single, transformative national vision to be executed over the next five years."

"When we say the economy has contracted, it means something very real. It means small businesses struggling to stay afloat, companies scaling back operations, and entrepreneurs shelving ideas because the risk is simply too high."

"When we assumed leadership, we did so with a sober understanding of the new economic reality before us. With a muted diamond outlook and growing fiscal constraints, it became clear that if we are to steer this country through uncertainty and more importantly, set it on a path of inclusive, modern growth we could not rely on business as usual."

"These gains could never be secured from behind a desk in Gaborone."

"It is evident that the proposed budget for the 2025–2026 financial year triggers important fiscal policy questions on fiscal consolidation, fiscal discipline, fiscal sustainability, budget credibility, financing of the deficit and its implications on debt sustainability."

"With a projected deficit that exceeds the ideal threshold of four percent of GDP, our commitment to conducting fiscal policy in line with global best practice is more critical than before."

"This calls for stringent measures and action to improve productivity and deliver more with less, improve operational efficiency in public procurement processes, utilise e-services to deliver government commitments as well as maximise revenue collection."

"As our economy regains its strength and our fiscal position improves."

"To be clear, we inherited a government machinery plagued by deeply entrenched systemic inefficiencies that have crippled progress and development."

"As an urgent response, I wish to reassure Batswana that the new government remains resolute in committing to fiscal consolidation plans and rebuilding buffers. “Our fiscal strategy hinges on effective revenue maximisation, public expenditure efficiency and implementation of a robust debt management strategy."

"The biggest problem has generally been around the ecosystem and absence of collaboration to understand what investors need."

"It’s about taking steps to remove bottlenecks."

"We have to be thick-skinned and approach issues from a solutions point of view."

"Hopefully the PPP Bill due to be tabled will address some of these bottlenecks and many of these are systems and structures.Gaolathe highlights risks but goes big on spending 14 February 2025"

"We are looking for partners that are not coming into it for the quick buck."

"Whoever wants to take over the Anglo shares, it’s not just the takeover of shares. It’s actually the consummation of a relationship with the government of Botswana. And I want to impress upon you, we take relationships very seriously."

"The US does not have diamonds."

"But the US has been able to create an entire diamond sector, a jewelry sector. It’s large, it creates jobs for Americans. So the US has benefited from Botswana diamonds and a sudden pushback on Botswana diamonds will and can hurt the US more than it imagines."

"Since migrating GABS to these upgraded servers in December 2024, system stability and efficiency have significantly improved."

"These efforts are aimed at restoring GABS to full functionality, ensuring uninterrupted financial transactions and improved service delivery."

"The Insurance Industry Act (2015) is under review to enhance regulatory effectiveness and strengthen policyholder protection. A key reform under consideration is the establishment of a Policy Protection Fund, designed to safeguard insurance payouts in the event of an insurer’s insolvency, ensuring greater financial security and trust in the industry."

"Financial inclusion remains Africa’s unfinished business."

"As the incoming government, we are setting our sights even higher."

"I won’t specify percentages, but we are aiming beyond previous ambitions, because our people envision more,” he noted. He highlighted Botswana’s immense solar potential, noting that the country ranks third globally for solar radiation exposure, with approximately 3, 200 hours of sunshine annually. “With this resource, there is no reason Botswana cannot become a hub for solar-generated power."

"Everyone knows that Botswana has committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 15% by 2030. Yet, we aspire to even more."

"That said, as a small, developing nation, we need some flexibility to build our economy to a stage where we can uphold ambitious carbon commitments."

"Another important aspect of our diversification drive is the modernisation of the power sector, with a strategic shift towards a solar-dominated energy industry."

"Solar energy presents a remarkable opportunity for our nation with abundant sunshine throughout the year. Botswana is ideally suited to harness this clean and sustainable resource to power our households, industries and communities."

"The creative industry is more than just a source of entertainment. “It is a driver of economic growth, cultural preservation and social transformation. Music, film, fashion, digital arts and crafts and storytelling, all of these foster innovation and project identity. Who we are, the food we eat, the dance we dance, the tears we cry and the smile we smile. The creatives project our identity."