Inside the Vision 2036 document
Following the fanfare celebrations for the 50th independence, this country has opened a new chapter of vision 2036. The new national vision tagged ‘achieving prosperity for all’, has been in the oven for over a year and is ready to be served to the nation.
The vision is hailed as a game-changer in the socio-economic and political space where most of antagonists have been arguing that this country is failing on. It is anchored on four pillars that are expected to maneuver Batswana to the “Botswana we want by 2036.” The pillars are Sustainable Economic Development, Human and Social Development, Sustainable Development and Governance, Peace and Security. The vision was arrived at following three broad questions; what kind of Botswana do we want to build by the year 2036? what kind of person would a Motswana like to be in 2036 and lastly in order to achieve these dreams and aspirations, what should be done, and by who?
The Vision 20136 suggests that, “by 2036, Botswana will be a high-income country, with an export led economy underpinned by diversified, inclusive and sustainable growth driven by high levels of productivity.”
Economic diversification has been a go area but has proven to be a pie in the sky as the economy continues to monotonously rely on minerals and tourism for its GDP. However, according to the document the think tanks have adopted a new strategy of focusing their energy on changing this country to be a knowledge based economy.
“We will promote the use of science, technology and innovation,” again this nation will be a destination of choice for investment as all will be availed to attract the investors by creating a facilitative regulatory environment, supporting infrastructure, competitive and highly productive work-force. Manufacturing sector which is hailed as un-tapped niche will also be explored this time around. “Our manufacturing will produce commercially viable, high value products targeted at the export market”.
The second pillar, human and social development wants Botswana to be a moral, tolerant and inclusive society that provides opportunities for all. The marginalized population groups, including the disabled and the elderly will have an equal access to services and socio-economic opportunities. The youth group who are said to be a time ticking bomb especially at a time when they are hard-hit by unemployment, are also included since they hold potential to contribute to the overall development of Botswana and making it a global competitor. “Botswana will have made relevant investment in its youthful population in order to reap the demographic dividend, this will be achieved by better education, creation of economic opportunities, the opening up of political space and the provision of requisite governance structures for their participation,” explained Presidential team’s king chef, Neo Moroka in the document.
Governance peace and security one of the most topical issues in this country has been added as one of the pillars. The Presidential task team says, “Batswana will live in full enjoyment of their constitutionally guaranteed rights, and will be among top countries in the protection of human rights.” On the other hand this pillar will also include the press and civic associations like trade unions and political party as key components in a robust, tolerant and healthy democracy. Separation of powers, effective oversight, civil society participation have also been considered as some of the components of this pillar.
“Botswana’s religious institutions in partnership with government with government will play an increased role in safeguarding morality, promoting tolerance and assuring progressive governance,” further reads the vision document.
The other interesting pillar is about sustainable environment which preach about the optimal use of natural resource to transform our economy and uplift our people’s livelihoods. The team responsible for crafting these pillars maintains that there will be utilization of natural resources especially non-renewable that should be equitably shared by generations. Furthermore the vision envisages that, “we will be a water efficient and secure nation. We will pursue and promote integrated water resource management strategies.”
Energy as an important key potent resource in social and economic development will be abundant with diversified safe and clean sources and a net energy exporter. The draft further posits there should be sustainable land use and management, and the expectation is our “cities, towns and villages will be safe and clean and will be providing decent and affordable housing and economic opportunities for all.”
Botswana despite less threat of natural disaster will be putting on a bullet proof in case nature strikes. “Global warming and climate change are unequivocal and could dampen a country’s desired economic growth and development,” the vision suggests and adds that, “We therefore take a strong stance to include climate change vulnerability assessments, adaptation and mitigation into our development planning.”
The vision was developed by king chef, Neo Moroka and others as a Presidential Task Team. The group says they traversed the breadth and length of this country addressing Kgotla and focus group meetings.
“We listened very carefully and with admiration as our fellow citizens responded eloquently and passionately about the future Botswana that they would like to see, and live in, by 2036,” Moroka explained.
WHAT WE LEARNT FROM VISION 2016?
For Moroka the maiden vision 2016 is not a total scrap like others suggests, he believes that the performance shows mixed results. “A key lesson from vision 2016 is that there is a need for a strong delivery system that will ensure implementation of policies geared towards the attainment of a national vision.”
Another lesson he pointed out, is the need to have monitoring and evaluating system from the onset, while the national development plans need to be aligned to the national vision for it to be attained.
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Nigerians, Zimbabweans apply for Chema Chema Fund
Fronting activities, where locals are used as a front for foreign-owned businesses, have been a long-standing issue in Botswana. These activities not only undermine the government’s efforts to promote local businesses but also deprive Batswana of opportunities for economic empowerment, officials say. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has warned of heavy penalties for those involved in fronting activities especially in relation to the latest popular government initiative dubbed Chema Chema.
According to the Ministry, the Industrial Development Act of 2019 clearly outlines the consequences of engaging in fronting activities. The fines of up to P50,000 for first-time offenders and P20,000 plus a two-year jail term for repeat offenders send a strong message that the government is serious about cracking down on this illegal practice. These penalties are meant to deter individuals from participating in fronting activities and to protect the integrity of local industries.
“It is disheartening to hear reports of collaboration between foreigners and locals to exploit government initiatives such as the Chema Chema Fund. This fund, administered by CEDA and LEA, is meant to support informal traders and low-income earners in Botswana. However, when fronting activities come into play, the intended beneficiaries are sidelined, and the funds are misused for personal gain.” It has been discovered that foreign nationals predominantly of Zimbabwean and Nigerian origin use unsuspecting Batswana to attempt to access the Chema Chema Fund. It is understood that they approach these Batswana under the guise of drafting business plans for them or simply coming up with ‘bankable business ideas that qualify for Chema Chema.’
Observers say the Chema Chema Fund has the potential to uplift the lives of many Batswana who are struggling to make ends meet. They argue that it is crucial that these funds are used for their intended purpose and not siphoned off through illegal activities such as fronting. The Ministry says the warning it issued serves as a reminder to all stakeholders involved in the administration of these funds to ensure transparency and accountability in their disbursement.
One local commentator said it is important to highlight the impact of fronting activities on the local economy and the livelihoods of Batswana. He said by using locals as a front for foreign-owned businesses, opportunities for local entrepreneurs are stifled, and the economic empowerment of Batswana is hindered. The Ministry’s warning of heavy penalties is a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to eliminate fronting activities and promote a level playing field for local businesses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s warning of heavy penalties for fronting activities is a necessary step to protect the integrity of local industries and promote economic empowerment for Batswana. “It is imperative that all stakeholders comply with regulations and work towards a transparent and accountable business environment. By upholding the law and cracking down on illegal activities, we can ensure a fair and prosperous future for all Batswana.”
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Merck Foundation and African First Ladies mark World Health Day 2024
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany marks “World Health Day” 2024 together with Africa’s First Ladies who are also Ambassadors of MerckFoundation “More Than a Mother” Campaign through their Scholarship and Capacity Building Program. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation emphasized, “At Merck Foundation, we mark World Health Day every single day of the year over the past 12 years, by building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care across Africa, Asia and beyond.
I am proud to share that Merck Foundation has provided over 1740 scholarships to aspiring young doctors from 52 countries, in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology & Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma & Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Stroke Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Family Medicine, Pediatrics and Child Health, Obesity & Weight Management, Women’s Health, Biotechnology in ART and many more”.
As per the available data, Africa has only 34.6% of the required doctors, nurses, and midwives. It is projected that by 2030, Africa would need additional 6.1 million doctors, nurses, and midwives*. “For Example, before the start of the Merck Foundation programs in 2012; there was not a single Oncologist, Fertility or Reproductive care specialists, Diabetologist, Respiratory or ICU specialist in many countries such as The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Guinea, Burundi, Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Namibia among others. We are certainly creating historic legacy in Africa, and also beyond. Together with our partners like Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Gender, Education and Communication, we are impacting the lives of people in the most disadvantaged communities in Africa and beyond.”, added Senator Dr. Kelej. Merck Foundation works closely with their Ambassadors, the African First Ladies and local partners such as; Ministries of Health, Education, Information & Communication, Gender, Academia, Research Institutions, Media and Art in building healthcare capacity and addressing health, social & economic challenges in developing countries and under-served communities. “I strongly believe that training healthcare providers and building professional healthcare capacity is the right strategy to improve access to equitable and quality at health care in Africa.
Therefore, I am happy to announce the Call for Applications for 2024 Scholarships for young doctors with special focus on female doctors for our online one-year diploma and two year master degree in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties, which includes both Online Diploma programs and On-Site Fellowship and clinical training programs. The applications are invited through the Office of our Ambassadors and long-term partners, The First Ladies of Africa and Ministry of Health of each country.” shared Dr . Kelej. “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program”, concluded Senator Kelej.
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Interpol fugitive escapes from Botswana
John Isaak Ndovi, a Tanzanian national embroiled in controversy and pursued under a red notice by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), has mysteriously vanished, bypassing a scheduled bail hearing at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court in Gaborone. Previously apprehended by Botswana law enforcement at the Tlokweng border post several months earlier, his escape has ignited serious concerns.
Accused of pilfering assets worth in excess of P1 million, an amount translating to roughly 30,000 Omani Riyals, Ndovi has become a figure of paramount interest, especially to the authorities in the Sultanate of Oman, nestled in the far reaches of Asia.
The unsettling news of his disappearance surfaced following his failure to present himself at the Extension 2 Magistrate Court the preceding week. Speculation abounds that Ndovi may have sought refuge in South Africa in a bid to elude capture, prompting a widespread mobilization of law enforcement agencies to ascertain his current location.
In an official communiqué, Detective Senior Assistant Police Commissioner Selebatso Mokgosi of Interpol Gaborone disclosed Ndovi’s apprehension last September at the Tlokweng border, a capture made possible through the vigilant issuance of the Interpol red notice.
At 36, Ndovi is implicated in a case of alleged home invasion in Oman. Despite the non-existence of an extradition treaty between Botswana and Oman, Nomsa Moatswi, the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), emphasized that the lack of formal extradition agreements does not hinder her office’s ability to entertain extradition requests. She highlighted the adoption of international cooperation norms, advocating for collaboration through the lenses of international comity and reciprocity.
Moatswi disclosed the intensified effort by law enforcement to locate Ndovi following his no-show in court, and pointed to Botswana’s track record of extraditing two international fugitives from France and Zimbabwe in the previous year as evidence of the country’s relentless pursuit of legal integrity.
When probed about the potential implications of Ndovi’s case on Botswana’s forthcoming evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Moatswi reserved her speculations. She acknowledged the criticality of steering clear of blacklisting, suggesting that this singular case is unlikely to feature prominently in the FATF’s assessment criteria.