Following the fanfare celebrations for the 50^th 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.