Botswana is reaffirming its commitment to deepening its partnership with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) as it accelerates its economic transformation agenda.

During high-level discussions held on April 15, Vice President and Minister of Finance, Ndaba Gaolathe, outlined Botswana’s strategic priorities to a visiting delegation led by Leila Mokaddem, Director General for Southern Africa at the Bank. The meeting focused on advancing Botswana’s goals around digitization, agricultural commercialization, revitalization of state-owned enterprises, and transitioning toward private sector-led growth.

Vice President Gaolathe emphasized the government’s commitment to building a civil service that delivers results, investing in transformative infrastructure, and diversifying Botswana’s minerals sector.

“We are well placed to deepen the relationship with the African Development Bank to support private sector initiatives,” Gaolathe said, highlighting Botswana’s ambition to develop and expand its automotive industry.

Praising the long-standing partnership between Botswana and the African Development Bank, Gaolathe added:

“I have seen how the Bank has modernized and continued to grow. It is an organization I greatly admire and will continue to partner with in our economic transformation agenda.”

Leila Mokaddem reiterated the Bank Group’s strong commitment to Botswana’s development, aligning with the country’s Vision 2036 blueprint.

“Our evaluation points to reforms, capacity development, and enhancement of the private sector as key to the country’s economic development,” Mokaddem stated. She noted Botswana’s strong potential to emerge as a regional logistics and manufacturing hub.

Moono Mupotola, the Bank Group’s Deputy Director General for Southern Africa and Country Manager for Botswana, also emphasized the enduring strength of the relationship and the institution’s readiness to continue supporting the country’s transformation.

Accelerating Economic Growth: Key Initiatives

During the talks, the African Development Bank Group delegation outlined several short- and medium-term initiatives aimed at bolstering Botswana’s economic growth:

• Governance and Economic Resilience Program (GERSP): Designed to strengthen fiscal performance and foster greater private sector participation. Potential funding support could reach $1 billion, with $304 million available in 2025.

• Technical Assistance: Support to overcome implementation challenges in Botswana’s public investment program.

• Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project: A strategic project addressing water and sanitation needs by constructing a 700-kilometre pipeline connecting South Africa and Botswana.

• Comprehensive Transport Sector Support: Investments in roads, railways, aviation, and logistics.

• Energy Sector Development: Feasibility studies for key transmission lines linking Botswana with South Africa and Zambia to enhance energy security.

Highlighting challenges such as water, energy, and skills mismatch, Mokaddem stressed that resolving these issues is crucial to unlocking private sector development.

“The Bank Group will leverage its capacity and expertise to support Botswana’s diversification efforts,” she affirmed.

A Track Record of Success

The meeting also celebrated the tangible impact of previous African Development Bank investments in Botswana, notably projects such as Lobatse Clay Works and Delta Automotive Technologies, which demonstrate the transformative potential of targeted economic support.

With renewed commitment and strategic investments, Botswana is poised to harness its full potential, driving inclusive and sustainable growth that resonates across the Southern African region.

Contact:
Emeka Anuforo, Communication and External Relations Department
Email: media@afdb.org