Business Botswana President Gobusamang Keebine says the newly launched five-year strategic plan for the organisation positions local private sector as the engine of economic growth and diversification.
Keebine made remarks during the official launch of the strategic plan running from 2018-2023. The plan is fostered in partnership with the United Nations Development Plan (UNDP).
He said Business Botswana strives to enhance the overall competitiveness of the private sector by continuously exploring new markets and promoting sustainable development.
“This strategy could not have come at a better time to realise our goal. It has outlined many crucial objectives we have set for ourselves for the next five years. Objectives that focus on what we believe will push private sector to achieve the goals of this nation with regards to job and wealth creation,” he said.
Keebine said the plan constitutes a turning point for the involvement of the private sector to extensively contribute to the ease of doing business in Botswana.
This, he said, will be achieved by working with Government on critical pillars geared towards economic diversification and growth and also to strengthen Business Botswana’s relations with international networks.
“I have no doubt that through this strategy Business Botswana will effectively serve members, by continuing to collaborate with local, national, regional and international networks. We aim to create a thriving private sector and most importantly make our services more accessible in all districts,” he underscored.
Business Botswana’s expected milestones from the strategic plan is, amongst others, enabling the institution to position the private sector to contribute 50% of the GDP, increase export earnings by 15% and 60% employment contribution.
UN Resident Coordinator to Botswana and SADC Jacinta Barrins reckoned that the role of the private sector cannot be overemphasized, adding that the private sector is key partner in implementing development plans such as the NDP 11. Barrins said a robust private sector can contribute to high employment, diversify economy and increase export market value and income.
Business Botswana CEO Norman Moleele revealed that the implementation plan is guided by four Strategic thrusts which constitutes of activities and Strategic Objectives to be implemented in the period of the strategic plan.