BITC seals local investment pact

The MoU will primarily focus on identifying district level investment opportunities and unlock their potential for the benefit of communities across Botswana. “Local authorities play a pivotal role as they provide us with access to communities across districts and serve as a bridge between the national initiatives and local opportunities,” Mr Olebile said. Through this MoU, Mr Olebile said they aimed to streamline processes, improve coordination and enhance investor experience in accessing land for development.

He said the MoU was an action committed by BITC, not symbolic agreements but practical frameworks that would be activated through joint implementation teams. Mr Olebile said the focus was to ensure that the commitments made translated into tangible outcomes that benefited investors, businesses and the community. “This MoU is aligned to government’s development agenda the National Development Plan (NDP 12) and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP).

“It further aligns to Vision 2036 of Sustainable Economic Development and Human Social Development and Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want,” he said. He said it also spoke to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Ending poverty in all its forms, Good Health and Wellbeing, Reduced Inequality and Sustainable Cities and Communities. Acting Permanent Secretary in the Minister of Local Government & Traditional Affairs, Ms Tshepo Kebakile said the partnership came at an opportune time when there was a call to disrupt the status quo and co-create solutions with communities.

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Ms Kebakile said the MoU was a call that ensured that the values of self-reliance, productivity and competitiveness should once again dominate the nation’s development narrative. Furthermore, she said it was centred on transforming Botswana into a more equitable and prosperous nation, aiming to address poverty, inequality and unemployment and sustainable development.

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