Heads of Missions strategise to propel Botswana to high income
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday April 8, 2024 06:00
They also discussed ways and means in which these opportunities can be brought home to an ordinary Motswana.
The theme of the Conference was: “Advancing Botswana towards a high-income, inclusive and knowledge-based economy through strategic global engagements”.
Indeed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is tasked with promoting Botswana’s interests abroad and being a key facilitator in Botswana’s aim of achieving economic growth rates that will lead to attainment of High-Income Status by 2036.
Speaking at the conference this week, Ambassador Dr. Athaliah Molokomme Dean of the Botswana Diplomatic Corps and Permanent Representatives to the United Nations Office in Geneva and other International Organisations, said; “we intend to discuss strategies on how to pluck the low-hanging fruits, as well as how to navigate and negotiate the tumultuous terrain, pursue mutually beneficial agreements at multilateral and bilateral levels, and circumvent interests that may impede our development agenda.” In that regard, she said their remit as Botswana Diplomats on the frontline is to highlight the economic and development dimension and to accordingly initiate or enter into impactful partnerships.
Furthermore, Molokomme said the expectation as envoys during the conference was to confer on the opportunities they see in their countries and organisations of accreditation, as well as on the ways and means in which these opportunities can be brought home to the table of the ordinary Motswana. She said this speaks to the centrality of inclusion and relevance in all the work that they do as Envoys.
“In Botswana’s quest to be a diversified, knowledge -based and export-led economy, establishing meaningful global partnerships is essential,” she said. Molokomme emphasised that there has consequently been an outpouring of goodwill, which recognises Botswana’s visionary leadership and the deep commitment of the country to realise Internationally Agreed Development Goals.
She said this goodwill is underpinned by the values and practices that Botswana is known for, including democracy, the rule of law, prudent management of resources, promotion and protection of human rights, and most importantly the demonstrable political will to transform the fortunes of Botswana and Batswana.
Molokomme said international organisations, development partners, neighbouring states, the wider African continent, and the Global South, also recognise Botswana’s resolve to engage on the global stage. She continued; “this is critical, especially during these challenging times of heightened geo-political tensions and multilateralism is the most trusted approach to address these challenges.” Still at the conference, Minister of Foreign Affairs , Dr Lemogang Kwape said; “It is through your efforts, dedication and diplomatic skills that we can effectively advance Botswana’s agenda and unlock its full potential, as we chart our way to becoming a high income country by 2036.” He said their role is not limited to traditional diplomatic exchanges, but very much and most importantly extends to economic diplomacy, trade and investment promotion, cultural exchanges and collaboration in various other sectors.
Kwape further pointed out that their diplomatic engagements are critical in building bridges, fostering partnerships and creating linkages between Botswana and the rest of the world. Therefore, he said people should appreciate their vision for a high-income, inclusive and knowledge-based economy entails various aspects.
He said it encompasses the diversification of the economy, the development of human capital, the promotion of research and innovation, as well as the creation of an enabling environment for sustainable growth. He said they have recorded noteworthy progress in some areas, but a lot still needs to be done in order to yield tangible results that will improve our Ministry and the livelihoods of Batswana. “We still have a number of pending administrative and strategic issues, which can further guide the direction of our Ministry. I implore you to redouble your efforts to speedily finalise all the pending issues,” Kwape said.