Botswana needs substantial reforms to accelerate the rate of growth

The twin economic challenges that stare us in the face are low economic growth and high unemployment, especially for secondary school leavers. We cannot therefore in the midst of these challenges just sit and hope that the growth rate that we sorely need to create jobs and prosperity and attain high income status is  going to happen on its own. Neither should we assume that just because we have been successful in the past, we would continue to do so. This is important to note because growth hardly ever happens by chance.  

We need to recognise that the prerequisite for growth is deep and continuous broad-based reforms as  the economic landscape evolves. So far,  it is difficult to discern anything that could be said to fall in the category of serious reforms . Sometimes the answers for our lethargic pace of growth lie in the little things  we say or do. These tend to reveal whether the mentality of those in  government is really geared towards reforms. In that regard , I was struck by a little poster at one government office the other day. It stated that “The private sector is recognised as a key stakeholder in economic development. Government made a commitment to grow the private sector and empower the citizens. Addressing the nation last week, His Excellency the President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi said Botswana must strike a balance between maintaining healthy relations with trading partners and empowering citizens whilst growing the economy.”