12 May 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has urged countries to make a complete policy shift to deliberately open spaces for women to meaningfully and equally participate in international trade.

He was officiating at the event on facilitating US - Africa trade and investment: Women and the Diaspora, on the margins of the  US-Africa Business Summit  2024 in Texas on May 9.

President Masisi believed the shift would accelerate efforts towards realizing Agenda 2036, characterised by inclusive trade, gender equality, sustainable development and ousting abject poverty.

He said women’s participation in trade at local and international levels could boost their contribution to sustainable economic development.

President Masisi further said a shift in policy could also reduce gender disparities by affording women more employment opportunities throughout Africa, including Botswana.

He noted that women faced poverty and that empowering them to become successful entrepreneurs was therefore befitting to enhance their livelihoods.

“Botswana is committed to strengthening women’s participation in the continental economy by ensuring that a substantial portion of public procurement is earmarked for women-owned businesses,” he said.

Furthermore, President Masisi said government, in collaboration with UN Women had been implementing an International Labour Organisation-certified training on Start and Improve Your Business since 2019.

He said the initiative specifically targeted women micro entrepreneurs in remote areas.

Dr Masisi was happy to note that the programme was yielding desired results, as some women had expanded their businesses, with a potential to graduate to medium-scale enterprises. Ends