25 Jun 2024

Botswana is ranked 55 out of 67 countries as per the 2024 Institute of Management Development (IMD) world competitiveness results.

Speaking at the 2024 World Productivity Day celebrations recently themed: Artificial Intelligence (AI): Productivity Engine of Economic Growth, Botswana National Productivity Centre (BNPC) executive director, Mr Jacob Mmola said the theme highlighted the crucial role of AI in driving economic growth as well as productivity.

Mr Mmola explained that Artificial Intelligence referred to computer systems performing tasks that typically required human intelligence such as reasoning, problem solving, perception, language understanding and decision making.

He said its application had immense benefits in cost reduction, resolving victimisation and increasing productivity.

Mr Mmola noted that World Productivity Day was celebrated annually on June 20 and that it was established to inspire both individuals and organisations to boost productivity. 

He said it was not just about working harder but rather smarter with strategies that could improve performance. 

Mr Mmola also said the day promoted innovation, sharing success stories and motivating everyone to aim higher in their daily activities.

“In celebrating this day, we are encouraged to create positive habits that boost productivity as well as raise awareness on the role that productivity plays in enhancing our quality of life,” he added.

Delivering the days message, BNPC board chairperson, Prof. Dorothy Mpabanga emphasised the need to acknowledge and to use AI to enhance productivity. 

She said it has already transformed “how we work, run our conversations, manage our productivity and think.” 

She added that as the country aspires to become a high income country by 2036, AI should be used to help get there and to show the steps and what others had done.

Prof. Mpabanga also said a productivity mindset would promote competitiveness in different sectors of the economy resulting in sustained growth and inclusiveness. 

She added that research and development was also critical as it could help instil a culture of creativity and innovation.

Presenting on Botswana’s competitiveness as per the 2024 IMD World Competitiveness year book results, BNPC consultant, Ms Motshabi Kgotlaesele, said the country’s ranking had improved from 59 in 2023 to 55 in 2024. 

She said the country also improved from 45.36 it scored in 2023 to 50.31 in 2024, adding that the results included four countries being Botswana, South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana.

She explained that the competitiveness yearbook was a comprehensive and thorough report that assessed the countries’ competitiveness in generating sustainable value for citizens, adding that the report was used by governments for benchmarking and investment purposes. 

She also noted that four indicators of economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure were analysed.

Ms Tshepo Mokwadi the deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, said productivity started from the individual level and that was where efforts should go before going to the next level and ultimately the country.

“When you start at the top you leave out so many people whose productivity and competitiveness matters to the overall,” she added.

She said there should be coherence and synergy in policies across all ministries, departments and agencies. Ends