10 Sep 2024

The National Planning Commission (NPC) is taking steps to involve the youth in the formulation of the upcoming National Development Plan 12 (NDP12), which will delineate national priorities and projects slated for funding between 2025 and 2030.

This initiative is the result of a collaborative effort involving the NPC, the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture, and the Botswana National Youth Council, reflecting a unified commitment to address the needs, expectations, and aspirations of Botswana’s youth.

During a youth engagement meeting held in Gaborone on Thursday, Commissioner General of the NPC, Mr Batho Molomo, emphasised the importance of the youth demographic in shaping the nation’s future.

“Young people represent a significant portion of our population and will play a crucial role in driving the country’s progress,” he stated.

Mr Molomo highlighted the necessity of integrating the voices of the youth into the NDP 12 and subsequent development strategies.
The NDP 12 is poised to be the third plan designed to support the execution of Vision 2036 through the National Transformation Strategy (NTS), following the previous NDP 11 and the

Transitional Development Plan. “We believe that the youth are the future of Botswana, and their perspectives and aspirations are essential in shaping NDP 12,” he said. “Their voices should be present, and their ideas taken into account as we plot the course for the country’s development.”

Furthermore, Mr Molomo said NDP 12 sought to identify and explore new initiatives aimed at transforming the economy into one that was diverse, private sector-led, export-oriented, and growth-focused.

Acting Director of Research, Policy, Strategy, and Research Coordinator at the NPC, Ms Iye Moakofi, noted that the NTS for NDP 12 was designed to catalyse the achievement of sustainable economic development goals.

She outlined that the strategic priorities would focus on key sectors including agriculture, tourism, the creative industry, transport and logistics, as well as financial real estate and business services.

Addressing ongoing challenges, Ms Moakofi said that  NTS would develop approaches to combat poverty and promote gender equality across Botswana.

Furthermore, she said  consultations with various stakeholders would continue to gather diverse ideas and expectations concerning the NDP 12 preparations. ENDS