19 Nov 2024

In an effort to create both immediate solutions to stabilize the economy and long-term reforms to lay the foundation for sustainable growth, President Advocate Duma Boko has rolled out his first 100 days in office plan.

Delivering the State-of-the-Nation-Address yesterday, President Boko expressed his commitment to handling the crucial initial phase of his presidency with ‘courage, vigour, and seriousness.”

He emphasised that the steps taken in these first 100 days would be instrumental in paving the way for a future filled with prosperity, opportunity, and dignity for all.

“In the first 100 days we focus on three  interconnected pillars: Restoring Trust, Revitalizing the Economy and Building Equity,” he said.

To restore trust and improve governance, President Boko said the government planned  to conduct a comprehensive financial and forensic audit to evaluate the effectiveness of existing systems and institutions.

“Because these institutions are human artifacts, we can remake and improve them,” Boko asserted, underlining the need for a robust institutional framework tailored to future challenges.

Strengthening anti-corruption measures was another key focus of the President’s address.

He announced the establishment of an independent anti-corruption agency, empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption at all levels.

Additionally, he said digital transparency mechanisms would be implemented to allow citizens to track public spending.

He noted the need to increase transparency in government expenditure with a publication a comprehensive review of public finances to identify waste, corruption and inefficiencies to be followed by a plan for corrective actions.

The President said government would also introduce civil service reforms and implement a code of conduct for public servants as well as train them in accountability and performance.

With regard  to  economic revitalisation,  President  Boko said government would  revitalise the economy and attract investment by establishing a legal reform task force.

This legal task force, he said would draft key legal reforms to make Botswana an attractive environment for foreign and domestic investment.

He further stated that government would create economic incentive package and also announce a set of incentives to attract investments in high-potential sectors, such as renewable energy agriculture, tourism, and technology.

“We are committed, as the government of Botswana, to participate in Meetings Incentives Conference and Events (MICE) and will ensure that there is positive impact for Batswana,” he said.

In addition, President Boko highlighted that government would identify and begin the implementation of strategic projects in transportation, energy and digital connectivity to boost employment and economic activity.

He indicated the need to build equity and social Infrastructure by kicking-off a national housing programme.

“We will lay the foundation for an affordable housing initiative by mapping housing needs, identifying sites and commencing pilot projects in urban and rural areas and we will also expand social services  access,” he stated.

With regards to the youth empowerment, President Boko stated government’s commitment to create opportunities for the youth through job training, entrepreneurship support and internships in both the public and private sectors.

He added that  government  would  also  strengthen food security through partnering with local farmers and farming institutions to improve agricultural productivity.

The president thus affirmed that government would at the end of 100 days, publish a ‘state of progress’ report to the nation.

The document, he said, would outline what has been achieved, challenges encountered and plans for the next phase of transformation. Ends