19 Nov 2024

President Advocate Duma Boko has emphasised commitment as crucial for the achievement of  the lofty goal of becoming a high-income country by 2036.

Delivering the State-Of-the-Nation-Address in Gaborone yesterday, President Boko noted that only 12 years were left to achieve the goal.

“We are well aware of the commitment and demands it will take to achieve this goal and as you all know, change does not happen on its own, neither can it just be wished,” he said.

The President stated that as government developed the National Development Plan 12, they would begin the transformation journey enunciated in the Umbrella for Democratic Change manifesto.

“The plan will reflect our intent and demonstrate our willingness to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve our ultimate goal,” he said.

The President said the society must be prepared to do things differently in order to achieve different results, emphasising that what kept the country at upper-middle class would not necessarily take it to the high income status.

He therefore said systems and processes would be put in place to engender a culture of meritocracy, aimed at transforming the government to become more agile and accountable.

“I appeal to every citizen and resident of this country to commit towards putting our nation, our Botswana first in everything we do. Equally important, is for the private sector and civil society to take their rightful role to become the drivers and guardians of our development, respectively,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Boko said the challenges faced were significant but not insurmountable. He said by embracing bold reforms, driving economic diversification, investing in people and ensuring transparency in all actions, government would build a

Botswana that was resilient, sustainable and prosperous.

“This is the Botswana I see, a nation where opportunity is abundant, where young people have the skills and jobs they need and where our natural beauty is preserved for future generation. Let us come together, as we always have, to build a brighter, stronger future for our nation,” he said.

The President said it was the responsibility of all to make the aspirations a reality. He expressed his committment to spearheading the transformation of the government, society and economy. ENDS