Botswana: Move Beyond Govt Tenders - Boko

What the report says

President Duma Boko used a business roundtable in Gaborone on October 8 to press Botswana’s private sector to shift away from dependence on government tenders and toward production, innovation and entrepreneurship. According to Botswana Daily News, he argued that stronger economic growth will come from businesses that build intellectual property, add value locally and invest in sectors such as manufacturing.

Boko said too many firms had functioned mainly as intermediaries in state procurement rather than as producers. He said government is prepared to support firms that actually manufacture in Botswana, including through purchasing preferences where existing law allows. He also linked the push to the African Continental Free Trade Area, saying locally sourced or regional inputs could help Botswana-made goods qualify for preferential access.

The meeting was part of the Presidential Business Roundtable, which Boko launched in March 2026 and which brings together regulators, funding bodies and private companies. Speaking on behalf of Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe, Local Government and Traditional Affairs Minister Ketlhalefile Motshegwa said the process is intended to be more consultative, with government listening to business concerns before shaping policy.

Business Botswana president Neo Nwako said the private sector wants measurable follow-through, and highlighted issues such as visas, work permits and land tenure as barriers to investment. The report says sector meetings have already been held in several areas, with officials aiming to turn the discussions into practical reforms.