Joel Duke Ramaphoi Appointed Permanent Secretary of Trade and Entrepreneurship

Joel Duke Ramaphoi Appointed Permanent Secretary of Trade and Entrepreneurship. The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship (MTE) has officially announced the appointment of Mr. Joel Duke Ramaphoi as its new Permanent Secretary, bringing with him more than two decades of experience in corporate leadership, economic policy, and SME development.

Mr. Ramaphoi’s appointment is seen as a strategic boost to Botswana’s economic diversification agenda, particularly as the ministry strengthens its focus on entrepreneurship, investment, and innovation. His vast career includes significant roles in the banking sector and public institutions, where he has consistently championed inclusive economic transformation.

Notably, Mr. Ramaphoi previously served as the inaugural Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the ministry’s operational mandate and crafting policy frameworks aimed at supporting youth and women in business.

His contributions to regional cooperation are equally notable. While serving as Caretaker Registrar General at the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA), he facilitated Botswana’s signing of a key Memorandum of Understanding between SADC and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), promoting intellectual property as a lever for innovation.

Welcoming the appointment, the Ministry expressed confidence in Mr. Ramaphoi’s ability to bring renewed vision and momentum to key trade and enterprise development initiatives. Entrepreneurs and business leaders in Botswana can expect increased engagement, policy support, and capacity-building opportunities under his leadership.

The Ministry also extended appreciation to the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olesitse H. Masimega, who has retired after years of dedicated service.

Mr. Ramaphoi holds an MBA in Business Finance and a BA in Economics from the University of Botswana. He is also a certified BQA trainer and part-time lecturer.