Botswana Unveils EU-Funded Green Value Chain Programme

Botswana Unveils EU-Funded Green Value Chain Programme. Botswana has officially launched the Green Value Chain Development for Job Creation Programme, a four-year initiative worth €8 million, funded by the European Union. Running from February 2026 to February 2030, the programme aims to drive economic diversification and create sustainable employment opportunities, with a particular emphasis on supporting export-oriented small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially those led by women and youth.

The programme is spearheaded by the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture. Implementation will be overseen by the International Trade Centre (ITC) through its Gaborone Programme Office.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Hon. Tiroaone Ntsima expressed appreciation to the European Union for its continued partnership in Botswana’s economic transformation agenda. He praised the ITC for its technical expertise and highlighted the programme’s importance in positioning Botswana to compete in emerging global green markets. Ntsima emphasized that the initiative comes at a pivotal time as the country seeks to build a resilient and sustainable economy.

Minister of Environment and Tourism Hon. Wynter Mmolotsi underscored the programme’s role in strengthening linkages between ecotourism and horticulture. He noted that enabling tourism facilities to source more local produce would reduce imports while enhancing Botswana’s authentic ecotourism experience. Mmolotsi further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving the Botswana Ecotourism (ECO) Certification System, making it more accessible to SMEs and community-based tourism enterprises. He stressed that enhancing certification standards would boost quality, credibility, and market access for local businesses.

Both ministries pledged close collaboration with stakeholders and development partners to ensure the programme’s successful rollout, reinforcing Botswana’s commitment to sustainable growth and inclusive job creation.