AfDB Executive Director’s Visit Underscores Botswana’s Push for Private-Sector Growth

AfDB Executive Director’s Visit Underscores Botswana’s Push for Private-Sector Growth. Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) welcomed the Executive Director of the Southern Africa Group 1 Constituency at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Mr. Shebo Nalishebo, during his official mission to Botswana from 17 to 18 November 2025. The visit placed a spotlight on opportunities for deeper collaboration between development finance partners and Botswana’s private sector, a key priority for local entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

Mr. Nalishebo toured Delta Automotive Technology, a BDC subsidiary that has benefited from AfDB funding. The tour highlighted how AfDB support is contributing to industrial development within Botswana, particularly in areas such as technology-driven manufacturing and skills advancement. For Botswana’s business community, the visit demonstrated the tangible role that long-term development financing can play in strengthening value-addition industries.

BDC reiterated its commitment to building partnerships that accelerate economic diversification and create an enabling environment for private-sector expansion. The corporation emphasized that strategic collaborations remain central to positioning local enterprises for competitiveness, both within and beyond Botswana.

In addition to his engagements at BDC, Mr. Nalishebo paid a courtesy call on the Vice President and Minister of Finance, Honourable Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe. Discussions focused on ensuring alignment between AfDB support and Botswana’s ongoing national development priorities, including NDP 12, the Botswana Economic Transformation Plan (BETP), and the AfDB Country Strategy Paper for Botswana. The conversations also explored potential areas where coordinated efforts could reinforce long-term economic resilience.

For entrepreneurs and businesses across Botswana, the visit signaled continued commitment from AfDB to support catalytic sectors, strengthen industrial capabilities, and expand the country’s economic base. The engagements underscored the importance of fostering regional and international partnerships that unlock new opportunities for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.