President Boko Outlines ‘True North’ Vision for Botswana’s Economic Transformation

President Boko Outlines ‘True North’ Vision for Botswana’s Economic TTransformation. President Duma Gideon Boko has reinforced his administration’s commitment to driving Botswana towards a new era of inclusive and diversified growth under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP). Speaking at the Leadership Syndication for BETP, the President described the initiative as a platform to refine and align national strategies with the country’s long-term development aspirations.

Central to his address was the idea of Botswana’s “True North” — a guiding vision of a digitally enabled, export-driven, and people-centered economy that elevates the country to high-income status. “That True North envisions a high-income status Botswana that is digitally enabled, export driven, people-centric, and economically diversified; a Botswana in which every citizen enjoys equal opportunity, is employed, empowered, and fulfilled,” he stated.

Among the programme’s key areas, the Financial Services and Digitalisation Lab was highlighted for producing a comprehensive mapping of Botswana’s digital ecosystem. This work has identified reforms necessary to strengthen inclusivity, enhance cybersecurity, and expand digital access across the economy.

On the agricultural front, the labs have identified bankable projects aimed at reducing reliance on imports while boosting food security. These initiatives are expected to stimulate local production, create employment, and position Botswana as a regional exporter of agricultural goods.

Addressing stakeholders, President Boko stressed that transformation is not optional but essential. He urged both government leaders and private sector participants to remain accountable and united in ensuring that tangible results are achieved. “Delivery is the only measure of leadership,” he said, underscoring the need for collective responsibility in advancing the transformation agenda.

For Botswana’s entrepreneurs and businesses, the BETP represents opportunities to participate in reforms, drive innovation, and contribute to building an economy capable of competing on the global stage.