Vice President Gaolathe Calls for Inclusive Growth at IFC Day 2025

Vice President Gaolathe Calls for Inclusive Growth at IFC Day 2025. Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe has reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to building an economy that places people at the centre of development, stressing that growth must be measured not only by figures but also by the quality and dignity of jobs created.

Speaking at IFC Day 2025, held this morning at Hotel 430, Mr. Gaolathe outlined the country’s bold transformation agenda, which seeks to transition Botswana into a high-income, export-driven, digitally enabled economy. He underscored that inclusive growth requires deliberate efforts to ensure opportunities reach citizens across sectors and regions.

The Vice President identified nine key sectors as the backbone of Botswana’s growth ambitions, including agriculture, tourism, energy, and education, noting that these sectors carry significant potential for job creation, innovation, and export competitiveness. He encouraged entrepreneurs to seize emerging opportunities in these areas while leveraging technology and sustainable practices.

Calling for stronger partnerships, Mr. Gaolathe positioned the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as a vital partner in supporting economic diversification. He emphasised that collaboration between government, the private sector, and international institutions is essential for unlocking investment, scaling up businesses, and broadening Botswana’s global trade footprint.

For Botswana’s business community, the Vice President’s remarks serve as both encouragement and a challenge: to innovate, invest, and expand in ways that contribute to inclusive and sustainable development. The event reinforced the government’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for entrepreneurs and investors while aligning with broader goals of economic resilience.

As IFC Day concluded, the message was clear—Botswana’s transformation will rely on strategic collaboration, sectoral growth, and inclusive participation, ensuring that economic progress benefits all citizens.