Vice President Gaolathe Urges Young Women to Embrace Opportunities in Agriculture

Vice President Gaolathe Urges Young Women to Embrace Opportunities in Agriculture. Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe has called on young women across Botswana to actively explore opportunities in the agricultural sector, describing it as a key driver of job creation and economic empowerment.

Speaking as the chief walker during a sponsored walk hosted by the Tutume Assemblies of God Church, the Vice President underscored agriculture’s potential to transform communities, especially for youth and women. The walk, themed “Nurturing and Empowering Young Girls to Become Women of Substance”, brought together church members, youth groups, and community leaders to promote empowerment through action.

In his remarks, Mr. Gaolathe highlighted the government’s focus on developing the agricultural value chain, with a target of creating over 5,000 jobs in areas such as food processing, logistics, agro-marketing, livestock services, and agribusiness innovation.

He encouraged young women to take advantage of these emerging opportunities, not only as farmers but as entrepreneurs, service providers, and innovators in the broader food and agriculture ecosystem.

Further reinforcing the government’s commitment, the Vice President announced a USD 800 million funding agreement with OPEC, aimed at supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and rural enterprise programmes, particularly those aligned with agriculture. The initiative is expected to boost access to capital, infrastructure, and training for aspiring agripreneurs across Botswana.

For Botswana’s business community, particularly women-led and youth-driven ventures, the Vice President’s message signals increased government backing for inclusive growth and sector diversification.