The Minister for Labour and Home Affairs, Hon. Major General (Rtd) Pius Mokgware, held a high-level meeting with Ambassador Petra Pereyra of the European Union (EU) to Botswana and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to explore avenues for collaboration on job creation and economic diversification in Botswana.
The meeting, which took place in Gaborone, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and leveraging EU partnerships to support Botswana’s ongoing efforts to reduce unemployment and expand its economic base beyond traditional sectors. Minister Mokgware expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support and emphasized the government’s commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities for citizens, particularly the youth and women.
“Botswana is at a critical point in its development journey, where job creation and economic diversification are not just priorities—they are necessities. Our engagement with the European Union today is part of a broader effort to foster strategic partnerships that will help us achieve inclusive and sustainable growth,” said Minister Mokgware.
Ambassador Pereyra reaffirmed the EU’s interest in supporting Botswana’s development goals, noting that the EU is ready to work with the government on initiatives that can spur innovation, skills development, entrepreneurship, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“We see great potential in Botswana’s vision for economic transformation. The EU is committed to being a reliable partner in driving job creation and enhancing economic resilience in the country,” Ambassador Pereyra stated.
The two leaders discussed specific areas of interest, including vocational training, green energy, digital innovation, and the creative industries. They also explored opportunities for technical assistance and investment in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism—key pillars identified in Botswana’s economic diversification strategy.
Minister Mokgware highlighted the importance of aligning labour market reforms with emerging economic opportunities and enhancing workforce skills to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. He noted that collaboration with international partners like the EU can accelerate progress toward a more dynamic and competitive economy.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation through structured dialogue and collaborative programs that support Botswana’s National Development Plan and Vision 2036 objectives.
As Botswana continues to pursue sustainable development, strategic engagements such as this one signal a clear intent to build a resilient, diversified economy with jobs at its core.
