Vice President and Minister of Finance, Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, used the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) to present Botswana’s Transformation Programme and call for stronger partnerships with Japan. He emphasised that TICAD provides a vital platform for Africa and Japan to shape a shared future.
During his address, Gaolathe outlined Botswana’s vision of a high-income, digitally enabled, and export-driven economy. Priority sectors include agriculture, energy, mining, tourism, creative industries, manufacturing, and technology. He stressed that these areas offer opportunities for collaboration and investment with Japanese partners.
Gaolathe highlighted potential partnerships in AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and mega-projects spanning transport, energy, food systems, tourism, and healthcare. He made clear that Botswana is not seeking aid but mutually beneficial collaborations that drive diversification, innovation, and sustainable growth.
He concluded by reaffirming TICAD as a space for Africa and Japan to “rise, build, and prosper together,” underlining Botswana’s commitment to using global partnerships to achieve its national development goals.
