Acting President and Finance Minister Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe officially opened the 29th Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair with a compelling message focused on innovation, unity, and urgent economic reform. Addressing attendees in Francistown, Mr. Gaolathe acknowledged the growing fiscal challenges facing Botswana, including declining mineral revenues, and called for a transformative shift in the country’s economic direction.
“We can no longer rely on business-as-usual approaches,” he said. “A diversified, inclusive, future-ready Botswana is within reach, if we choose to build it together.”
Mr. Gaolathe underscored the importance of strategic collaboration between government, business, and citizens in driving sustainable development. He urged stakeholders to embrace bold policies and innovative practices that go beyond traditional models, emphasizing that the time for incremental change is over.
In a strong statement on public finance management, he emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in national spending. “Every pula spent must deliver measurable public value,” he said, stressing that efficient resource use is critical to restoring public trust and ensuring development impact.
Francistown, the host city of the trade fair, was spotlighted as a key driver in Botswana’s future economy. Mr. Gaolathe highlighted its strategic location and infrastructure potential, noting that the city could evolve into a regional logistics and trade hub with the right investment and policy support.
He also commended Business Botswana for its consistent efforts to foster economic dialogue and entrepreneurship. He praised the organization for transforming the annual fair into more than just a marketplace, describing it as a dynamic platform for action, innovation, and partnership.
The 29th edition of the Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair drew participation from a wide array of local and regional businesses, innovators, and policymakers. The event continues to play a pivotal role in connecting entrepreneurs, showcasing emerging industries, and promoting regional economic development.
With his remarks, Mr. Gaolathe reinforced the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and positioned Botswana’s northern region as central to the country’s economic transformation agenda.
