The Government of Botswana has embarked on a bold transformation strategy aimed at corporatising government ministries to enhance efficiency, agility, and accountability. President Advocate Duma Boko announced the initiative during the grand opening of the Shaturia Manor Lodge at Lotsane Safaris over the weekend.
Speaking at the high-profile launch of one of Botswana’s most luxurious villas, President Boko said the transformation is part of a broader effort to ensure that government operations mirror those of a well-functioning business — responsive, data-driven, and results-oriented. “We want government to work pretty much like business, where decisions are informed by data and taken quickly,” he said.
The initiative, he explained, is inspired in part by conversations with Mr Rainer Schorr, the owner of Shaturia Manor Lodge, who shared valuable insights into international governance models. These ideas have helped shape the President’s vision for a streamlined, accountable, and digitally-driven government.
The new structure will empower ministries to operate with clearly defined goals and a stronger focus on measurable results. According to President Boko, these changes will promote transparency, openness, and responsiveness to both domestic and international needs. “We know what we want to achieve and when,” he said. “We are pursuing digitalisation as the pivot point of the economy.”
The President emphasised that digitalisation will not only improve service delivery but will also eliminate wastage, curb irresponsible spending, and help the government become more investor-friendly. The new framework aims to reduce bureaucratic red tape that often frustrates investors. “When investors come, we will be ready to facilitate them quickly so they don’t spend time being tossed about when our people need investment for jobs,” he added.
The venue for the announcement, Shaturia Manor Lodge, exemplifies the kind of high-impact investment Botswana aims to attract. Built at a cost of over P500 million, the lodge has already created 50 direct jobs and positions itself as a 5-star destination poised to draw international tourists and investors alike.
Set within a 100km fenced area and boasting 17 waterholes as well as thousands of indigenous animals such as sable and antelopes, the lodge is a private sanctuary of luxury and biodiversity. According to Mr Schorr, the project was completed in just two years after signing the initial contract, reflecting what can be achieved with focused investment and streamlined processes.
President Boko lauded the Manor Lodge as a symbol of post-COVID-19 recovery in Botswana’s tourism sector. He commended Mr and Mrs Schorr for their vision and commitment to promoting the country’s natural beauty, saying such initiatives are instrumental in repositioning Botswana as a premier eco-tourism and investment destination. As the government embarks on its corporatisation journey, initiatives like Shaturia Manor Lodge offer a glimpse into the kind of partnerships and progress President Boko envisions — where government and private enterprise work in synergy to build a dynamic and prosperous Botswana.
