BETP call draws 100 ideas
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday July 28, 2025 10:08
Last week, during the official launch of the BETP, the government opened a four-week Call for Ideas inviting citizens to submit project and policy proposals that can drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth. The initiative is open to the public, international partners, social entrepreneurs, and innovators.
Speaking at a meeting with Cabinet on Wednesday, Boko revealed that submissions so far have come from a diverse range of contributors, both local and international, underscoring the energy and momentum for change that the BETP is designed to harness.
“This level of response shows that the appetite for change is real,” the President said.
The BETP is designed as a bold intervention to dismantle bureaucratic inertia and build what Boko describes as a 'fast and fearless delivery economy'. Rather than a traditional development plan, the BETP functions as a delivery architecture — a structured, results-oriented mechanism to translate sound policy and economic frameworks into tangible outcomes such as jobs, competitiveness, and national dignity.
The programme is structured into four phases: Diagnostics, which involves a rigorous review of the country’s economic baseline, policy gaps, and execution bottlenecks; Strategic Alignment, where Botswana defines its 'true north' and identifies sectors with the greatest catalytic potential; Collaboration and Design, a three-to-four week period of intense cross-sector engagement to convert ideas into execution-ready, investment-grade projects; and Execution, which includes a clear roadmap, performance indicators, escalation protocols, and real-time government delivery mechanisms.
Currently in Phase Two, the BETP is undergoing a two-week strategic Cabinet workshop aimed at building unity of vision and a shared sense of urgency at the highest levels of government. The workshop provides a space for frank assessments, strategic clarity, and collective decision-making.
The BETP is being delivered in partnership with PEMANDU Associates, a global advisory firm known for driving results-based transformation models. According to Boko, the programme marks a radical shift in government planning by focusing on execution with measurable targets and transparent tracking.
“This will ensure that the BETP is not just a document of intent, but a tool for delivery,” he said.
Strategic investment under the BETP will be focused on five priority sectors: agriculture, financial services, manufacturing, tourism, and the digital economy.
“Our goal is to identify where our natural strengths, market demand, and strategic ambition intersect. These sectors will drive inclusive growth, attract investment, create sustainable jobs, and position Botswana as a regional economic hub,” Boko explained.
The outputs of the BETP will feed directly into the upcoming National Transformation Plan which replaces the National Development Plan.
The National Planning Commission is also conducted extensive district consultations in preparation.
The President also emphasised the need for a paradigm shift across government.
“We must break down fragmentation and foster a culture of synergy. Government’s strength lies in unified vision and coordinated action. Ministries and agencies will no longer operate on vague mandates — they will be accountable for clear, time-bound, and measurable targets,” he said.