Proposed 24-hour economy set to create jobs
Spira Tlhankane | Sunday November 9, 2025 12:45
As the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs seeks to have Parliament approve about P1.1 billion as part of the National Development Plan 12 (NDP12), the ministry says it will introduce the 24-hour economy that is divided into eight-hour shifts.
Presenting their NDP12 budget before the house this week, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Pius Mokgware revealed that the 24-hour economy they believe will create job opportunities, allow for improved productivity, efficiency, and health and safety in the workplace.
“Botswana faces a significant unemployment challenge, especially among youth. The “12-hour economy” (i.e., restricted operating hours) also contributes to unemployment challenges, and hence our commitment to introduce a 24-hour economy. This will also save huge amounts of money on overtime and the exposure to the risk of working long hours that comes with exhaustion and less concentration of employees,” Mokgware told legislators.
Mokgware added that to mitigate the inconvenience current hours of operations, the Ministry is exploring the transformation into a 24-hour economy whereby hours of work are split into 8-hour shifts, aiming at keeping business operations, services, and production going around the clock to boost competitiveness and job creation.
He disclosed that the Ministry envisions leveraging digital platforms, logistics, and extended-night operations to tap into global time zones and new economic niches. “Such a shift promises to get more people into jobs, increasing value chains and open job opportunities (especially for youth), and reducing the dependency on traditional daytime operations only. In support of this initiative, the Ministry will engage our neighboring countries to facilitate the opening of some strategic borders for 24 hours in a gradual and phased manner.
Speaking of borders, Mokgware emphasised that the proposed 24-hour economy will be made possible by a notable achievement, which has seen some operating for 24 hours. “Border operating hours were extended to 24 hours at the Mamuno Border Post with Namibia, to facilitate movement and an open economy. Additionally, One Stop Border Posts (OSBP) were established at Mamuno/ Trans-Kalahari and Kazungula Border Posts to promote a coordinated and integrated approach to facilitate trade, enhance the movement of people, and improve border security,” he said.