BPP unveils 2026 bold agenda
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday January 12, 2026 06:00
In an interview with Mmegi on Tuesday, the party reaffirmed its commitment to renewal, growth and discipline as a member of the governing Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition.
The roadmap outlines a year focused on consolidation, institutional strengthening and political readiness as the coalition government enters a critical phase.
“The year ahead marks an important phase in consolidating our role within the coalition while strengthening the party internally and expanding our footprint across the country,” said Mmantlha Sankoloba, the BPP secretary-general and publicity and information secretary.
She said at the heart of the party’s 2026 agenda is the celebration of its 65th anniversary, a historic milestone that places the BPP amongst Botswana’s longest-standing political movements.
Furthermore, she revealed that the celebrations are expected to honour the party’s founders, veterans and loyal members, while reigniting its ideological foundations and long
-term vision. “This milestone will honour our founders, veterans and loyal members while re-energising the party’s values, ideology and collective vision,” Sankoloba said. “It will serve as a unifying moment, bridging generations and recommitting the movement to its historic mission,” she added.
Beyond symbolism, she said party leaders view the anniversary celebrations as a strategic opportunity to strengthen unity, visibility and mobilisation at a national level, particularly among younger supporters. Meanwhile, she said the BPP is preparing to officially launch its five-year strategy, a document that will shape the party's political direction and operational focus going forward. “The strategy is designed to align the party’s priorities with the broader UDC agenda for governance, development and social justice,” said Sankoloba.
Sankoloba also said the strategy will guide political mobilisation, policy engagement, organisational strengthening and electoral preparedness.
Moreover, she said this will provide much-needed clarity and cohesion across structures, while sharpening the BPP’s contribution within the coalition government. In a move aimed at boosting efficiency and visibility, the party also announced plans to open a fully-fledged Gaborone party office during the year.
“The office will function as a central administrative and coordination hub, strengthening internal communication and engagement with members, partners and stakeholders,” she said. She further said as part of its growth strategy, the BPP will roll out a nationwide membership drive targeting youth, women and working communities in both urban and rural areas. In other issues, she said the drive is intended to expand and revitalise the party’s support base while reconnecting with grassroots communities.
“We are committed to expanding and revitalising our support base through a nationwide membership drive,” Sankoloba said, adding that strong membership is the backbone of any credible political organisation. Again, she revealed that at the same time, the party will focus on rebuilding and strengthening its structures at all levels. “This includes ensuring that branches, regions and committees are functional, active and capable of sustaining mobilisation efforts nationwide,” she said.
She also pointed out that leadership development has been identified as a key pillar of the 2026 programme. On other issues, she said as preparations begin for the party’s congress, leadership forums and capacity-building initiatives will be convened to equip members with political, organisational and governance skills. “These programmes are critical to building a disciplined, capable and forward-looking leadership,” Sankoloba said. In addition, she said deliberate efforts will be made to strengthen the women and youth wings, which the party recognises as central to mobilisation, innovation and leadership succession.