Ministry declares war on low productivity
Spira Tlhankane | Wednesday March 4, 2026 09:39
Presenting the recurrent and development budget proposal, the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Pius Mokgware, made it clear that the era of business-as-usual is over.
At the core of the reform agenda is the implementation of the National Productivity and Competitiveness Policy, approved by Parliament in July 2025. The government now wants to roll it out aggressively through the Department of Productivity and Competitiveness, which has been allocated P10.6 million to drive national initiatives.
'The National Productivity and Competitiveness Policy and Strategy were approved by Parliament in July 2025, paving the way for implementation. The purpose of this Policy is to provide a framework for addressing national productivity and competitiveness challenges in a holistic and coordinated manner in alignment with the National Development Plan 12, Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) and other strategic national, regional and global frameworks,” Mokgware told Parliament recently.
The ministry argues that productivity is no longer an abstract economic concept, but it is now tied directly to economic recovery, wage growth and Botswana’s global competitiveness. To strengthen coordination, Mokgware revealed that a Multi-Sectoral Employment Committee has been established to monitor job creation across all sectors.
“The ministry has also developed a framework for submission of returns on employment by both private and public sectors, where organisations and businesses will indicate employment levels, wages, professional trades, presented as locals and foreigners in their workplaces. The goal: measure performance, identify gaps and tighten accountability,” the minister added. In the agricultural sector, Mokgware indicated that a comprehensive Agriculture Productivity Research study has been completed, with recommendations set to be shared with stakeholders. The findings are expected to inform reforms aimed at improving output and value chains.
A key productivity lever is the new Employment and Labour Relations Act (No.27 of 2025), which introduces an independent Mediation and Arbitration Commission to fast-track labour dispute resolution.
For years, protracted industrial disputes have been blamed for disrupting output. The new structure is designed to resolve conflicts efficiently and reduce costly downtime.
The law also establishes an Employment and Labour Relations Council to determine minimum wages and strengthen structured social dialogue moves aimed at promoting industrial harmony and stability.
“In order to address timely resolution of disputes, the Act provides for the establishment of an Independent Dispute Resolution structure known as the Mediation and Arbitration Commission. The Commission will operate independently from the Government. This Act further introduces the establishment of social dialogue structures. These structures are: the Employment and Labour Relations Council, which will, amongst others, determine minimum wages, the Mediation and Arbitration Commission, which will be responsible for dispute resolution, and the Mediation and Arbitration Board, which will oversee the functions of the Commission. The law promotes the formation of joint Industrial Councils which support sectoral bargaining to enhance industrial harmony in the country,” Mokgware further said.
In addition, the ministry is also exploring shift work in the public sector and extending border operations to 24 hours at key crossing points.
“The ministry envisions spearheading reforms aimed at facilitating and contributing to economic recovery, service excellence across the public and private sector, as well as improving Botswana’s general competitiveness. To achieve this commitment, we will be exploring the following as key drivers: Opening strategic borders for 24-hours with some of our neighbouring countries. This will facilitate the movement of travellers, trade movement, goods and services. Facilitate and strengthen the operation of a 24-hour economy to allow for limitless access to services. This initiative will also grow the value chains of businesses and contribute to employment creation, as well. Engaging with key stakeholders to implement shift work in the public sector, which will reduce fatigue of employees and create opportunities for employment as well. These interventions will, in addition, bring efficiency in services and timely issuance of important documents such as Omang, Work and Residence permits, Visas and birth and deaths certificate. I must, however, underline that as we digitise the economy, these initiatives will serve to augment our digital platforms,” he said.