Gov’t to unveil long-overdue digital labour market platform
Pini Bothoko | Monday June 8, 2026 06:00
The initiative, which is nearing implementation, is expected to address longstanding challenges faced by many citizens who struggle to access job advertisements and employment information due to geographical barriers and limited access to traditional media platforms.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, Jimmy Opelo, revealed that the project is at an advanced stage, left with only facilitation and training remaining before it becomes fully operational.
Opelo explained that the system will include a Labour Market Inventory, a digital database that will register and monitor job seekers nationwide. Through the platform, registered users will be notified of available job vacancies as soon as they arise, making the job search process more efficient and accessible.
'In the past, people relied heavily on newspapers and other traditional platforms to access job advertisements. We want to introduce a system that simplifies the process and ensures that job opportunities reach citizens wherever they are,' Opelo told the committee.
He explained that the ministry has established a multi-sectoral committee comprising key stakeholders to oversee the development and implementation of the platform. Among the stakeholders involved is the Ministry of Communications and Innovation, which is playing a critical role in building the digital infrastructure required for the system.
According to Opelo, the committee has already developed a digital national ecosystem that will guide the operation of the platform, including how information will be collected, stored and accessed by both job seekers and employers.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged, however, that internet connectivity remains one of the biggest challenges facing the successful rollout of the initiative, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
'Since we have not yet fully digitalised every part of the country, there will be challenges in areas where internet connectivity is limited. However, we have engaged mobile network operators and shared our plans with them so that together we can find ways of improving accessibility,' he said.
Currently, the platform is being administered by the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), but the ministry is in the process of taking over its management. Once transferred, the ministry intends to establish a dedicated control room staffed by officers who will monitor the system and oversee its operations.
Opelo described the initiative as a fully digitalised employment-seeking and recruitment platform that will enable authorities to track usage, manage data and ensure that the system functions efficiently.
'It will be a controlled environment to prevent abuse. Companies wishing to use the platform will be issued with access codes, allowing them to advertise vacancies and recruit through the system. The major challenge remains internet connectivity in some parts of the country,' he said.
The platform is expected to benefit both public and private sector employers, creating a centralised employment database accessible to a broad range of users. The government also plans to continue upgrading its information technology infrastructure to improve connectivity, accessibility and integration across various media platforms.
Despite these efforts, Opelo noted that unemployment remains one of Botswana's most pressing socio-economic challenges. He revealed that during the 2024/2025 financial year, the country recorded 56,512 registered job seekers. While he did not provide updated figures, he indicated that the number has continued to rise.
'These numbers continue to increase. I do not have the latest statistics with me, but I can confidently say that the country continues to face a significant unemployment challenge,' he said.
Members of the Committee on Government Assurances expressed concern about the accessibility of the digital platform, particularly for citizens living in rural communities where internet services remain unreliable or unavailable.
Committee members also emphasised the importance of public education and training before the platform is launched, arguing that many citizens may struggle to use the technology without adequate guidance.
Responding to the concerns, Opelo admitted that significant work remains to be done to ensure that the platform serves all Batswana equally, regardless of their location or technological capabilities.
He said the ministry has already developed a communication strategy aimed at raising awareness about the system and educating potential users. In addition, the government intends to establish communication centres that will support information dissemination and provide assistance to job seekers.
'There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that this platform benefits everyone, including those living in rural areas,' he said.
Opelo further highlighted the government's efforts to ensure that even citizens using basic mobile phones will be able to access the platform.
'We recognise that people use different types of phones with varying capabilities. While some have smartphones, others still use simple mobile phones. There is a programme under the Ministry of Communications and Innovation aimed at ensuring that services can also be accessed through basic phones, commonly referred to as Sedilame phones. We want to ensure that no one is left behind,' he said.
Meanwhile, Opelo also provided updates on several labour-related reforms currently underway within the ministry. He disclosed that the review of the Employment Act has already been passed by Parliament, paving the way for significant changes in the country's labour market. One of the key provisions in the revised legislation is the introduction of a mandatory minimum wage of P4,000 per month for employees across both the public and private sectors.
According to Opelo, the government will strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with the new labour regulations. Employers will be required to submit annual returns detailing information about their workforce, including the number of employees, their ages, gender, nationality and other employment-related data.
The information will enable the ministry to maintain a comprehensive labour database while also monitoring the employment of foreign nationals within companies operating in Botswana.
In another major development, Opelo revealed that the government is working towards consolidating three institutions, the Botswana National Productivity Centre (BNPC), the Institute of Development Management (IDM) and the Public Service College into a single institution that will operate as a school of excellence.
The move is aimed at improving skills development and producing graduates who are better equipped to meet the demands of the labour market.
'We have observed similar models working successfully in other countries. The objective is to produce market-ready graduates who will meet the expectations of employers from the moment they enter the workplace,' he said.
Opelo added that Botswana must enhance its competitiveness and productivity if it is to effectively address unemployment and prepare its workforce for future economic opportunities.
'We want to produce graduates whose capabilities will not be questioned by potential employers. Our goal is to improve productivity, enhance competitiveness and ensure that our education and training systems respond directly to labour market needs,' he said.
The introduction of the Labour Market Information System, coupled with broader labour reforms and skills development initiatives, represents the government's latest effort to modernise employment services and improve job accessibility for citizens across the country. However, its success will largely depend on the country's ability to overcome digital connectivity challenges and ensure that no community is excluded from the benefits of the new technology.