The nexus between the economy, energy and the climate
Moeti Mohwasa | Monday September 21, 2026 06:00
NDP 12 has laid a robust framework for our medium-term national aspirations, promoting inclusive growth, sustainability, and diversification of our economy. Coupled with the BETP, which seeks to drive economic transformation through strategic investments and innovation, we have a strong foundation upon which to build our future.
Today, we must ask ourselves: How can we align our long-term vision with the objectives outlined in NDP 12 and BETP? We find ourselves at a crucial juncture, where the principles of long-term planning must meet the practical actions prescribed in our current development plans.
The concurrent challenges we face — from climate change and technological advancements to shifting demographics and global market dynamics — necessitate a forward-thinking approach that transcends the traditional planning cycles.
As we embark on our long-term implementation of both our private sector and export-led policies, we must have full sight of what is happening between and across sectors in order to ensure that underlying risks are managed, or opportunities are being priced in the markets.
When thinking about international trade, Botswana must reflect on the reality that the country’s sovereign credit ratings were lowered consecutively in September 2025 and March 2026, respectively.
In this respect, it is imperative that our integrated long-term planning system must continuously build resilience, while mitigating risks by influencing the national economic diversification agenda.
Simultaneously, the development aspect of planning must—out of necessity look at costing and financing implications, over time.
Long-term planning is not merely about mapping out the next few years, but it is about envisioning what Botswana can and should look like in 2046, 2066, and beyond.
As we embark on this journey, it is imperative that we integrate the goals of NDP 12 and the BETP into our long-term strategies. This alignment will ensure that our actions of today contribute meaningfully to the aspirational futures we wish to create and harvest in perpetuity: for our own benefit and future generations.
The economy, energy, and climate nexus remains at the forefront of our discussions. As articulated in NDP 12, we must prioritize sustainable energy solutions and climate resilience, recognizing that these elements are interwoven with our economic prosperity. The BETP emphasizes innovation and transformation. We need to harness these principles to explore new possibilities in energy efficiency, renewable resources, and sustainable practices that can redefine our economic landscape.
Furthermore, the concept of strategic foresight must be ingrained in our long-term planning efforts. It compels us to remain vigilant and responsive to emerging trends and risks while simultaneously challenging our longstanding assumptions. This multi-stakeholder dialogue is a crucial step towards embedding such foresight into our national planning architecture, strengthening our capacity to anticipate rather than simply respond to challenges.
As we celebrate 60 years of independence, we have to remain mindful that the long-term future of the country – including the youth depend on how well we manage resources, socio-economic and geo-political relationships. It is important that we do, and proceed on the basis of multi-stakeholder inputs which are inclusive of the knowledge, skills and aspirations of all who identify themselves with this nation’s wellbeing. This must be done as the country thinks through, and plans several decades ahead.
In that context, we have to think about the desired quality of life and standard of living and value-creation; which is to deliver the prosperity for all promise that the nation has signed -off on.
I urge all stakeholders involved, including government entities, academic institutions, and the private sector, to engage in constructive conversations that can lead to actionable insights.
Let us utilize the evidence and knowledge generated from this dialogue to inform our policies, investments, and reforms in a manner that bridges the gap between today and the long-term ambitions of Botswana.
In closing, let us commit ourselves not only to the principles of NDP 12 and the BETP, but to a collective vision for a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable Botswana. By doing so, we ensure that the foundations we lay today lead to a brighter future for generations to come.
*Abridged speech presented at the Long View: High-Level Leadership Dialogues on the Economy, Energy and Climate Nexus. Mohwasa is the Minister for State President and Security