Officials said the collaboration will provide critical data to businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders, and in the process ensure that economic decisions are backed by solid evidence and contributing to the country’s overall growth. “This partnership signifies a pivotal step towards fostering a data-driven culture in Botswana’s socio-economic landscape,” said Statistics Botswana’s acting Statistician General, Dr Lucky Mokgatlhe. Additionally, Mokgatlhe highlighted that the MoU aligns with Statistics Botswana’s core mandate of developing and maintaining a coordinated National Statistical System, as outlined in the Statistics Act of 2009 and the Botswana Strategy for the Development of Statistics. “As it is our mandate as Statistics Botswana to provide high-quality, timely, and relevant statistics to inform decision-making at all levels, we firmly believe that accurate data is the backbone of effective policy formulation, business strategies, and sustainable national development,” he stated. “Today, through this MoU, Statistics Botswana and Business Botswana are formalising a partnership that aligns seamlessly with our mission of advancing evidence-based decision-making,” he noted.
For his part, Business Botswana CEO, Norman Moleele, highlighted that, “By leveraging our combined expertise, we will empower businesses with the tools they need to make informed decisions, while also ensuring that national policies are grounded in solid evidence.” The two bodies buttressed the point that access to reliable data will help businesses identify growth opportunities, navigate trade regulations, and assess the impact of policies on their operations. Furthermore, this partnership will support Business Botswana’s advocacy for a stable, fair, and transparent trade environment. With accurate and up-to-date business statistics, efforts to address trade barriers, regulatory challenges, and other economic constraints will be more effective. By working together, Business Botswana and Statistics Botswana said they are strengthening the foundation of a resilient and competitive economy.
