The manufacturing industry: An integral cogwheel in Botswana’s future :: Mmegi Online

A focus on developing local manufacturing capability is key towards driving economic diversification in many commodity-based economies across the continent. This is particularly important as commodities are often finite resources which operate in specific cycles where demand and price can vary significantly impacting sustainable economic development. To this extent, manufacturing is a critical sector as it aides in providing employment opportunities, developing local skills base, driving revenue from exports and building local supply chains.

According to the World Bank, Botswana's manufacturing sector contributed approximately 5.6% to the country's GDP in 2023 and remains modest due to a limited domestic market and heavy reliance on imported supplies. The Botswana government has however implemented several initiatives to stimulate growth in manufacturing sector and enhance competitiveness.

The Industrialization policy coupled with the Economic Diversification Drive focus on diversifying the economy away from mining dependence and includes measures to support the manufacturing sector. There are various training and capacity building interventions such as the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) curriculum, which supports many an Industry including manufacturing.

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