Mathoothe calls for renewed purpose as Trade Ministry turns 60

On Friday, the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship (MTE) celebrated its diamond jubilee with a Staff Open Day that highlighted both its historic achievements and the urgent economic challenges facing the country. Speaking at the event, Mathoothe urged staff, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to “seize the opportunities before us” and to recommit to building a competitive and inclusive economy.

“For 60 years, our Ministry has been at the heart of Botswana’s economic transformation,” he said, highlighting milestones such as strengthening export development, introducing policies to empower local enterprises, and pushing industrial development and investment promotion. He also reminded attendees of the Ministry’s unexpected historical footprint, pointing out that it once championed environmental legislation, including the declaration of the Chobe Game Reserve as a protected area—now one of the country’s most prized conservation assets. The junior minister, however, warned that while celebrating past successes, Botswana faces a complex global environment requiring sharper policy execution and stronger innovation.