Given the current economic climate marked by uncertainty and variable growth, as highlighted in the 2025-26 Draft Budget Strategy Paper, it is crucial for the government to undertake decisive, focused measures in the short and medium term to enhance economic performance and stability.
We urge the government to deliver a thorough and transparent account of its initiatives and strategies for effectively promoting economic growth. This should encompass targeted actions to improve essential sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are vital for sustainable progress.
Additionally, we emphasize the importance of addressing urgent matters related to labour rights, job creation, and equitable wages, ensuring that the welfare and needs of the workforce remain central to its economic priorities.
Recognising the interconnectedness of economic strategies and societal well-being is essential. Consequently, we advocate for a collaborative approach involving diverse stakeholders—trade unions, civil society, and the private sector—to promote a more inclusive and participatory decision-making process. Our organization is dedicated to ensuring government accountability for these vital commitments, and we will monitor progress actively to guarantee that the budget strategies yield real benefits for all citizens.
An outlay of critical areas
We express the expectations of more than 35,000 employees in the Public Service and Parastatal sectors. We hope the upcoming budget will tackle critical unresolved issues impacting workers. We kindly ask the Minister of Finance, His Honour the Vice President of Botswana, Ndaba Gaolathe, to present a 2025/26 budget speech that prioritises workers' rights and interests and focuses on fostering decent working conditions.
This budget should encompass a thorough evaluation of our economic environment and closely align with the goals set forth in the National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12). By advocating for proactive strategies to address the vital concerns outlined in the Agenda on Decent Work, we urge the government to adopt effective measures that improve the welfare of all workers.
Conditions Service and Policies
Public Service
We urge the government to introduce transformative changes this fiscal year that will greatly enhance public service conditions. This is an excellent opportunity to establish a comprehensive salary framework, referred to as the Fan-Shaped Salary Structure, while also updating our human resource policies that have been unresolved for the last five years. These policies are founded on our Collective Labour Agreements from 2019 and 2022, in addition to the PEMANDU Report, which highlights the necessity for a customized evaluation of Public Service Remuneration. By addressing these issues, we believe the government can utilize this investment to elevate workforce morale and productivity efficiency.
State-owned Enterprises (SOEs)
The ongoing challenges encountered by State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) have become a pressing issue that requires immediate and dedicated focus. In recent years, extended periods of restructuring and transformation within these enterprises have caused significant resource misallocation, leading to inefficiencies and financial burdens that affect taxpayer-supported obligations. This mismatch not only undermines the operational efficiency of SOEs but also restricts their capacity to provide essential public services.
Additionally, these continuous challenges have severely impacted employee welfare and broader economic stability. Many SOE employees face significant delays in receiving benefits, resulting in heightened financial strain and uncertainty in their lives. This situation negatively influences their morale and contributes to reduced productivity and engagement at work.
In light of these crucial concerns, it is vital for the government to emphasize actionable and effective strategies aimed at strengthening human capital within SOEs. By investing in employee development, training programs, and better working conditions, the government can cultivate a more motivated and efficient workforce. These initiatives are crucial not only for restoring employee confidence but also for improving the overall effectiveness and resilience of our economy in the long term. Establishing a sustainable framework to comprehensively address these issues is essential for ensuring both economic stability and workforce well-being.
Unemployment We must recognize the alarming trend of the current unemployment rate, which sits at 27.60% (Trading Economics, 2024). This situation significantly impacts recent graduates entering the job market, who encounter unique challenges as they strive to launch their careers.
In this context, we urge the government to adopt a proactive approach in crafting comprehensive strategies that tackle the root causes of graduate unemployment. One promising option is to enhance apprenticeship programs, providing graduates with practical experience and meaningful opportunities to engage in the economy in favourable working conditions.
Furthermore, we believe that both the existing internship program and the Tirelo Sechaba initiative, designed to alleviate unemployment, could gain from a careful reassessment and alignment with the labour market's needs. By making sure these initiatives respond adeptly to the evolving demands of various industries, we can help create a more supportive environment for graduates as they transition into the workforce. Collaborative efforts will be crucial to nurturing a skilled labour force and ensuring economic stability.
Health
A significant challenge our healthcare system currently faces is resource limitations, evident in areas like inadequate infrastructure, a lack of qualified medical personnel, and insufficient essential medical supplies. As noted by Generis Global (2024), these problems can undermine the overall effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
Given this urgent situation, with the demand for quality healthcare on the rise, it would be wise for the government to explore strategic initiatives. This might include investing in the modernization of healthcare facilities, launching targeted recruitment campaigns for medical professionals, and ensuring a steady supply of vital medical resources. By taking these considered steps, we can improve service delivery and collaboratively strive for better health outcomes for our community and nation.
Productivity
We strongly urge the government to adopt a productivity-centered approach in its budgeting process. This strategy should specifically focus on stimulating various economic activities that foster sustainable growth and significantly boost Botswana’s overall economic performance. By prioritizing key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and sustainable agriculture in the 2025/26 budget, we can build a more prosperous and equitable future for all workers nationwide.
Moreover, emphasizing these areas can lead to job creation and increased wages, improving many citizens' living standards. This strategy will also promote innovative methods to support the shift from the informal economy to the formal sector, which is critical for achieving greater economic stability and ensuring all workers have access to benefits and protections. By investing in training and development programs and providing incentives for businesses to formalize, we can lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and resilient economic landscape.
Tshwaragano...
*Martin Onalenna Gabobake, ACCTECH, CPFAcct, is President of BOPEU
