In support of the ERTP

For: Mphoeng
For: Mphoeng

In order to assess the necessity of the Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan (ERTP) that was approved in the September 2020 sitting of Parliament, it is important to assess the backdrop of the policy document. Equally important is to fully appreciate why it has come into existence and where it will be placed considering Botswana’s already convoluted policy environment.

The ERTP was necessitated by the negative impact envisaged on the global and national economies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Botswana had just published and finalised its Mid-Term Review of the National Development Plan (NDP) 11. The NDP11 had noted Botswana’s deteriorating fiscal position, the need to diversify the economy and exports, the uncertainties in the diamond industry and Botswana’s poor economic growth, which was failing to deal with the increasing (youth) unemployment. Then COVID-19 hit, meaning all the plans already made would now be met with an even worse fiscal situation, a worse budget, an altered economy and very different priorities.

In that sense, the ERTP was positioned to revisit and rethink the Mid-Term Review whilst maintaining its core priorities of ensuring continued macro-economic strength and stability, investing in economic infrastructure, developing human capital, promoting an export-led economy, improving the efficiency of government spending and financing, developing a vibrant agricultural sector, promoting citizen economic empowerment, investing in the creative industry and growing a safe, sound and inclusive financial services sector.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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