Botswana
Policy snapshots, In-depth policy analysis, Policy status updates, and Legal insights for Citizens, Policymakers, Researchers, Development Professionals, Infrastructure Development Enthusiasts.
The Second Transitional National Development Plan (TNDP), with the thematic focus “Towards a High Income Economy: Transformation Now, Prosperity Tomorrow,” is a government policy covering a two-year period (April 2023– March 2025). The TNDP was signed by President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi under the National Planning Commission Office of the President. The TNDP is part of a longer policy plan, Vision 2036, which aims to achieve socio-economic progress by the year 2036 vis-à-vis realising national priorities, strategies, programmes, and projects and turning aspirations into reality. The desired outcomes include catapulting the country onto a path of high-income economy, achieving high growth status, and enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the citizens. Specifically, the plan seeks to support export-led growth, attract foreign direct investment, reform the business environment, drive innovation and digital transformation, and develop human capital, amongst other priorities. Ultimately, the plan aims to boost the economy, ensure fiscal sustainability, and achieve prosperity for all, with appropriate tools and indices in place to measure progress towards these goals.
On a broader level, the policy aims to accelerate socio-economic progress, address development issues, and establish a foundation for sustainable growth towards achieving the goals of the long-term Vision 2036. The Government is committed to promoting equity by addressing the disparities and inequalities faced by marginalised groups, particularly women and girls, and ensuring that all individuals have access to the same opportunities and resources.
The key objectives of the TNDP plan are:
- Achieve a minimum 5.5% annual average GDP growth rate by 2036.
- Boost the economy through necessary reforms and measure progress towards the national vision of prosperity for all.
Some of the key policy priorities are:
- Support export-led growth and attract inward FDI
- Reform the business environment and develop value chains
- Promote innovation and digital transformation
- Implement financial sector reforms
- Enhance infrastructure development and spatial planning
- Pursue fiscal sustainability
- Education and human capital development.
Under the TNDP, Sustainable Economic Development (SED) will be driven through six main strategies, which are:
- Sector development
- Infrastructure development
- Productivity and human resource development
- Digitalisation
- Improving the business environment
- Support for small businesses.
Infrastructure Development Strategies:
Tourism
Leverage the Kazungula Bridge to develop a green commercial city and special economic zone (SEZ), enhancing access to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) markets and regional tourist areas.
Rail Transportation
- Mmamabula–Lephalale rail for coal exports
- Mosetse-Kazungula rail to improve north-south transport links
- Trans-Kalahari rail for diversified import/export routes and linking Southern Africa with Namibian ports.
Water & Sanitation
- Increase access to potable water and sanitation services
- Develop water infrastructure for industries and transmission to demand centres
- Rehabilitate water networks and sanitation schemes
- Explore alternative financing options for water projects.
Road Transportation
- Develop national road infrastructure, focusing on key trunk road links and cross-border connections
- Upgrade urban and village internal road infrastructure
- Support improved public transport through dedicated bus lanes
- Prioritise timely infrastructure maintenance to preserve assets and ensure returns on investment.
The estimated costs for various infrastructure development projects are as follows:
| Agriculture and Local Government Infrastructure and Services | P4,034.10 million |
| Electricity Transmission Infrastructure Project | P1,545.00 million |
| Development of Additional Water Sources | P8,457.00 million |
| Rehabilitation of Water Networks | P4,230.00 million |
| Clean Water and Sanitation | P1,575.00 million |
| Water Resource Management | P178.00 million |
| Tourism Infrastructure Development | P657.80 million |
| Roads Infrastructure | P8,512.20 million |
| Airport Infrastructure | P586.60 million |
| Railway Infrastructure | P235.00 million |
| Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) | P1,160.00 million |
Commentary
The Second Transitional National Development Plan (TNDP) is a well-structured policy with a clear roadmap to transform Botswana into a high-income economy by 2036. Its focus on export-led growth, innovation, infrastructure, and equity makes it a good and adequate framework. However, its success hinges on effective implementation, addressing delays, and ensuring robust monitoring and evaluation.
The policy empowers citizens by promoting inclusivity, particularly for marginalised groups, and emphasises human capital development. It places significant responsibility on the government but requires stronger partnerships with the private sector and civil society. While promising, the TNDP needs clearer timelines, accountability, and citizen engagement to fully achieve its transformative goals.