The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship (MTE) has announced the appointment of Joel Duke Ramaphoi as its new Permanent Secretary.
This strategic move comes at a pivotal moment as Botswana intensifies its drive toward economic diversification and sustainable growth. The MTE plays a central role in this national agenda, and the selection of Mr. Ramaphoi signals a deliberate effort to bring specific expertise to the forefront of the nation’s economic vision.
His appointment is not a routine administrative change but a calculated step to infuse the ministry with a unique blend of financial, strategic, and entrepreneurial acumen. Ramaphoi’s arrival is met with palpable optimism, as the government seeks to navigate current economic challenges and capitalise on new opportunities. The ministry itself extended its warm welcome, expressing a clear anticipation for the leadership and strategic vision he is expected to bring to the portfolio.
Ramaphoi’s assumption of office marks a new chapter for the ministry, which is tasked with cultivating a vibrant trade ecosystem and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit across the country. His deep background in both corporate finance and grassroots business development positions him perfectly to bridge the gap between high-level policy and practical implementation.
With over two decades of executive experience, his career spans critical sectors from corporate and investment banking to small and medium enterprise (SME) development. He held senior roles at the Bank of Botswana, Standard Chartered Bank, and Stanbic Bank, providing him with an invaluable perspective on capital flows, investment requirements, and the financial tools essential for business expansion.
A notable facet of his career is his tenure at the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA), where he served as CareTaker-Registrar General. There, he championed intellectual property (IP) as a key driver of innovation and economic diversification, recognizing the growing importance of intangible assets in the global economy. His leadership at CIPA also extended to fostering regional cooperation by facilitating a Memorandum of Understanding between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).
Before his new appointment, Mr. Ramaphoi also served as the Executive Director for Investor Attraction at the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA). This experience provides him with a practical understanding of the incentives and mechanisms that draw foreign capital and businesses, knowledge that is directly transferable to the MTE’s broader mandate of creating a conducive business environment for both domestic and international trade.
Ramaphoi’s expertise is further reinforced by his prior role as the inaugural Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of Entrepreneurship, where he laid the groundwork for promoting entrepreneurship, with a special focus on empowering women and youth within the SME sector. His commitment to inclusive growth is evident in this foundational work, which demonstrates a profound understanding of grassroots challenges and opportunities.
His professional standing is solidified by a series of notable accolades, including being named Banker of the Year in both 2002 and 2004, and the Debswana’s National Service Excellence Gold Star Award in 2011. Academically, he holds an MBA in Business Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Botswana, a robust foundation that complements his extensive practical experience.
As Ramaphoi steps into his new role, the ministry also took a moment to bid a warm farewell to the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olesitse H. Masimega, acknowledging his dedicated public service. This respectful transition ensures continuity while signaling an evolution of the ministry’s efforts. The anticipation is high that Ramaphoi’s leadership will significantly bolster Botswana’s trade competitiveness, foster a more vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and accelerate the nation’s economic diversification agenda, ultimately contributing to sustained prosperity for all.
