The government is moving decisively on environmental stewardship, aligning Botswana with the global green economy and sustainable development. President Boko announced that a National Carbon Market Framework is being developed with support from the World Bank and GIZ. This initiative is designed to position the nation as a credible participant in the global carbon economy, leveraging its forests, grasslands, and wetlands to “drive investment, create jobs, and empower communities.” Capacity building is a core priority, with UNDP support being used to equip government agencies, communities, and the private sector with the skills to develop, verify, and trade high-integrity carbon credits. The President noted that once operational, carbon markets will accelerate economic diversification and generate revenue for climate adaptation efforts.
Furthermore, the accreditation of Kasane-Kazungula and Shakawe as wetland cities affirms Botswana’s leadership in safeguarding globally significant ecosystems. The government is also developing a Protected Areas Resource Mobilisation Strategy through the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) to address chronic financial constraints in park management. In a decisive move to address the inadequate state of waste management, the President announced the institution of a national clean-up campaign, designating the second Saturday of every month as a clean-up day, calling on community leaders to enforce this new culture of cleanliness.
He also announced a major policy shift: “government has taken a decision to ban single-use plastic bags,” citing that the industry has advanced to a point where biodegradable packaging is available, meaning “hence there is no excuse.” On Social Housing, the Bonno Housing Scheme is advancing with 31,745 housing units contracted against a target of 100,000 units, and 5,880 units already under construction. The government also acquired 1,223 housing units from the BCL Liquidator in July 2025 as part of its commitment to providing shelter.
