Staff Writer
The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship has launched a Green Value Chain Development Initiative aimed at accelerating economic growth, diversification, and job creation while promoting environmental sustainability.
Unveiled yesterday in partnership with the European Union, the programme seeks to stimulate expansion in key sectors such as ecotourism and horticulture, positioning them as engines of inclusive and sustainable development.
At the heart of the initiative is a trainer-to-trainee model designed to ensure long-term skills transfer and capacity building among citizens. The approach prioritises sustainable skills acquisition by empowering local trainers who will, in turn, equip communities with practical knowledge tailored to green economic activities.
The project will also focus on strengthening policy frameworks to enhance community participation, particularly in horticulture. Officials say the move is intended to support community-based enterprises and broaden local involvement across agricultural value chains.
Beyond skills development, the initiative targets food security, import substitution, and value addition through agro-processing. By encouraging local production and processing, the programme aims to reduce dependence on imports while creating new economic opportunities within rural and peri-urban areas.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Joel Ramaphoi, said the project aligns with Botswana’s long-term development aspirations, including Vision 2036. He emphasised that strengthening human capital remains central to achieving sustainable economic transformation.
Ramaphoi noted that green value chains can significantly enhance business profitability and brand reputation while minimising environmental harm.
He explained that sustainable sourcing, production, and distribution practices not only protect natural resources but also improve competitiveness in increasingly eco-conscious global markets.
He further highlighted that early adoption of green standards would help businesses avoid risks linked to tightening environmental regulations.
Compliance, he said, reduces exposure to penalties and legal challenges while ensuring long-term operational stability.
The initiative comes as Botswana intensifies efforts to diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors and build resilience against climate change. By integrating environmental sustainability with economic development, the government hopes the programme will create quality jobs, strengthen rural livelihoods, and position the country as a leader in green growth within the region.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the partnership-driven approach will unlock new opportunities for small enterprises, farmers, and tourism operators, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
