Gaborone – Acting President and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, officiated at the inaugural International Finance Corporation (IFC) Day in Gaborone yesterday.
Addressing a fully-packed forum, Gaolathe said, “Botswana’s future will not be left to chance. It will be shaped by the choices we make together.”
Mr. Gaolathe reaffirmed that the government cannot do this alone. He emphasized collaborations with both the public and private sectors to help drive inclusive growth and long-term prosperity for Botswana.
“Transformation demands innovative partnerships and courageous investment solutions”.
He said the IFC as a potential partner has come at an opportune time to help Botswana drive the Economic Transformation Programme (BTEP).
Mr. Ndaba further indicated that the forum will also connect local entrepreneurs and leaders, as well as unlock opportunities on how best to collaborate in driving growth in the private sector. “It is our hope that the outcome of the forum will shape how the IFC collaborates with Botswana- through a model that is systematic, evidence based and focused on growth,” he added. Mr. Ndaba emphasized the role played by the private sector, social entrepreneurs, and innovators in building of a new Botswana- one that is more inclusive, more sustainable, and more prosperous for all.
He further assures that collaboration between IFC and Botswana will not only bring growth but will create more and better jobs, and raises the living standards of our people.
The IFC Day seeks to explore investment opportunities in Botswana while showcasing solutions that IFC can offer to support private sector entities.
The forum was held in collaboration with Business Botswana under the theme,” Enabling Inclusive Sustainable Private Sector Growth,”.