Cabinet to receive National Employment Policy in September

Cabinet is expected to receive and approve the final document of the National Employment Policy in Septembler. The NEP is meant to address the high rate of unemployment in the country. Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Kenneth Matambo told parliament that his ministry is currently finalising the draft which they produced in conjunction with international consultants.

He said government is making final touches to the document after which it will be submitted to Cabinet for approval. “I am hoping by September this year”.  Member of Parliament for Nkange Edwin Batshu had asked Matambo to appraise parliament on the progress made regarding the drafting of a National Employment Policy for Botswana as announced in the last State of the Nation Address by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Matambo said it was true his ministry is developing an overarching National Employment Policy for Botswana in order to address the high rate of unemployment in the country.  The policy is expected to assist the country achieve productive, gainful and decent employment for all, as well as contribute to the reduction in income inequality and support government’s poverty eradication efforts.

Matambo said they are working on the NEP with the assistance of the World Bank.  “I am happy to say a draft policy has since been produced and consultations have been taking place with stakeholders through workshops, which were held at first on the 21st of March this year and the next on the 25th of June this year”.

Batshu then asked why the policy was not availed on the targeted date of March as per President Masisi’s promise in his SONA, and if as the ministry they have told the nation of their anticipated delay so that the nation does not remain hopeful. Matambo said he was not fully aware of the date of March.

“Had it been in the answer, I would have tried to find out information, as to precisely why we did not meet the target of March so that then I will be able to answer you fully”. The minister assured parliament that he had been discussing NEP with his staff to see whether it was not possible to deliver it before September.   “However as you would be aware from past experience, the consultations are very important. We do not want to bring something here which is half-cooked and then you all tear it to pieces”, he said.