Botswana faces labour and employment challenges
Botswana continues to face labour and employment challenges with unemployment rate standing at 25.4 percent, according to the latest Statistics Botswana Quarterly Multi -Topic Survey, Quarter 4, 2022, V2.
The report shows employment population ratio at a measly 4.5 percent against an ideal global benchmark which should be 70 percent and above. Employment population ration measures the extent to which an economy is able to provide employment to its growing population.
This observation was made by the Minister of Labour and Home Affairs Anna Mokgethi when launching the Botswana Top 100 HR Leaders Initiative under the Theme: Recognising and Honouring the Change Makers in Human Resources in Botswana.
She said this shows that there is a need for more collaborations and partnerships with both government and private sector under the auspices of HR leaders to ensure maximum productivity of the labour force and decent work creation.
Mokgethi said the Progressive Institute’s remarkable initiative, which celebrates HR Leaders with profound knowledge, extensive experience, and proven Models and Frameworks for effective people management, emphasises the Institute’s admirable commitment to national development.
The minister said this initiative, incepted by the Progressive Institute, signifies a resounding commitment to the identification and acknowledgment of the Top 100 Influential HR Leaders in Botswana as individuals who play an instrumental role in shaping the country’s human capital landscape.
By extension, she said, it exerts substantial impact on the nation’s economic development through their innovative and forward-thinking Human Resources practices.
“It is a testament to their dedication to ensuring that Human Capital and leadership remain at the forefront of our country’s agenda,” she said.
Human Resource leaders find themselves at the forefront of change, consistently being challenged to formulate dynamic business and transformative people strategies that offer innovative solutions.
Mokgethi said these solutions not only address the prevailing economic challenges but also serve the crucial objectives of preserving employment, safeguarding the welfare of employees, and propelling employment creation in the ever-evolving socio-economic landscape.
She indicated that the Government of Botswana, through the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, is greatly appreciative of Progressive Institute for their unwavering commitment to placing the People Agenda at the forefront of the National Economic Dialogue.
“Through this commendable initiative, the Progressive Institute has effectively pinpointed and recognised exceptional leaders who are spearheading impact and innovation in the realm of work.
“By showcasing their leadership on a national platform, it is our earnest hope that this initiative will serve as a catalyst, inspiring more leaders to proactively drive positive change that reshapes work dynamics to the benefit of organisations and individuals alike.”