CEO Mmoloki Mmolotsi opened the 8th Strategic Human Resources Conference at Ditshupo Hall today with a stirring call to action, framing Botswana's current economic challenges as an opportunity for HR professionals to drive meaningful change. The conference, themed "Meritocracy in Motion: Reengineering HR for Workforce Excellence and National Competitiveness," attracted over 300 delegates despite significant economic headwinds that prevented 89 others from attending.
Addressing government officials, private sector leaders and international guests including keynote speaker Mmolotsi positioned the gathering as more than just a professional forum. "This is a movement of minds shaping Botswana's future," he declared, acknowledging the sacrifices made by attendees facing budget constraints across sectors.
The CEO framed the conference within Botswana's new political era under President Duma Gideon Boko, whose administration has prioritized meritocracy and institutional reform. "The realization of this vision depends on a skilled, empowered workforce," Mmolotsi emphasized, challenging HR professionals to transform hiring, promotion and retention practices to focus on capability rather than hierarchy.
With Botswana's economy facing dual pressures of declining diamond revenues and youth unemployment, Mmolotsi outlined several Progressive Institute initiatives including the upcoming Botswana Employment Fair and Mining Fair – platforms designed to connect citizens with tangible economic opportunities. He also announced the Botswana Top 100 CEO Summit & Awards and an Economic Summit with the Botswana Stock Exchange as part of broader efforts to stimulate growth.
While acknowledging logistical challenges including delayed conference materials, Mmolotsi assured delegates they would receive their full conference packs after the event. He concluded by urging participants to actively engage throughout the conference and particularly at Thursday's gala dinner, framing networking as essential to translating ideas into action.
"As architects of workforce transformation, we hold the keys to Botswana's competitiveness," Mmolotsi said. "The time for passive HR is over – this is our moment to build systems that reward potential and performance at every level."
Addressing government officials, private sector leaders and international guests including keynote speaker Mmolotsi positioned the gathering as more than just a professional forum. "This is a movement of minds shaping Botswana's future," he declared, acknowledging the sacrifices made by attendees facing budget constraints across sectors.
The CEO framed the conference within Botswana's new political era under President Duma Gideon Boko, whose administration has prioritized meritocracy and institutional reform. "The realization of this vision depends on a skilled, empowered workforce," Mmolotsi emphasized, challenging HR professionals to transform hiring, promotion and retention practices to focus on capability rather than hierarchy.
With Botswana's economy facing dual pressures of declining diamond revenues and youth unemployment, Mmolotsi outlined several Progressive Institute initiatives including the upcoming Botswana Employment Fair and Mining Fair – platforms designed to connect citizens with tangible economic opportunities. He also announced the Botswana Top 100 CEO Summit & Awards and an Economic Summit with the Botswana Stock Exchange as part of broader efforts to stimulate growth.
While acknowledging logistical challenges including delayed conference materials, Mmolotsi assured delegates they would receive their full conference packs after the event. He concluded by urging participants to actively engage throughout the conference and particularly at Thursday's gala dinner, framing networking as essential to translating ideas into action.
"As architects of workforce transformation, we hold the keys to Botswana's competitiveness," Mmolotsi said. "The time for passive HR is over – this is our moment to build systems that reward potential and performance at every level."
