Publications

MINISTRY OF LANDS AND AGRICULTURE APPEARS BEFORE THE PAC The Ministry of Lands and Agriculture appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as part of the Committee's ongoing examination of government accounts for the 2022/2023 financial year. Briefing the Committee, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Mokganedi Mokopasetso reported that the review of the 1991 National Agricultural Policy was approved by Parliament on 31 March 2026 to drive the commercialisation and innovation of Botswana's agricultural sector. Members sought updates on the transfer of the Banyana Farm asset to Government and the measures being implemented to accelerate land allocation. The Committee also questioned the shortage of veterinary doctors, with the Permanent Secretary noting that only 38 of the 150 established posts are currently filled. Dr Mokopasetso informed the Committee that agriculture contributed a relatively low 1.7 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023 accounting for just 0.03 percent of overall national GDP growth. Despite this low contribution, he highlighted positive export performance in key agricultural commodities. Citrus exports increased from 2 790.7 tonnes in 2024 to 13 721.2 tonnes in 2025 while beef exports through the Botswana Meat Commission generated P2.36 billion between 2020 and 2025 despite periodic disruptions caused by Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks. He further noted that the Botswana Vaccine Institute continues to contribute to export earnings through livestock vaccine sales. The Committee also expressed concern over low crop production and questioned the measures being implemented to improve yields, the measurable impact of the Lemang Dijo programme and the Ministry's initiatives to attract and retain the youth in agriculture. The Committee encouraged the Ministry to strengthen its oversight measures and ensure that Land Boards are finally audited, as they have remained unaudited for three years.

PARLIAMENT ENGAGES NDC PARTNERSHIP ON CLIMATE ACTION AND LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT The Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr. Gabriel Malebang, yesterday welcomed a delegation from the NDC Partnership, a global coalition supporting the implementation of the Paris Agreement, during a courtesy call at Parliament. The delegation was led by Ms. Margaret Barihaihi, Regional Specialist for Anglophone Africa at the NDC Partnership Support Unit, and included officials from the Department of Meteorological Services, Mr. Balisi Gopolang and Mr. Odisitse George Keotsene, as well as Dr. Lesego Molapisi, Executive Director of the Transition Thinktank, an independent organisation advancing climate-resilient, low-carbon development across Africa and the Global South. The delegation briefed Parliament on the mandate of the NDC Partnership and the support it provides to countries in implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. This support includes strengthening country-led efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build resilience to climate change and promote sustainable development. Although Botswana contributes only a negligible share of global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains highly vulnerable to the effects of climate variability and long-term climate change. In this regard, Parliament was encouraged to strengthen its oversight and legislative role by prioritising the development of climate change legislation and considering the establishment of a specialised Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change to help address emerging environmental and sustainability challenges. Parliament remains committed to engaging with national and international partners in advancing sustainable development and promoting policies that safeguard the well-being of current and future generations.

BENCHMARKING FOR BETTER PARLIAMENTS: MALAWI DELEGATION VISITS BOTSWANA The National Assembly of Botswana on Monday, 27 July 2026, welcomed a six-member delegation from the Parliament of Malawi, led by Deputy Clerk Ms Sophie Dambe, who paid a courtesy call on the Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr Gabriel G.G. Malebang, and the Executive Management Team as part of a benchmarking visit. Welcoming the delegation, Dr Malebang said the visit reflects the shared commitment of the two Parliaments to strengthening parliamentary democracy, institutional capacity and good governance through collaboration and the exchange of best practices. He encouraged both institutions to use the visit to share knowledge, learn from each other's experiences and build stronger professional partnerships for improved parliamentary service delivery. Dr Malebang further noted that the Parliament of Botswana is undergoing a significant transformation following the change of Government eighteen months ago. He said the leadership of the Speaker and the Clerk is driving an ambitious vision to build a modern, high-performing Parliament that delivers excellence in legislation, oversight, representation and public engagement. Speaking on behalf of the Malawi delegation, Ms Dambe expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and professionalism extended by the National Assembly of Botswana. She said observing proceedings in the Chamber and learning about Botswana's bilingual Hansard translation system had been particularly insightful, noting that Malawi is exploring the introduction of local languages into its parliamentary business and would continue to look to Botswana for lessons. She also highlighted Malawi's experience with its Parliament Act and Parliamentary Service Commission, expressing confidence that both Parliaments would benefit from sharing their respective best practices. The benchmarking visit is expected to further strengthen the longstanding relations between the Parliaments of Botswana and Malawi while promoting innovation, institutional learning and parliamentary excellence across the region.

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to account for its financial performance for the 2022/2023 financial year. During the examination, the Committee sought progress updates on the implementation of the city tourism initiative, the review of the human-wildlife conflict policy, improvements to employees' conditions of service and efforts to address the continued under-resourcing of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Briefing the Committee, Permanent Secretary Ms. Abigail Khumoyame reported that the review of the human-wildlife conflict policy, together with the compensation rates, has been completed following extensive stakeholder consultations. She noted that owing to financial and resource constraints, the Ministry is exploring the establishment of an independent fund, supported by development partners, to sustain the newly enhanced compensation rates. Ms. Khumoyame further informed the Committee that the Ministry is developing a Wildlife Service Act aimed at addressing the unique operational requirements of the Wildlife Service, improving conditions of service and strengthening the capacity of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. In its resolutions, the Committee directed the Ministry and Auditor General that a comprehensive investigation be conducted into the Ministry's aircraft fleet, focusing on procurement processes, maintenance and servicing, as well as aircraft storage costs to ensure value for money and accountability.