"The second priority is that we need to modernise, revitalise and restructure our state-owned enterprises. In a small economy like that of Botswana, that has maybe 50 SOEs across every sector, from water and power to telecoms and financial services, they are an important part of the economy."
Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe is a Motswana economist and politician, currently serving as Vice-President of Botswana and Minister of Finance since 7 November 2024, under President Duma Boko. Gaolathe is the leader of the Alliance for Progressives, one of the parties within the ruling coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). He is also an elected member of the National Assembly of Botswana for
"Key areas of non-compliance report include imbalanced board compositions, where the majority of non-executive directors lack independence due to outdated statutory provisions. “Further, many boards have failed to conduct regular performance evaluations, develop succession plans for senior positions, or even ensure continuity in leadership, while some entities have operated for extended periods without substantive CEOs or senior executives in place."
Ndaba Gaolathe"To turn Africa’s large youth population into a positive force, we need smart planning and investment to create the 450 million jobs expected by 2050."
Ndaba Gaolathe"This is the decade where Africa stops asking for permission — and starts writing its own script; a decade where businesses dont just participate in Africa’s transformation — they lead it."
Ndaba Gaolathe"The fiscal discipline we used to have has broken down. In the past it was accepted that we don’t allow politics to interfere with the work of the professionals that manage the economy, particularly the Finance Ministry; we contaminated that culture; we allowed politics to make the economic decisions."
Ndaba Gaolathe"We don’t have the capabilities and capacity to do what the modern world requires. We don’t have the capacity to structure the public-private partnerships that we need to build mega-infrastructure projects. We don’t have the capabilities to leverage and bring the best out of AI and tech."
Ndaba Gaolathe"The results have been positive in terms of the issue of spreading economic activities through the month and the reduction of overcrowding in places of business. The results are based on seven sectors of the economy both government and private."
Ndaba Gaolathe