The government has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging social protection schemes as a key driver of inclusive development and job creation in local communities.
Recognising that the future of Botswana’s economy lies not only in its cities but also in the productivity of its villages, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ketlhalefile Motshegwa said social protection programmes offer a powerful route toward self-reliance by creating non-agricultural jobs, boosting local incomes, and revitalising rural economies.
He explained that these programmes are designed to strengthen rural development by ensuring that opportunities exist closer to where people live—reducing dependence on welfare and curbing rural-to-urban migration.
“By creating employment opportunities within rural communities, we not only curb rural-urban migration but also enhance living standards and self-reliance,” Motshegwa emphasised.
The Ministry’s social protection programmes include the Constituency Community Programmes, Destitute Housing, Ipelegeng Programme, Remote Area Development Programme (RADP), Single Social Registry, and RADP initiatives for marginalised communities.
To facilitate the implementation of these programmes, the ministry has requested an estimated P9.7 billion to support their rollout across the country.
Motshegwa emphasised that the government views social protection not merely as an expense, but as an investment in long-term economic transformation.
He said well-designed welfare programmes help households accumulate productive assets, manage risks, and invest in sustainable livelihoods. Through cash transfers and targeted support, families can build small businesses, acquire livestock, and purchase farming tools—empowering them to take calculated risks and adopt new technologies that improve productivity and income.
He also noted that social protection measures such as access to nutrition, healthcare, and education are critical to building a skilled and resilient rural workforce capable of transitioning into industrial jobs.
As part of the broader rural development strategy, Motshegwa announced plans to transform the Ipelegeng Programme from a short-term relief initiative into a platform for skills development, productivity, and sustainable livelihoods.
“This reform is about restoring dignity, enhancing self-reliance, and ensuring that public works contribute meaningfully to both social protection and national development,” he said.
To make rural industrialisation succeed, Motshegwa said the ministry will continue to prioritise investments in rural infrastructure, skills training, and access to finance, while strengthening coordination with other ministries—particularly those responsible for agriculture, trade, labour, and social protection.
He concluded that, if implemented effectively, rural industrialisation will become a cornerstone of Botswana’s inclusive growth strategy, moving citizens from dependency to productivity.
