Ministry of Finance

OPEC FUND DEVELOPMENT FORUM 2026

Parallel Session 1: Upgrading Local Value Chains - OPEC Fund Development Forum 2026 with the Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe.

Parallel Session 1: Upgrading Local Value Chains - OPEC Fund Development Forum 2026 11:30 – 12:30 (CEST/UTC+2) Parallel Session 1: Upgrading Local Valu...

Capturing greater benefits from natural resources and productive sectors is becoming an increasing priority across Africa. ✋

That conversation takes center stage at the ’s session “Upgrading Local Value Chains: Driving High-Value Exports and Diversifying Growth,” which will open with a fireside chat featuring HE Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, Vice President and Minister of Finance of Botswana BWgovernment, and HE Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Deve

➡️ Join the conversation from anywhere in the world.
Tune into the livestream: bit.ly/OFDF2026_Livestream

Capturing greater benefits from natural resources and productive sectors is becoming an increasing priority across Africa. ✋

That conversation takes center stage at the ’s session “Upgrading Local Value Chains: Driving High-Value Exports and Diversifying Growth,” which will open with a fireside chat featuring HE Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, Vice President and Minister of Finance of Botswana BWgovernment, and HE Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group.

➡️ This session will examine how investments in energy systems, transport corridors, logistics networks and digital infrastructure can support domestic processing and manufacturing.

It will also highlight how trade and commodity finance can support enterprise development, regional integration and economic diversification, helping ensure that growth along the value chain translates into broader gains across the continent.

Make sure to sign up for virtual participation: opecfund.org/virtualforum

Vice President of the Republic of Botswana and Minister of Finance ,Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe will be one of the speakers

Program:
▪️ 09:30 – 10:00 CEST Opening Session
▪️10:00 – 11:00 CEST High-Level Plenary “Strengthening Resilience in Vulnerable Societies”
▪️11:30 – 12:30 CEST “Upgrading Local Value Chains: Driving High-Value Exports and Diversifying Growth”
▪️11:30 – 12:30 CEST "Cities of Opportunity: Unlocking Human Potential"
▪️13:30 – 14:30 CEST “Connecting Communities: Financing Next-Generation Infrastructure”
▪️13:30 – 14:30 CEST “Powering Progress: Advancing Integrated Energy and Water Systems for Shared Gains”
▪️14:30 – 15:15 CEST Closing Session “Transforming Development: Harnessing Digital Innovation and Partnerships to Accelerate Impact”
➡️ Join the conversation from anywhere in the world.

Tune into the livestream: bit.ly/OFDF2026_Livestream

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50 years of development impact. Building what comes next. 🌐

The is happening today, bringing global leaders together in Vienna to accelerate action for a sustainable and inclusive future.

This special anniversary edition celebrates five decades of impact while looking ahead to the next chapter of scaling solutions, mobilizing partnerships and translating ambition into measurable results.

Program:

▪️ 09:30 – 10:00 CEST Opening Session

▪️10:00 – 11:00 CEST High-Level Plenary “Strengthening Resilience in Vulnerable Societies”

▪️11:30 – 12:30 CEST “Upgrading Local Value Chains: Driving High-Value Exports and Diversifying Growth”

▪️11:30 – 12:30 CEST "Cities of Opportunity: Unlocking Human Potential"

▪️13:30 – 14:30 CEST “Connecting Communities: Financing Next-Generation Infrastructure”

▪️13:30 – 14:30 CEST “Powering Progress: Advancing Integrated Energy and Water Systems for Shared Gains”

▪️14:30 – 15:15 CEST Closing Session “Transforming Development: Harnessing Digital Innovation and Partnerships to Accelerate Impact”

➡️ Join the conversation from anywhere in the world. Tune into the livestream: bit.ly/OFDF2026_Livestream

Ministry of Finance Commences UNDP-Supported Sovereign Credit Ratings Advisory Mission

The Ministry of Finance this morning commenced a three-day scoping mission with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on sovereign credit ratings advisory. The mission brings together relevant stakeholders to strengthen Botswana’s capacity and readiness to engage effectively with international credit rating agencies.

In her opening remarks, the Accountant General, Ms. Tebogo Tomango, expressed appreciation to the UNDP for responding positively to the Government’s request for technical advisory support on sovereign credit ratings, following Botswana’s recent credit rating downgrades. She acknowledged the prevailing economic challenges facing the country, which could potentially result in further downgrades if not adequately addressed.

The UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Lovita Ramguttee, reaffirmed the urgency of the mission and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting Botswana in strengthening its sovereign credit rating engagements. UNDP Chief Economist, Mr. Raymond Gilpin, noted that the organisation has assembled a consortium of 15 credit rating experts to support African countries in navigating the sovereign credit rating process and enhancing fiscal space for sustainable development financing.

Participants agreed on the importance of presenting credit rating agencies with a clear and credible vision for Botswana’s future, supported by robust evidence and consistent messaging.

The Ministry of Finance welcomed the partnership with the UNDP and reaffirmed its commitment to developing a comprehensive strategic roadmap to strengthen the presentation of information and engagement with international credit rating agencies, ultimately supporting Botswana’s long-term economic resilience and investment attractiveness.

PRESS RELEASE

THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF FINANCE TO ATTEND THE OPEC FUND'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY AND DEVELOPMENT FORUM 2026 IN VIENNA AND THE 56TH SACU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' MEETING IN CAPE TOWN

Capturing greater benefits from natural resources and productive sectors is becoming an increasing priority across Africa. ✋

That conversation takes center stage at the ’s session “Upgrading Local Value Chains: Driving High-Value Exports and Diversifying Growth,” which will open with a fireside chat featuring HE Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, Vice President and Minister of Finance of Botswana BWgovernment, and HE Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group.

➡️ This session will examine how investments in energy systems, transport corridors, logistics networks and digital infrastructure can support domestic processing and manufacturing.

It will also highlight how trade and commodity finance can support enterprise development, regional integration and economic diversification, helping ensure that growth along the value chain translates into broader gains across the continent.

Make sure to sign up for virtual participation: opecfund.org/virtualforum

SLA Cohort 2 Graduates Ready to Drive Community Transformation

Today marked the graduation of the second cohort of the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) training under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs (MLGTA) and facilitated by the Institute of Development Management (IDM).

Delivering the keynote address, Senior Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Naledi Madala, challenged graduates to embrace their role as ambassadors of transformation. She emphasised that the milestone signifies not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a greater responsibility to champion inclusive development, strengthen livelihoods, and contribute to Botswana's transformation agenda.

In his vote of thanks, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Operations) at MLGTA, Mr. Kabo D. Moseki, described the programme as a significant step towards empowering communities and advancing sustainable development. He commended IDM and all partners for their continued support, noting that their collaboration demonstrates the power of partnerships in turning strategic ambitions into meaningful impact.

Congratulations to all Cohort 2 graduates as they embark on their journey as agents of change, equipped with the skills and knowledge to help build resilient and empowered communities.

VP & Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe Delivers Keynote Address at 2026 BIC Annual Thought Leadership Conference

This afternoon, the Vice President and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ndaba Gaolathe, delivered a compelling keynote address at the 2026 Botswana Insurance Company (BIC) Annual Thought Leadership Conference, held under the theme "Beyond Resilience: Trust, Innovation and the Future of Financial Services."

The conference brought together key stakeholders from Botswana's financial and insurance services sectors to explore how the industry can strengthen public trust, embrace innovation, and harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.

In his address, Mr. Gaolathe commended BIC for its continued commitment to service excellence despite global economic challenges. He applauded the company for creating a platform that encourages dialogue and collaboration, noting that the future is not shaped by institutions working in isolation, but by leaders and organisations working together towards a shared vision.

The Vice President further emphasised that insurance is not merely a financial product, but a critical enabler of economic transformation. He noted that a strong insurance sector supports investment, manages risk, and enhances economic resilience.

Mr. Gaolathe highlighted that, through the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), Government is implementing reforms to modernise insurance legislation and strengthen regulatory oversight. These efforts, he said, are aimed at creating a conducive environment for investment, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable long-term economic growth.

MINISTRY OF FINANCE CELEBRATES NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY AWARD AND REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SERVICE EXCELLENCE

The Ministry of Finance this morning held a staff appreciation and recognition session following its achievement of being named the Best Performing Ministry for 2026-2027 by the Botswana National Productivity Centre (BNPC). The gathering provided an opportunity for the Ministry's leadership to acknowledge and thank employees for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to delivering quality services to Batswana.

The prestigious award, presented during the World Productivity Day Commemoration, was conferred on the Ministry after it attained the highest overall performance rating among eighteen (18) Government Ministries from June 2025- 2026. The recognition followed a rigorous assessment process that incorporated public sentiment analysis, digital perception monitoring, weighted scoring, mystery shopping exercises, and statistical validation methods deployed through the Monte Carlo Simulation methodology.

Addressing staff during the appreciation session, Permanent Secretary Dr. Tshokologo Alex Kganetsano described the award as a collective achievement that reflects the hard work, resilience, and commitment demonstrated by officers across all departments and levels of the Ministry.

"This recognition belongs to every member of staff. It confirms that our efforts to serve the nation with diligence, professionalism, and integrity are being noticed and appreciated. While we often focus on the challenges ahead, today we pause to celebrate an achievement that has been made possible through your dedication and teamwork," he said.

Dr. Kganetsano noted that the award should not only be viewed as a milestone worth celebrating but also as a motivation to continue raising the bar in public service delivery. He encouraged employees to remain focused on excellence, innovation, accountability, and responsiveness to the needs of stakeholders.

The Permanent Secretary further emphasised that sustaining such recognition requires a shared commitment from every officer, as service delivery is interconnected across the Ministry. He reminded staff that the quality and timeliness of services provided to citizens depend on the collective efforts of all employees working towards a common goal.

Members of the Ministry's Executive Committee echoed the Permanent Secretary's sentiments, commending staff for their contribution to the achievement and reaffirming management's commitment to fostering a high-performance culture. They highlighted that the recognition comes at a time when the Ministry continues to play a pivotal role in supporting Botswana's economic transformation and development agenda.

While celebrating the accomplishment, management cautioned against complacency, stressing that the award should serve as a foundation for continuous improvement rather than a destination.
Staff were encouraged to build on the success, embrace innovation, strengthen teamwork, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and customer service.