11th October 2022
Own Correspondent
The Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis(BIDPA) has been delegated the unenviable task of identifying key priority sectors for the Government’s strategic priorities from a plethora of initiatives such as NDP 11,Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan, Reset Agenda and other sector policies on digitalisation, gender based violence and climate change.
Specific objectives of the facility being spearheaded by the policy think tank include improved quality of sectoral policy development, improved implementation of Botswana’s key National Development Plan(NDP) priorities through peer learning and knowledge exchanges and strengthened stakeholder engagement and participation for inclusive development.
Gape Kaboyakgosi, Co-ordinator of the Botswana-EU Dialogues Facility, said “The aim of the facility is to strengthen relations and policy dialogues between the Botswana Government, the European Union and other partners, with the intention of elevating the long-standing development co-operation and relationship.”
He said, “BIDPA was appointed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to provide research services for the Botswana-EU Dialogues Facility.”
According to officials BIDPA has been contracted to prepare policy papers and studies feeding into dialogues and monitoring the follow up on the conclusions and recommendations stemming from the dialogues/workshops. It is hoped that these consultations will strengthen institutional capacity amongst local state and non-state actors in implementing Government reforms.
There is an ongoing situational analysis report for the development of the national productivity and competitiveness policy and strategy anchored on input of labour, business and Government. The Botswana National Productivity Centre is the lead agency on productivity. However measures to improve both productivity and competitiveness are fragmented.
A Policy and Strategy is however needed to set governance arrangements, performance indicators, co-ordinating mechanisms or resource mobilization required for mobilisation. The Policy and strategy once ready will seek to close these gaps.
The same can be said of gender mainstreaming in the Justice System.
It is hoped through wide ranging policy dialogues officials can build bridges to greater understanding on policies, particularly towards enhancing optimal outcomes for society, build on the capacities of the people who ’live’ the issues, amplify the voices of marginalized constituencies and create opportunities for bottom up policy development and formulation.
Dr Gloria Somolekae, Acting Executive Director of the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis(BIDPA)said “I wish to state that the concept of policy dialogues is an innovative, democratic, inclusive and effective way of meeting the mandate of BIDPA. Policy dialogues are a growing global approach to building consensus while critiquing and improving policy improving.”
She said, “Through dialoguing, we can obtain the views of all in society. Thus, I am happy to say the Dialogues have taken BIDPA and government ministries, Business Botswana and the Trade Unions across the length and breath of our country, consulting communities, businesspeople, employers and employees in places such as Palapye, Kanye, Francistown, Palapye, Maun and Kasane. As the project proceeds, we will carry out further dialogues.”
The role of Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis(BIDPA) in Botswana’s development encompasses several key deliverables such as policy research and policy advise, capacity building for Policy Analysis in Botswana and monitoring changes in the Botswana Economy.
Dr Daniel Molaodi, Chairperson of BIDPA Board of Trustees, said “As an Institute of Policy Research, we can appreciate the centrality of the media to public education on policy and generating feedback for policy makers and other interested and affected parties as we ponder how to craft a better future for our country.”
She said, “However, a salient point in these dialogues, is that the media also plays the role in facilitating the capacity of communities to influence policy. Policy makers get to hear honest(and sometimes not so accurate views from and about society) from the Fourth Estate. It is all part of our democratic dispensation.”
