The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship of Botswana, in collaboration with the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) and the Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa (ECA SRO-SA) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), will convene a one-day Validation Workshop for the Draft AfCFTA National Implementation Strategy for Botswana on 27 May 2025 in Gaborone.
This workshop marks a key milestone in Botswana’s efforts to develop a national strategy to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It aims to review and validate the Draft Strategy and its accompanying Action Plan, ensuring they reflect national priorities and stakeholder input.
Background
A National Consultative Forum on the development of the AfCFTA National Implementation Strategy for Botswana was held on 6 March 2025 in Gaborone, engaging key stakeholders in shaping the Strategy. This was followed by an in-depth stakeholder consultation process from 31 March to 4 April 2025.
Subsequently, the Consultant submitted a Diagnostic Report, which includes a situational analysis of Botswana’s macroeconomic context, priority sectors, and proposed strategic actions. A Draft Implementation Strategy was also prepared and shared with stakeholders for review.
As the final step in this process, the Government of Botswana, through the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, with support from ECA, will host this Validation Workshop.
Objectives of the Validation Workshop
The main objective of the validation workshop is to review and validate the Draft National Implementation Strategy for Botswana. Specifically, the validation workshop will seek:
- Assess the robustness of the Strategy and its alignment with Botswana’s AfCFTA aspirations;
- Provide a platform for stakeholders to offer feedback and propose refinements;
- Finalize a comprehensive Strategy to strengthen Botswana’s capacity to implement the AfCFTA.
Media enquiries:
Mr. Bedson Nyoni
Senior Information Management Assistant
Economic Commission for Africa
Sub Regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA)
Email: nyonib@un.org
Mr Johannes Visagie
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Botswana
Mobile : +267 76 002 834
Email : jvisagie@gov.bw / visagiejohannesk@gmail.com;