Botswanan President Duma Boko (Front) speaks at a meeting with the executives of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and parastatals in Gaborone, Botswana, on June 30, 2025. Boko on Monday urged state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and parastatals to increase productivity and profitability and to explore international markets. (Xinhua/Guo Chunju)

GABORONE, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Botswanan President Duma Boko on Monday urged state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and parastatals to increase productivity and profitability and to explore international markets.

During a meeting with the executives of SOEs and parastatals in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, Boko called for reforms to ensure that these entities operate as self-sustaining, profitable organizations.

"SOEs must embrace technology, efficiency, and innovation to achieve global competitiveness," he said.

Boko said the government has begun the development of the National Transformation Program (NTP), a comprehensive, expert-led initiative designed to accelerate Botswana's development.

"The NTP is implementation-based and focused on specific actions by various ministries and agencies, including SOEs and parastatals," he added.

For his part, Botswanan Minister for State President Moeti Mohwasa highlighted the unique roles of the SOEs, stressing the need for them to adopt agility, accountability, and sound governance to deliver tangible value to the country.

According to the International Monetary Fund, SOEs are prevalent in transportation, energy, communications, and financial services, including retail banking and development finance, in Botswana. ■

Botswanan President Duma Boko (at the podium) speaks at a meeting with the executives of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and parastatals in Gaborone, Botswana, on June 30, 2025. Boko on Monday urged state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and parastatals to increase productivity and profitability and to explore international markets. (Xinhua/Guo Chunju)

Botswanan President Duma Boko speaks at a meeting with the executives of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and parastatals in Gaborone, Botswana, on June 30, 2025. Boko on Monday urged state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and parastatals to increase productivity and profitability and to explore international markets. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)