Botswana Sustainability Week 2026 has challenged businesses, government and development partners to turn sustainability commitments into bankable investments.
This will support the government’s efforts to diversify the economy while protecting the natural resources that underpin livelihoods and tourism.
The fourth edition of the conference was held at Sedia Hotel in Maun from October 21 to 23 under the theme, “The Business of Sustainability: Activating Private Sector Leadership to Drive Botswana’s Next Growth Economy.”
Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi challenged businesses to move beyond policy discussions and develop practical projects capable of attracting investment and delivering measurable benefits.
Organised by the Green Loop Foundation, the gathering brought together policymakers, corporate leaders, investors and sustainability practitioners to explore how environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles can support economic transformation, job creation and community development.
Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi challenged businesses to move beyond policy discussions and develop practical projects capable of attracting investment and delivering measurable benefits.
“This framework is the lever that will transform how we measure performance, manage corporate impacts and attract green financing to our shores,” he said, referring to Botswana’s National ESG Strategy and Framework, developed by the National Planning Commission in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme.
Mmolotsi argued that sustainability should no longer be treated merely as a corporate social responsibility exercise, but as a central consideration in operational efficiency, risk management and competitiveness.
He urged the private sector to take the lead in renewable energy, sustainable tourism and climate-smart agriculture, while government creates an enabling regulatory environment.
The conference also highlighted the importance of financing projects that connect environmental protection with community livelihoods.
Proposed initiatives include solar-powered community water standpipes in Ngamiland, environmental restoration, improved energy access and the One Million Tree Campaign.
The Maun Education Park was also identified as an initiative intended to connect environmental education with community-level investment.
Green Loop Foundation founder Lindiwe Modise emphasized the need to convert interest into concrete financial commitments, acknowledging that limited investment and delays in securing partnerships remain challenges.
A further milestone was the launch of the Botswana Sustainability and ESG Private Sector Roundtable, bringing together 20 chief executives and managing directors for a three-year term to help advance sustainability implementation.
The platform is intended to provide continuity beyond the annual conference by encouraging business leaders to collaborate on projects, mobilise resources and monitor progress.
Green Loop Foundation founder Lindiwe Modise emphasized the need to convert interest into concrete financial commitments, acknowledging that limited investment and delays in securing partnerships remain challenges.
The foundation has proposed allocating 25 percent of partnership pledges towards collaborative impact-project investment, with implementation and reporting intended to strengthen accountability.
