The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government has tabled an ambitious Twelfth National Development Plan (NDP12), outlining a P388.09 billion development agenda meant to usher in what it calls a “new republic” driven by inclusive growth, accountability, and a shift from state-led to private sector-led economic transformation.
Presenting the plan in Parliament, Minister for State President Moeti Mohwasa said the five-year blueprint (2025/26 – 2029/30) is not merely a technical roadmap but a people’s plan anchored on the social and economic expectations expressed by Batswana at the ballot box. He said the historic electoral victory of the UDC symbolised more than a change of government, but “a complete redefinition of our state and our society.”
The plan, which spans Part I on national policies, Part II on the Public Investment Programme, and Part III covering the implementation and performance framework, is designed to tackle unemployment, fiscal strain, and institutional inefficiencies head-on. With unemployment standing at 27.6 percent – and 38.2 percent among the youth – Mohwasa said NDP12 places job creation at the heart of national development.
Key to the transformation agenda is a shift towards nine priority sectors under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, including mining and energy, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and creative industries, infrastructure, and financial services. These will be supported by reforms in healthcare, education, and social protection, with environmental sustainability and governance as cross-cutting enablers.
Mohwasa said the government will pursue asset securitisation to unlock value from state-owned infrastructure without relying on direct budget allocations, a move expected to stimulate local capital markets and open new pathways for citizen participation in economic activity. He also announced sweeping public service reforms, including decentralisation, corporatisation of government departments, and a review of the Public Service Act to restore efficiency and accountability.
NDP12 also proposes a hybrid model for public service delivery, prioritising insourcing of services such as cleaning and security to ensure fair labour conditions while selectively outsourcing where efficiency gains are clear. On governance, the government committed to finalising the National Decentralisation Policy to give local authorities financial autonomy and decision-making powers.
Significant investments in social protection are also on the cards, including increments in student allowances, the old age pension, provision of sanitary products, a newborn allowance, and the construction of 100,000 housing units. Mohwasa said these measures honour campaign promises endorsed by the electorate.
The Minister was critical of past failures in implementation, noting that zero percent of projects were completed on time, within budget, and scope under the previous administration. He said NDP12 introduces a strengthened monitoring and evaluation structure to ensure every ministry delivers measurable results, with performance indicators aligned to Vision 2036 and global frameworks such as the SDGs and Agenda 2063.
“This plan embraces new funding models, a renewed commitment to public sector transformation, and a governance culture rooted in delivery,” he said, adding that the government seeks to rebuild fiscal buffers, grow non-mining revenues, and attract strategic investment to restore economic resilience.
Mohwasa said the success of NDP12 relies on collaboration across sectors and honest performance tracking. “Every thebe must be accounted for. This is not just administrative reform; it is a political shift.”
