Botswana president reiterates commitments to knowledge-based economy

GABORONE, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's President Seretse Khama Ian Khama said that his government is committed to transforming Botswana from a resource based economy to a knowledge based one.

Khama made the remarks at the Botswana Accountancy College 2017 graduation ceremony (BAC) on Saturday in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.

He emphasized that in order to achieve the transition, they needed an education system that fosters critical thinking, creativity, entrepreneurship and integrity.

Khama said the ultimate goal of Botswana's tertiary education system should be to produce well-rounded citizens.

He further illustrated his point by making reference to the UNESCO Education 2030 Strategy which is themed " Towards inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all."

He explained that the strategy emphasizes promotion of knowledge, skills, values and attitudes required by citizens to lead productive lives as well as making informed decisions and assuming active roles locally and globally.

Khama, who will be stepping down as the president of the Republic of Botswana, further said he had no doubt that BAC has endeavored over the years to ensure that their program design and delivery is focused on meeting these standards.

He also made mention of the fact that his government also understands that skills development is directly linked to employability and entrepreneurship, hence the commitment to refocus education and training toward the fulfilment of a more diversified and knowledge-based economy.

Khama further indicated that to attain this milestone, the match between qualifications and labor market requirements is being monitored through the Human Resource Development Council, thereby ensuring that education outputs are more closely aligned to future employment needs.

According to him, the country is looking forward to having its first National Human Resource Development Plan before the end of this year. The plan is expected to assist in focusing on training and development in Botswana.

Khama reminded the graduates that there are boundless opportunities in Botswana and other markets, adding that it will make the country proud to have young skilled graduates establish companies that can compete both locally and beyond Botswana borders, resulting in employment creation and diversification of the economy. Enditem