Botswana: Skills for competitiveness and economic growth
English
International organizations
Information is gathered from other international organizations that promote skills development and the transition from education and training to work. The Interagency Group on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (IAG-TVET) was established in 2009 to share research findings, coordinate joint research endeavours, and improve collaboration among organizations working at the international and national levels.
Access to training
Access for all to good quality education, vocational training and workplace learning is a fundamental principle of social cohesion and economic growth. Some groups of people may require targeted attention if they are to benefit from education, training and employment opportunities.
This is particularly the case for disadvantaged youth, lower skilled workers, people with disabilities, and people in rural communities. The attractiveness of vocational education and training is enhanced when combined with entrepreneurship training and when public policies encourage utilization of higher skills by business.
Anticipating and matching skills needs
Anticipating and building skills for the future is essential to a rapidly changing labour market. This applies to changes in the types and levels of skills needed as well as in occupational and technical areas. Effective methods to anticipate future skills needs and avoid potential mismatches include: sustained dialogue between employers and trainers, coordination across government institutions, labour market information systems, employment services and performance reviews of training institutions.
National policies and initiatives
National legislation, policies and initiatives on the issue of training and skills development and the world of work.
Research papers
Working papers, reports, and other publications from international organizations, academic institutions and bilateral agencies. Research findings to stimulate informed debate on skills, employment and productivity issues.
Summary report
Human development is one of the pillars of Botswana’s Country Partnership Strategy with the World Bank (2009–13). The Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) is in line with Botswana’s 'Vision 2016', which, in terms of human development, envisions the transformation of Botswana to 'an educated and informed nation' and to 'a prosperous, productive and innovative nation' as two key cornerstones of the strategy. In line with these objectives, the World Bank with support from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) embarked on analytical study entitled 'Skills for Economic Growth and Diversification in Botswana'. The work is informed by Botswana’s need to diversify its economy to facilitate stronger, more sustainable economic and employment growth and, concurrently, equip its workforce with a variety of skill sets that meet employer needs.
The objective of the exercise is to provide the government of Botswana with concrete suggestions for policy interventions that strengthen the skills base of the workforce and thus facilitate economic growth, diversification, and employment. The recommendations offered are based on analyses of available data and international best practices. Four policy notes were developed, each of which touches on crucial aspects of strengthening the country’s skills base. They include: Raising Botswana Human Resource Profile to Facilitate Economic Diversification and Growth; Labor Market Signals on the Demand for Skills; Skills Needs of the Private Sector; and, Skills Implications of Botswana Diamond Beneficiation Strategy.
The key findings and recommendations of these four notes are summarized in the Executive Summary.
Skills and training policy
Skills anticipation
Africa
