Botswana, EU & International Trade Centre to Launch Landmark Green Value Chain Programme

Gaborone, Botswana — In a major stride toward sustainable economic diversification, the Government of Botswana, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), will officially launch the Botswana Green Value Chain Development for Job Creation Programme.

The high-profile launch event is scheduled for Monday, 25 May 2026, at 08:30 hrs at the Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagement

Ahead of the official rollout, the Executive Director of the ITC, Ms. Pamela Coke Hamilton, alongside a delegation from Switzerland, paid a courtesy call on Botswana’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Hon. Wynter Mmolotsi. The meeting underscored the strong international backing and strategic collaboration driving the initiative.

The five-year programme is fully funded by the European Union and implemented by the ITC—a joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN) dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing and transition economies.

Driving Economic Recovery, Horticulture, and Ecotourism

Running from 2026 to 2030, the initiative is specifically designed to strengthen the regional and global competitiveness of Botswana’s ecotourism and horticulture value chains.

Speaking on the upcoming launch, Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) Acting CEO, Mr. Justice Ofentse, emphasized that the programme arrives at a crucial juncture for the nation’s post-recovery growth.

“The programme comes at a crucial time as Botswana continues efforts to revive and strengthen the economy through strategic global partnerships,” Ofentse stated. “The initiative will create opportunities across the tourism and green economy sectors, while also requiring collaboration from various stakeholders, including government ministries, agencies, and development partners to ensure successful implementation.”

Empowering Women and Youth

A core pillar of the 2026–2030 framework is socio-economic inclusivity. The programme places a sharp, intentional focus on empowering women- and youth-owned enterprises through targeted interventions, including:

• Sustainable Production: Promoting eco-friendly and climate-resilient practices across local supply chains.
• Market Access: Enhancing digital and physical channels to connect local SMEs to regional and international markets.
• Employment: Creating decent, long-term jobs within the rural and urban green economies.

By embedding sustainable business models directly into local enterprises, the initiative aims to position Botswana as a regional leader in inclusive, green economic transformation.