Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi recently stated during an inspection of the country's Gambling Authority that the gambling industry will create over 2,000 permanent jobs by the end of the next fiscal year, providing significant support for economic diversification and youth employment. The President fully affirmed the industry's positive role in promoting employment and economic transformation during discussions with the staff and management of the Authority.
The Acting CEO of the Gambling Authority, Morentsho Kemowale, reported to the President that the gambling industry is currently operating safely and steadily, and is steadily advancing the new employment plan. These positions cover operations, regulatory support, and administrative management, among other areas, and are expected to create significant employment opportunities for the nation's youth. With Botswana's youth unemployment rate exceeding 27%, this initiative is seen as a positive action to alleviate employment pressures.
President Masisi encouraged the Authority's team to continue to maintain close collaboration to maximize production efficiency. He emphasized that the government will continue to support the development of multiple industries, including gambling, to promote the diversification of the national economic structure and foster job growth. The inspection was also attended by the Minister of Trade and Industry, the Acting Minister of Agriculture, and other senior officials, demonstrating the government's emphasis on the industry.
For a long time, Botswana's economy has been heavily dependent on diamond exports, which account for more than ninety percent. To reduce the risks brought by reliance on a single resource, President Masisi officially launched the "Botswana Economic Transformation Plan" (BETP) on July 15, focusing on promoting the development of emerging industries including regulated gambling, information and communication technology (ICT), and tourism. The advancement of this employment plan in the gambling industry is a specific manifestation of this economic transformation strategy.
Analysts believe that the gambling industry in Botswana has surpassed its traditional entertainment function and is gradually becoming an important industrial sector that provides actual economic opportunities, enhances national stability, and builds resilience.
