Botswana’s Private Sector Called to Action on Child Rights and Family Wellbeing
A Call for Bold, Strategic Investments in Child Rights and Family Wellbeing
Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Nono Kgafela-Mokoka, called on the private sector to make bold and strategic investments in the wellbeing of children and families in Botswana. Addressing a high-level dialogue convened by UNICEF Botswana on the UN Global Day of Parents, she urged businesses to go beyond their economic mandates and embrace a deeper societal role. She challenged companies to implement family-friendly policies, expand access to quality education, and embed child rights into their long-term development strategies.
The private sector is more than an engine of economic growth—it is a powerful societal force with the capacity to influence long-term change
she affirmed, emphasizing that investing in children is not just the right thing to do—it’s a sound economic strategy.
Her remarks set the tone for the gathering of government leaders, corporate stakeholders, and civil society groups who explored innovative and sustainable approaches to support child welfare. Keamogetse Sampson, Debswana’s Corporate Affairs Manager, underscored the company’s commitment by sharing that more than P160 million is invested annually in health services, including maternal care and psychosocial support for victims of gender-based violence. Debswana also supports STEM programs for girls, aimed at breaking gender barriers and expanding future opportunities.
ABSA Botswana’s Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Dennis Mambure, highlighted the bank’s inclusive family support policies, such as paternity leave, mental health resources, and parental assistance programs. He emphasized that the home environment plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s future. Othata Batsetswe, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, echoed the need for formalized public-private partnerships. He noted that government funding alone is not sufficient and called for consistent business engagement in funding and implementation of child welfare initiatives.
UNICEF Botswana’s Acting Representative, Kimanzi Muthengi, closed the dialogue with a passionate appeal for strategic private sector investment during early childhood and adolescence—the most formative stages of human development. Paraphrasing poet Robert Frost, he called on business leaders to take the “road less traveled,” reminding them that investing in children is not charity, but a decisive act of nation building. He urged the private sector to see itself not just as a beneficiary of future talent, but as a co-architect of Botswana’s progress
The dialogue ended with a shared understanding that meaningful progress for children requires joint responsibility. By working together, government, business, civil society, and families can build a Botswana where every child has a fair chance to thrive.
