30 Mar 2025

Botswana is set to join the global movement in transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) fields as key drivers of economic growth.

Speaking at the Botswana Human Resource Development Skills Fair and Career Clinics panel discussions on Thursday in Gaborone, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana, emphasised the transformative role TVET and STEAM education have played in the economic development of countries worldwide.

Mr Ramaotwana said Botswana needed to tap into its untapped potential and talent, referencing the success stories of Batswana who broke barriers in diverse sectors such as music, fashion, sport and technology.

Those individuals, he said, “have proven that Batswana is rich in talent that can contribute to the global economy.”

Mr Ramaotwana said TVET and STEAM education were vital in creating a thriving economy, explaining that when people had stable jobs, higher incomes, and access to resources, they were less likely to turn to criminal activities as a means of survival or making quick money.

“A strong economy fosters opportunities for individuals to improve their lives through legal means, reducing the temptation to engage in illegal behaviour,” he said, further stressing that thriving businesses and investments led to more job opportunities and poverty alleviation, ultimately creating safer and healthier communities.

The panel discussion was held under a theme “Exploring TVET and STEAM education to unlock opportunities for skills development, job creation and economic diversification for youth in Botswana.” Mr Ramaotwana noted that the theme aligned with priorities of Botswana’s new leadership, particularly in fostering youth development and economic diversification.

The panel comprised of policymakers, industry expert from the arts and digital transformation sectors, as well as professionals with global experience in leveraging TVET and the ARTS for employment creation and economic diversification.

Ms Kgomotso Motlotle, a panelist, called for the revitalization of technical education and training in Botswana.

She emphasized the need to incorporate the arts into Botswana framework to give Batswana an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Mr Tavonga Muchuchuti, a passionate advocate for TVET, challenged the public perception that technical education was inferior. He argued that TVET was not only practical, but essential for equipping individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

Mr Muchuchuti urged the government to rebrand TVET and highlight its significant role in the economy’s growth and global competitiveness.

“We need to change the narrative surrounding technical education, it’s not a low life option, but rather a pathway to success and economic stability,” Mr Muchuchuti said.

Similarly, Mr Catalin Gherman, another expert on the panel, described TVET as one of the most diverse sectors, offering a wide range of job opportunities.

Mr Reginald Bakwena, a practitioner in the field, also praised TVET, describing it as a ‘game changer’ for Botswana’s economy development.

Ms Poloko Rabatoko focused on empowering women and the girl child to embrace technical careers, noting that women were often underrepresented in the field. ENDS