Botswana’s National Planning Commission (NPC) is focusing on eight sectors in an effort to generate employment and boost growth to give the economy a high-income status over the next decade.

This is according to NPC officials during a press briefing in Gaborone earlier this week.

Botswana’s mining, trade and financial services sectors are performing well, and according to the Commission, the other five have massive potential but require further attention.

Indeed, the tourism, agriculture, sports and creative industry, manufacturing and transport and logistics sectors have the potential for further growth, and the National Transformation Strategy is key to realising this expansion.

Within the strategy, the NPC is concentrating on creating a globally competitive workforce, transforming the healthcare system, having a robust education system, and achieving food security, The Voice Botswana reports.

Moreover, the NPC believes social inclusiveness and a values and culture shift could also bolster Botswana’s economic performance.

A secure water and energy supply, as well as environmental protection, are also essential to the country’s development, the NPC added.

A transparent government, a peaceful nation and a reformed public service were also earmarked as ways to reach high-income status.

Yet, despite the government schemes in place, such as the Youth Development Fund, many inequalities still remain in Botswana, the officials stated.

“The best solution to these inequalities is creation of employment. We need to address the issue of unemployment to close these gaps,” said David Sefawe, the Assistant Commissioner General responsible for Policy and Strategy at the NPC.

He added that the aforementioned sectors can improve the country’s GDP, but only if they receive the required resources and attention

Furthermore, the NPC officials said consultations for the National Development Plan 12 got underway last year and are scheduled to be finalised early next year.