An African Development Bank team held discussions with the Government of Botswana during the week of March 24, 2014, to agree on areas of Bank support over the next five years.
"The Bank's 2014-2018 Country Strategy Paper for Botswana is intended to consolidate strong, shared and sustainable growth in this country," said Zondo Sakala, the Bank's Vice-President for Country and Regional Programs.
"We held excellent discussions with the Finance and Development Planning Minister, Hon. Mr. Kenneth Matambo; with the Minerals, Energy and Water Resources Minister, Hon. Mr. Onkokame Mokaila; and with their senior officials," said Sakala. "We also met Mr. Jacob Raleru, Chief Executive of the Botswana Power Corporation, and his team. I am most grateful to them all.
"We will now finalize this vital planning document, and submit it for consideration by the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank before the end of June."
The talks also covered ongoing Bank-funded work in Botswana, with 13 projects underway, with a total value of some US $280 million.
The mission was also able to clarify the Bank position on the Morupule Power Project, following the publication of the Southern Africa Quarterly Overview and Analysis, 4th Quarter 2013, Issue No. 11. The comment in the Quarterly did not fully and accurately reflect developments on the project.