To propel Botswana towards becoming a knowledge-based economy, it is imperative to increase resource allocation to the education sector. As Minister of Finance, Ms. Peggy Serame, delivers the Budget Speech today, there is considerable anticipation regarding any announcements related to this matter.

One of the attentive parties is the Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU), represented by its secretary general, Mr. Tobokani Rari. In an interview preceding the speech, Mr. Rari emphasized the necessity of directing substantial funding towards realizing a knowledge-based economy. He highlighted the importance of adequately financing initiatives like outcome-based education, which demands additional resources such as expanded teaching facilities for practical lessons.

Mr. Rari stressed the importance of implementing diverse educational pathways within the system and advocated for significant budgetary allocations towards teacher training, retooling, and skills enhancement. He emphasized the need for early identification and nurturing of students' potential, suggesting the establishment of centers of excellence catering to various pathways like sports, culture, and vocational training.

Addressing the current resource deficiencies in schools, including shortages of books and furniture, Mr. Rari emphasized the urgent need for financial investment. He highlighted the mismatch between the growing student population and the stagnant physical infrastructure and resources in many schools, citing it as a significant challenge facing public education.

In the previous budget, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development received the largest share, amounting to P15.04 billion or 24.9 percent of the country's proposed recurrent budget of P60.30 billion. Minister Serame justified this allocation as aligning with national priorities and reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing human capital and skills development in line with the goal of fostering a knowledge-based economy.

Additionally, the ministry's development budget included provisions for initiatives such as schools' digitization and the expansion and maintenance of educational facilities, all aimed at advancing Botswana's transformation into a knowledge-based economy.