Botswana has praised the African Union Commission for its outstanding performance, as highlighted in the report of the initial Ten Year Implementation Plan. Vice President Slumber Tsogwane expressed this sentiment during his address at the 37th ordinary session of the African Union Heads of State and Government Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 17th.

He remarked, "The assessment of the first Ten Year Implementation Plan reflects our collective endeavors, accomplishments, and the challenges encountered on our journey towards a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa." Particularly noteworthy, he noted, was the meticulous alignment of the first Ten Year Plan with the national development strategies of member states. Such synchronization, he stressed, was crucial for fostering a coherent and concerted approach to sustainable development across the continent.

However, Mr. Tsogwane emphasized that the essence of the AU's collective vision, as outlined in Agenda 2063, lies not only in aligning plans but crucially in their effective execution. He urged swift action, emphasizing the importance of accountability and tangible results, which he believed would yield meaningful impacts on the lives of Africans.

He assured the assembly that Botswana, currently formulating its National Development Plan 12, would ensure its framework aligns with the second Ten Year Implementation Plan. "Furthermore, robust strategies will be deployed to execute this plan efficiently," he added. This strategic alignment, he asserted, would significantly contribute to realizing Botswana's National Vision 2036 as well as Africa's collective vision.

As the continent transitions to the second Ten Year Implementation Plan, Vice President Tsogwane stressed the significance of inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation as foundational elements of progress. Botswana, he conveyed, advocated for strategies fostering economic diversification, climate resilience, and digital transformation continent-wide.

Highlighting the paramount importance of peace, security, and good governance as prerequisites for development, Botswana urged the development of robust mechanisms for conflict prevention, resolution, and post-conflict reconstruction.

Mr. Tsogwane emphasized that financing Agenda 2063 was not only an economic necessity but also an ethical and moral responsibility with profound benefits for future generations. Thus, he advocated placing resource mobilization at the forefront of efforts in the second Ten Year Implementation Plan. Additionally, he stressed the need to redesign the global financial architecture to be more inclusive of African interests.