Botswana

Welcome to UNDP Botswana

Welcome to the UNDP Botswana website! We would like to invite you to explore our web service, from which you will learn about who we are, our principles, our services and our collaboration with the Government of Botswana, civil society, and other stakeholders involved with the country’s development issues.

UNDP is working with the government and people of Botswana to build the human and institutional capacity necessary to enable the country to achieve the objectives and aspirations expressed in Botswana’s own “Vision 2016”. We seek to support Botswana in her aim to meet or exceed the targets embodied in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which represent the world’s agreed targets for addressing the many dimensions of poverty.

Despite impressive growth rates over several decades and prudent management of its mineral wealth, Botswana faces daunting challenges: one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world; high levels of poverty and inequality; continued difficulties in diversifying the economy; and environmental degradation. Economic growth has not yet had the desired impact on poverty levels, and an estimated 30% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Recognising the significant gains this southern African nation has made since her independence, UNDP is committed to assisting the country progress even further towards the achievement of the MDG targets. We know that to make meaningful and lasting progress, quantum gains are required in, among others, the UNDP programme areas of AIDS, natural resources management and the environment, good governance, and the reduction of poverty through promotion of trade and investment. Through these and other initiatives, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to Botswana as she moves boldly forward toward her own just, ambitious and compassionate “Vision 2016”.

After reading through these pages, should you require further information, please feel free to contact us. UNDP is a people-centred and people-guided organization. We constantly strive to improve on our work, and we can only do so if we are closely in touch with our partners and the people of Botswana.

Kristan Schoultz

Resident Representative