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Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Botswana

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Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Botswana

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is a political foundation in Germany committed to social democracy

In Botswana, our main objectives are the support of major institutional and political reforms that would foster the democratic stability in the country, promote the involvement of Non-State-Actors in shaping policy and democracy and strengthen civic participation in political decision-making processes. These processes aid in creating an environment for a comprehensive and expanded political and social public sphere.

28/08/2026

MEET OUR WINNER!

BOTSWANA AT 60

60 years of democracy in Botswana. It’s time to imagine what comes next. As Botswana marks 60 years of independence, we are asking a fundamental question:

What should democracy look like for the Botswana we want?

Bonolo Phukula finds creative and convincing answers in her question of
“What New Models Can Be Used to Organise Democratic Institutions That Can Deliver and Are Representative?”

Bonolo Phukula explores new models for organising democratic institutions models that can make our institutions more representative, responsive and capable of delivering for all Batswana.

Her contribution will form part of our Botswana at 60 collection, bringing together ideas, experiences and perspectives on the future of Botswana.

Congratulations, Bonolo!
Stay tuned for her conversation with us on Gabz-FM!

26/08/2026

MEET OUR WINNER!

BOTSWANA AT 60: TRADE UNIONS AT THE CORE OF THE NEW BOTSWANA

A strong economy must also be a just economy. The future of work demands strong institutions, meaningful social dialogue and workers who have a voice in shaping the economy they help build.

Motshegwe Bakang Monei explains beautifully the importance of “Balancing Productivity, Merit and Workers’ Rights in a Diversified Economy”.

As Botswana enters its next 60 years, the world of work is changing and workers must be at the centre of that transformation.

Motshegwe Bakang Monei explores the role of trade unions in building a diversified economy where productivity and merit go hand in hand with decent work, fairness and workers’ rights.

Congratulations, Motshegwe!

Stay tuned for his/her conversation with us on Gabz-FM!

25/08/2026

FROM OBSERVER TO ACTIVE CITIZEN!

Congratulations to Phetso Kgosiemang, winner of our call on “How to Truly Guarantee Public Participation in Our Democracy?”

Phetso shares creative ideas on moving Batswana from observers to active citizens, reminding us that participation is more than having a voice.

🎙️ Catch his conversation on Gabz FM!

In partnership with Gabz-FM and Botswana Council of NGOs

24/08/2026

MEET OUR WINNER!

BOTSWANA AT 60: BOTSWANA’S NEXT MIRACLE

What if Botswana’s next big transformation was not just about economic growth but about building a greener, more sustainable future by design?
Onkabetse Monica contribution is creative and bold as it goes as far as in
“Building Africa’s First Purposefully Designed Green State”.

Onkabetswe Zilawe explores a bold vision for Botswana: a country that can lead Africa in creating a purposefully designed green state, where development, innovation and environmental sustainability work together.

Congratulations, Onkabetswe!
Stay tuned for her conversation with us on Gabz-FM!

21/08/2026

MEET OUR WINNER!

BOTSWANA AT 60: THE DIAMOND WE HAVE NOT YET POLISHED

The diamond is here. Now, let’s polish it together. Bose Gobitsa Mpulubusi made
“A Creative Case for the Full Inclusion of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in Botswana’s Next Sixty Years”.

Botswana has spent 60 years building a nation. But who gets to shape the next 60?

Bose Mhlauli advances the argument for a Botswana where women, young people and persons with disabilities are not on the sidelines but at the centre of our social, political and economic future.

Congratulations, Bose!

Stay tuned for her conversation with us on Gabz-FM!

19/08/2026

Is Just Transition a Panacea?

Climate change, employment, and economic transformation are increasingly shaping conversations among young people.

But is a Just Transition truly the solution?

A Just Transition is not only about reducing emissions. It is about ensuring that workers, communities, and vulnerable groups are not left behind as economies transform.

As Mr Kitso Phiri from the Botswana Mine Workers Union highlighted, the transition must consider the realities of workers and communities whose livelihoods are tied to traditional industries.

Through the Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP), young leaders explored how climate change is affecting communities, livelihoods, employment and Botswana’s development pathways.

The conversation goes beyond whether we transition it asks how we transition, who benefits, who bears the cost, and whether the transition is truly just.

17/08/2026

MEET OUR WINNER!

BOTSWANA AT 60: A DEMOCRACY THAT DELIVERS

Democracy isn’t only about elections. It’s about whether people can feel its impact in their daily lives.
Godiraone Matebele answered our call on
“How to Organise Service Delivery in a Post-Diamond World, and Can Social Protection Be Means-Tested and Rights-Based?” with fantastic and innovative ideas.

Botswana’s next chapter demands more than economic growth it demands a democracy that delivers.

As we look beyond diamonds, Godiraone Matebele asks a critical question:

How do we build a system of service delivery and social protection that works for people, protects dignity and leaves no one behind?

Congratulations, Godiraone!
Stay tuned for her conversation with us on Gabz-FM!

14/08/2026

MEET OUR WINNER!

BOTSWANA AT 60: FROM OBSERVER TO ACTIVE CITIZEN

Democracy cannot thrive when citizens are only watching from the side-lines.
Pheto Kgosiemang answered our call on “How to Truly Guarantee Public Participation in Our Democracy?” with some amazing insights and creative ideas.

Phetso K Kgosiemang MSc explores what it takes to move Batswana from observers to active citizens with meaningful opportunities to participate, influence decisions and hold institutions accountable.

Participation is more than having a voice. It is having a voice that is heard.

Congratulations Phetso Kgosiemang! Stay tuned for his conversation with us on Gabz-FM!

Botswana Council of NGOs

13/08/2026

Turning Law into Practice: Advancing Social Justice in a Digital and Transforming Economy

How do we ensure that labour laws move beyond legislation and become lived realities for workers?

This important question was at the heart of the 2026 Institute of Labour and Employment Studies (ILES) Conference, which brought together government, employers, workers, trade unions, and development partners to explore how Botswana can strengthen the implementation of the Employment and Labour Relations Act in a rapidly changing world of work.

The true measure of labour reform is not the laws we adopt, but our collective ability to make them work.

Mr Thilo Schöne, Director of FES Botswana, reiterated that the challenge is not only to enact legislation but also to implement, monitor, and deliver on its promises so that labour laws create tangible improvements in people's lives.

As Botswana's world of work continues to evolve through digitalisation and economic transformation, the conference reaffirmed that turning law into practice is a shared responsibility. Strong institutions, a culture of compliance, and sustained social dialogue remain the foundation for advancing decent work and social justice.

11/08/2026

Young workers shaping the future of labour and democracy

The graduation of the Young Workers Activism School marks an important milestone for a new generation of trade union and labour activists. Over the course of the programme, participants engaged with issues including workers’ rights, collective bargaining, social dialogue, climate justice, and civic participation, while exploring the role young workers can play in shaping the future of the labour movement.

In a rapidly changing economy, young workers need the tools and confidence to organise, advocate, and contribute to policy discussions that affect their livelihoods. The programme provided space to explore practical questions around workplace organising, political communication and advocacy, while also looking ahead to emerging challenges such as AI, digital transformation and the future of work.

For the labour movement to remain responsive to the realities facing workers today, strengthening trade union leadership among youth is essential. Equipping young workers with the knowledge and skills to organise, engage and advocate paves the way for a labour movement better prepared to advance decent work, strengthen social protection and promote economic justice, while ensuring that workers have a stronger voice in shaping their future.

FES Botswana congratulates all graduates and recognises their commitment to building a fairer society where workers’ voices are represented in democratic processes. The future of social justice depends on active, informed, and organised young people.

Address

Plot 5261
Gaborone

Opening Hours

Monday	07:30 - 16:30
Tuesday	07:30 - 16:30
Wednesday	07:30 - 16:30
Thursday	07:30 - 16:30
Friday	07:30 - 14:00

Telephone

+2673952441

Website

http://www.fes-botswana.org/

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