UNDP Botswana

01/09/2026

𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Women basket weavers from 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐤𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 visited 𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐒𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐢 as part of their participation at the 𝐄𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫, creating space for peer learning, skills exchange and a deeper understanding of what is possible within the basketry value chain.

The visit gave the weavers an opportunity to experience how indigenous craftsmanship can be strengthened through product development, natural dyeing techniques, quality control, design consistency, storytelling, branding and product diversification.
For the women representing cooperatives from across the Okavango, this exchange is about more than observing another enterprise. It is about seeing how basket weaving can grow from a cultural practice into a stronger, market-ready and competitive business model, while preserving the knowledge, skill and identity woven into each piece.

Through UNDP Botswana’s support, in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Development, Tintsaba and Gone Rural eSwatini, this mission is strengthening cross-border learning, regional partnerships and market access for women-led MSMEs.

The lessons from Gone Rural eSwatini help open new possibilities for Authentic Okavango Baskets as the weavers continue to refine their products, explore wider markets and position Botswana’s indigenous basketry on regional platforms.

01/09/2026

𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐲

Local development starts with the organisations already working closest to communities.

UNDP Botswana, under the 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, invites business associations, NGOs and civil society organisations in 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐞, 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐥𝐞 to complete the Organisation Profile and Business Information Survey.

The survey will support the identification of suitable organisations for upcoming Local Economic Development (LED) training planned for October 2026.

Local Economic Development is a participatory approach that brings together communities, local authorities and economic actors to stimulate growth, create jobs and improve livelihoods. In Botswana, this work is especially important for strengthening informal sector participation, supporting MSMEs, improving access to markets and finance, and connecting local enterprise development to opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Business associations, NGOs and CSOs working with informal economy operators, MSMEs, women, youth, persons with disabilities, cross-border traders, entrepreneurs or community-based economic development are encouraged to participate.

Priority will be given to:

Women-led organisations
Youth-led organisations
Organisations involving persons with disabilities
Organisations supporting MSMEs, informal economy operators and local enterprise development

The survey takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete.

Survey period: 27 August to 13 September 2026

Survey link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/zFqmazqvbz?origin=lprLink
OR
Scan the QR code below.

Your response will help ensure that the planned LED training reaches organisations that are actively contributing to inclusive, locally driven and sustainable economic development in Botswana.

01/09/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐤𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬. 🇧🇼

Each basket carries more than pattern and form. It carries skill, memory, patience and the enterprise of women who are taking Botswana’s indigenous craftsmanship to wider markets.
At the Eswatini International Trade Fair in Manzini, women basket weavers from Botswana are showcasing the work of 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐤𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬, a marketing cooperative union bringing together nine cooperatives from 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢, 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐞, 𝐍𝐱𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐚, 𝐄𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝟏, 𝐄𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝟔, 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐞, 𝐒𝐞𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐨, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐩𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐚.

Representing these communities are:
-𝐌𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐢𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐊𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐢 from Shorobe Baskets
-𝐌𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐨 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐞 from Matsaudi Cooperative
-𝐌𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬𝐨 from Dikujwana Cooperative, Nxaraga village
-𝐌𝐬 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐨 𝐃𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐤𝐨 from Tsogang Baskets, Sepopa village
-𝐌𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐛𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 from Samochima Baskets
-𝐌𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐡 𝐍𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞 from Etsha 1
-𝐌𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐲𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐤𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐞 from Etsha 6
-𝐌𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐲𝐬 𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚 from Sekondomboro
-𝐌𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐯𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐚 from Shakawe

Through the support of UNDP Botswana, in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Development, Tintsaba and Gone Rural eSwatini, their participation at the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair is creating opportunities for visibility, market access, cross-border learning and regional collaboration.

For these women, basket weaving is not only a cultural practice. It is enterprise, livelihood, heritage and possibility. It is a way of preserving indigenous knowledge while opening new pathways for women-led MSMEs to connect with buyers, partners and wider markets under the AfCFTA framework.

From the Okavango to Manzini, their work reflects the strength of local craftsmanship and the potential of regional trade to carry community-made products further.

31/08/2026

𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐢, 𝐄𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐢. 🇧🇼🇸🇿

At the Eswatini International Trade Fair, the UNDP Botswana is showcasing 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐤𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬, bringing the skill, heritage and enterprise of Botswana’s women basket weavers to a regional platform.

The Botswana exhibition provides space for visitors, partners and potential buyers to engage directly with the artisans, get immersed into the rich history and the stories behind the baskets, and experience the detail and craftsmanship embodied by communities from across the Okavango.

This exhibition is part of UNDP Botswana’s continued support to strengthen women-led MSMEs, improve product visibility, expand market access and connect local enterprises to regional opportunities under the AfCFTA framework. Since 2024, UNDP Botswana has supported women basket weavers to strengthen their craft, enhance product quality and expand market access, with nine cooperatives brought together under the Authentic Okavango Baskets marketing cooperative union.

In collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Development, Tintsaba and Gone Rural eSwatini, the fair is also strengthening cross-border learning and partnership between Botswana and Eswatini’s basket weaving communities.

Beyond display, the fair provides an opportunity to build business linkages, support regional collaboration and position Botswana’s indigenous craftsmanship within wider markets.
If you are in Manzini, make your way to the UNDP Botswana stall in the marquee to meet the artisans and experience the beauty, skill and story woven into Authentic Okavango Baskets.

28/08/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞. 🇧🇼🇸🇿

In Manzini, Eswatini, preparations are underway as women basket weavers from 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐎𝐤𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 set up the UNDP Botswana stall ahead of the 58th 𝐄𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫.

The stall brings together craft, heritage and enterprise, showcasing the work of basket weaving cooperatives from Matsaudi, Shorobe, Nxaraga, Etsha 1, Etsha 6, Shakawe, Sekondomboro, Sepopa and Samochima.

Supported by UNDP Botswana in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Development, Tintsaba and Gone Rural eSwatini, this participation is creating space for Botswana’s women-led MSMEs to access new markets, strengthen regional linkages and share indigenous craftsmanship with a wider audience.

From 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, Authentic Okavango Baskets will be on display at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, where visitors can experience the skill, detail and story woven into each piece.
If you are in Manzini, make your way to the UNDP Botswana stall and meet the women bringing Botswana’s basketry to the region.

28/08/2026

Botswana’s basketry is taking its place on the regional stage. 🇧🇼🇸🇿

In Manzini, the UNDP Botswana-supported Authentic Okavango Baskets stall is being prepared ahead of the Eswatini International Trade Fair, where women basket weavers from Botswana will showcase the skills, heritage and creativity behind one of the country’s most distinctive crafts.

Since 2024, UNDP Botswana has supported women basket weavers in strengthening their craft, improving product quality and expanding market access. Through this support, nine cooperatives from Matsaudi, Shorobe, Nxaraga, Etsha 1, Etsha 6, Shakawe, Sekondomboro, Sepopa and Samochima have been brought together under the Authentic Okavango Baskets marketing cooperative union.

This participation at the Trade Fair is about more than display. It is about opening access to new buyers, strengthening cross-border learning, and creating opportunities for Botswana’s MSMEs to connect with regional markets under the AfCFTA framework.

In collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Development, Tintsaba and Gone Rural eSwatini, the mission also creates space for knowledge exchange between Botswana and Eswatini’s basket weaving communities.

If you are in Manzini, visit the UNDP Botswana stall from tomorrow and experience the beauty, detail and story woven into Authentic Okavango Baskets.

27/08/2026

𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬.

This week, UNDP joined the National Planning Commission for the 𝐂𝐆𝐄 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬., focused on strengthening Botswana’s capacity for evidence-informed planning.

As Botswana advances Vision 2036, NDP12, the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme and the Sustainable Development Goals, policymakers need tools that can help assess policy trade-offs, financing choices, risks and the wider impact of decisions across the economy.

CGE modelling helps show how policies and economic shocks can affect sectors, households, workers, firms, prices, public revenue, imports, exports and long-term development outcomes.
For Botswana, this is important for planning around diversification, productivity, employment, climate resilience, sustainable financing and reducing vulnerability to external shocks.

Through this work, UNDP continues to support national institutions with practical tools that strengthen integrated, people-centred development planning and help connect policy choices to Botswana’s long-term development priorities.

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

Applications Extended | Bokamoso Skills Responsible AI, Employability & Innovation Bootcamps 2026

The response to the Bokamoso Skills Responsible AI, Employability and Innovation Bootcamps has been remarkable. We have received 1,525 applications from young people across Botswana, including 1,023 women and 501 men.

Thank you to every young person who has applied, and to the UniPods, universities and TVET institutions, youth and community organisations, government and local authorities, innovation partners, organisations of persons with disabilities, and other partners and networks supporting outreach across the country.

To provide one final opportunity for interested young people to apply, the application deadline has been extended until Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 23:59 Botswana time.

📍 A special call to young people in Gantsi: We would particularly like to encourage eligible young people who are based in Gantsi and are interested to attend the Gantsi Bootcamp to apply. So far, we have received 39 applications for Gantsi, compared with 100 for Maun, 149 for Francistown, 1,056 for Gaborone and 181 for Palapye.

The bootcamps will provide practical learning opportunities in responsible AI, digital skills, employability, entrepreneurship and innovation, supporting young people to strengthen their capabilities for Botswana's evolving digital economy.

Applications close tomorrow, 26 August 2026 at 23:59 Botswana time.

Thank you, Botswana, for the extraordinary response and for helping us extend these opportunities to young people across the country.

Re a leboga! 🇧🇼

19/08/2026

Three days. Six countries. One shared commitment to strengthening opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs. 🇧🇼

The 𝐄𝐂𝐨𝐖𝐘𝐄𝐑𝐓 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 concluded in Gaborone, Botswana, bringing together participants from trade promotion agencies and business support organisations across Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The training closed with a cross-country peer exchange that strengthened connections and encouraged continued collaboration across the six ECoWYERT countries. After three days of practical learning and exchange, participants are leaving Gaborone equipped with knowledge and tools they could take back to their countries to strengthen the support available to women and young entrepreneurs as they build stronger businesses and pursue opportunities in regional trade.