From Moses Magadza in Gaborone, Botswana

The Parliament of Botswana has embarked on a drive to strengthen legislative excellence, democratic accountability and evidence-based lawmaking, with parliamentary leaders and regional partners declaring that continuous learning has become indispensable for modern legislatures facing increasingly complex national and global challenges.

The week-long Pre-Winter Capacity Building Seminar for Members of the 13th Parliament, convened by the National Assembly in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), opened on Monday with a strong call for legislators to sharpen their skills ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary session and position Parliament at the centre of Botswana’s democratic and developmental transformation.

Botswana’s Vice President and Minister of Finance, Honourable Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, attended the official opening.

Held under the theme “Fostering Dialogue among Legislators to Strengthen Legal Frameworks for a New Botswana,” the seminar is examining a broad range of issues, including legislative scrutiny, parliamentary procedure, artificial intelligence, climate change, collaboration with civil society, gender equality and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

Opening the seminar, Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Dithapelo Keorapetse, said Botswana’s 13th Parliament carries enormous public expectations and must rise to meet them through professionalism, integrity and continuous learning.

“Parliament occupies a unique position in our democratic system, and the 13th Parliament occupies a unique position, and the expectation is high to perform and deliver,” he said.

He described Parliament as the constitutional institution entrusted with making laws, scrutinising Executive action, representing citizens and safeguarding constitutional governance and said its effectiveness ultimately depends on “the knowledge, skills, ethics, and commitment of those who serve within it.”

He reminded legislators that learning and leadership are inseparable, quoting former United States President John F. Kennedy’s observation that “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

“The programme before us reflects the evolving demands placed upon modern legislatures,” Honourable Keorapetse said and noted that effective lawmaking requires resilience, openness to new ideas and continuous adaptation to changing realities.

He said Parliament must also embrace emerging technologies responsibly. He observed that Artificial Intelligence offers opportunities to strengthen parliamentary research, legislative drafting, committee work, records management and public engagement.

“While embracing these innovations, we must also be wary and remain committed to principles of transparency, accountability, privacy, and ethical governance,” he cautioned.

The Speaker further stressed Parliament’s responsibility to enact inclusive legislation that advances Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, gender equality, youth empowerment and the fight against gender-based violence.

“Parliamentarians remain actively engaged with constituents, diligently reviewing legislative proposals and policy initiatives that influence SRHR, address early and unplanned pregnancies, improve maternal care, and support key populations,” he said.

He also linked Parliament’s legislative responsibilities to Botswana’s climate commitments and pointed to the development of a National Environmental, Social and Governance Strategy that will support sustainable development and reinforce the country’s obligations under the Paris Agreement.

For the Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr Gabriel Malebang, the seminar represents a deliberate investment in Parliament’s long-term institutional strength.

“Effective legislation begins with capable and well-prepared legislators,” he said.

Dr Malebang explained that the Office of the Clerk has embarked on an extensive programme of continuous professional development for Members and parliamentary staff in pursuit of the Speaker’s vision of a high-performing Parliament.

He said the objective is to ensure Members enter every parliamentary session fully equipped to address emerging governance challenges through informed debate, effective oversight and quality legislation.

Among the seminar’s objectives are strengthening Members’ understanding of parliamentary Standing Orders, legislative scrutiny, parliamentary etiquette, committee work, public engagement, Artificial Intelligence, climate governance, gender equality and youth SRHR.

Dr Malebang also acknowledged the support of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Parliamentary Cooperation Project funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and supported by Expertise France.

Delivering solidarity remarks, SADC Parliamentary Forum Secretary General Ms Boemo Sekgoma described Parliament as “the institutional conscience of the nation” and reaffirmed the regional body’s unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic institutions across Southern Africa.

“The decision to invest in the continuous development of Members of Parliament is a powerful affirmation that democratic institutions cannot remain relevant through tradition alone; they must continually renew themselves through knowledge, reflection and innovation,” she said.

She declared that the SADC PF regards Parliament as “sacrosanct” and said every effort to strengthen parliamentary effectiveness deserves regional support because participatory democracy requires constant nurturing.

“We believe that participatory democracy must never be taken for granted. It must be cultivated. It must be protected. It must be continually enriched,” she said.

She observed that citizens increasingly expect transparency, accountability and tangible development outcomes from democratic institutions, making parliamentary capacity building a strategic imperative.

The Secretary General welcomed the seminar’s focus on SRHR, HIV and AIDS governance, gender equality and climate change, describing them as governance and development priorities rather than merely sectoral issues.

She highlighted the achievements of the Sweden-funded SRHR, HIV and AIDS Governance Project, implemented by SADC PF across Southern Africa, saying it has strengthened legislation protecting women, children and vulnerable communities, improved parliamentary oversight of health systems, promoted increased domestic investment in health and advanced reforms on child marriage, comprehensive sexuality education, gender equality, mental health and prisoners’ health rights.

Commending Botswana for its active participation in the regional initiative, Ms Sekgoma said the country’s partnership with SADC PF demonstrates a shared commitment to stronger institutions and better governance.

“Knowledge enriches judgement. Judgement strengthens legislation. Strong legislation transforms lives,” she said.

She assured Parliament that SADC PF would continue supporting Member Parliaments through capacity building, peer learning, evidence-informed legislation, stronger oversight and the Forum’s broader vision of transforming into a fully-fledged SADC Parliament.

United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Ms Lovita Ramguttee described the seminar as taking place at a pivotal moment in Botswana’s democratic evolution.

While noting Botswana’s longstanding reputation for constitutionalism, peace and the rule of law, she argued that legal frameworks must evolve alongside society’s changing needs.

“The constitution of the 13th Parliament following the 2024 General Elections presents a significant moment of renewal,” she said.

Ms Ramguttee said meaningful dialogue among legislators is central to effective lawmaking.

“Good laws are not made through isolated voices, but through constructive dialogue,” she said.

She stressed that quality legislation depends on rigorous committee work, evidence-based analysis, broad public participation and systematic post-legislative review.

Reaffirming UNDP’s commitment to parliamentary strengthening, she said legislators are increasingly called upon to navigate complex issues including fiscal pressures, technological change, climate risks and governance reforms, all requiring agile, inclusive and forward-looking institutions.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Country Representative Mr Thilo Schöne reflected on the foundation’s long partnership with Botswana, dating back to 1973, and its decades of support for parliamentary development.

He recalled FES’s contribution to the establishment of the Parliamentary Women’s Caucus, support for parliamentary independence and sustained capacity building on climate change.

He highlighted an ongoing European Union-supported initiative to strengthen cooperation between Parliament and civil society organisations and described parliamentary committees as “the backbone of any parliament.”

He encouraged legislators to view civil society organisations as partners in democratic governance rather than critics.

“CSOs can be your partners in lawmaking, assist you in outreach to the citizens and are not only there to criticise,” he said.

He said sustained dialogue between Parliament and civil society remains essential for strengthening democracy and improving public participation in governance.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Opposition Whip Honourable Caterpillar Hikuama commended the Speaker, Parliamentary Executive Management, development partners, government officials, Members of Parliament, the media and parliamentary staff for making the seminar possible.

He said the programme reflects Parliament’s commitment to continuous learning, effective legislation, robust oversight and stronger democratic governance, before encouraging Members to remain fully engaged throughout the week.

The seminar continues until Friday, with legislators participating in intensive sessions designed to strengthen parliamentary practice, improve legislative quality and prepare Members to respond effectively to the rapidly evolving demands of governance in Botswana and across the Southern African region.

• Moses Magadza, PhD, is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.