Botswana, like many countries, has been adversely affected by COVID-19 pandemic. The years 2020 and 2021 were particularly challenging ones, with a highly depressed growth rate and the highest ever recorded budget deficit. An Economic Recovery and Transformational Plan (ERTP) was developed to support the restoration of economic activity and incomes, facilitate economic growth, accelerate economic transformation, and build the resilience of the economy. The Plan complements the short-term COVID-19 economic relief package geared towards supporting the economy and containing the virus. All the recovery efforts are driven with the principle of Leaving No One Behind, a central transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda. Growth is however anticipated to rebound as GDP growth is projected to be moderate reaching 4.3% in 2022 and 4.2% in 2023. Improved access to vaccines renewed hope for reviving the economy, although more resources would still need to be devoted towards improving the health system, saving and improving the lives of  Batswana, as well supporting economic growth. Therefore, the VNR should articulate opportunities available for Government through the means of implementation, partnerships for the goals as well as the country’s Reset Agenda. 

As part of the preparations for Botswana’s participation at the 2022 HLPF, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED), in collaboration with United Nations Botswana, seeks to engage a team of consultants to draft the Botswana National Voluntary Review Report and facilitate stakeholder engagements for its validation

The overall purpose of the assignment is to facilitate formulation of Botswana’s second VNR, in line with the 2022 HLPF theme of “Building back better from the coronavirus (COVID-19) while advancing the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” focusing on the selected review goals of; SDG 4 (Quality Education); SDG 5 (Gender Equality); SDG 14 (Life Below Water); SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 17 (Partnership For The Goals).