Ray Mafoko

Thank you, @TIME Magazine, for naming me among the 100 Most Influential People of 2025. I accept this honour on behalf of the people of Botswana. While my name may be highlighted, it is the people of Botswana who are truly influential. They inspire me every day with their strength, resilience, and vision. A nation small in number, yet rich in spirit and potential. I am because they’re extraordinary. Re a leboga! Thank you! 🇧🇼 #TIME100 #ROLEX #BotswanaRising #ProudlyAfrican @BWPresidency

Advancing Africa’s Commitment to Malaria Elimination It is a privilege to assume the role of ALMA Chair, succeeding H.E. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. African leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to malaria elimination and to ensuring a successful Global Fund replenishment, strengthening efforts to combat the disease. #AUSummit2025 #HealthyAfrica #ALMA #BetterAfricaBetterWorld

2025 Botswana Budget Speech highlights. Today, the Vice President and Minister of Finance, Mr. @Ndaba_Gaolathe , presented our government’s first maiden budget speech, during a period of economic decline and fiscal constraints. Despite these challenges, the team worked tirelessly to prioritize pressing needs of our people. The budget advances social welfare, job creation, economic reforms, and sustainable growth to bridge the poverty gap and restore economic stability. 1.Social Welfare Enhancements •Old Age Pension Increase: P830 to P1,400 (effective April 2025). •Newborn Support: P300/month allowance until age 1. •Free Sanitary Pads for female students. 2.Housing and Livelihoods •100,000 Housing Units over five years. •Self-Funding Housing Scheme for landowning citizens 3.Healthcare and Social Protection •Primary Healthcare Strengthening (medicines, facility maintenance, workforce expansion). •National Health Insurance (path to universal healthcare). 4.Education and Skills Development •TVET Expansion (focus on agribusiness, AI, manufacturing). •Digital Inclusion (500+ schools to receive internet access). 5.Reducing the Cost of Living •30% Electricity Tariff Reduction (solar and wind energy investments). 6.Job Creation and Economic Revitalization •Mega Infrastructure Projects (roads, rail, water, mining). 7.Business-Friendly Regulatory Reforms •Eliminating Red Tape in business licensing and registration. •Local Industry Protection through government procurement policies. •Introduction of Commercial Courts to fast-track business disputes and improve investor confidence. 8.Reducing Operational Costs for SMEs •Energy Subsidies for affordable electricity. •Improved Transport & Logistics (expansion of roads and trade corridors). 9.Sector-Specific Growth Strategies •Agribusiness and Manufacturing support to reduce import dependency. •Creative Economy & Innovation funding for arts, media, and digital enterprises. 10.Financial Support for SMEs •National Fund of Funds for SMEs, startups, and creative industries. •Export Market Access via AfCFTA and SADC-EPA agreements. As we move forward, let us all play our part in building the Botswana we aspire to. Through unity, excellence, and integrity, we can drive meaningful change and create a future that benefits every Motswana. #BotswanaBudget25 #MinistryOfFinance #Inclusivegrowthqualitylives