Congratulations! to the University of Botswana Class of 2020 on your well-deserved academic success. Indeed, your hard work and commitment to your studies have paid off and you have now joined the world of professionals in various fields. Your achievement will surely contribute to the implementation of our national transformational agenda as espoused in Vision 2036, as well as chart our country's transition from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy.
As you enter a new phase of life, I want to remind you that our country is faced with a myriad of challenges such as youth unemployment and HIV/AIDS. The advent of COVID_19 has further compounded our situation as it has negatively affected the performance of our economy. However, as a resilient nation and with your newly acquired skills, I am confident that we will overcome these challenges and achieve our dreams and aspirations.
I therefore wish to reiterate my Government's commitment to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and in the process create jobs, particularly for the youth.
In conclusion, I once again congratulate you on your achievement and wish you success in your future endeavours.
Please continue adhering to the COVID-19 health protocols of social distancing, washing your hands with soap and sanitising as well as wearing masks appropriately in public.