HISTORY OF BUSINESS BOTSWANA

1971: Founded as a Federation of Employers under the Trade Unions and Employers’ Act No. 23 of 1983, focusing on labour and industrial relations advocacy.

  • Achievements:
    • Participation in tripartite structures (Labour Review & Minimum Wage Boards)
    • Recognition as the official employer voice; affiliation with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO)

1988: Rebranded to Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry, and Manpower (BOCCIM), expanding its mandate to include Chamber of Commerce functions.

Key accomplishments: Establishment of consultative councils at local, sector, and national levels.

  • Local Level Consultative Council (LLC), co-chaired by the District Commissioner and Business Council Chairperson
  • Sector Level Consultative Council (SLCC), co-chaired by the line Minister and Sector Chairperson
  • High-Level Consultative Council (HLCC), co-chaired by the sitting president and the Business Botswana president

2015: Rebranded to Business Botswana, formalising its role as an apex Business Representative Body.

  • Continued prominence in national dialogue through private-public engagement structures
  • Recognition as the authoritative voice of business in Botswana and across the region.