Lex Africa Guide 2012 Full - Afrer.org

Government is undertaking a study to develop ICT and theinternal reticulation regulations for buildings to ensurestandards for ICT cabling and provision of wirelesscommunications in all buildings. Botswana started the processof charting a strategy to transform terrestrial broadcasting fromanalogue to digital in November 2008. The transformation isexpected to be completed by December 2013.MiningBotswana is renowned for its diamonds (which contribute over athird of Botswana’s gross domestic product (GDP) and about 5%of its tax revenues) and also has deposits of copper, nickel,cobalt, gold and soda ash which are currently being mined ordeveloped.The ownership of minerals in Botswana vests in the Governmentand all mineral concessions can only be acquired in accordancewith the licence regime under the Mines and Minerals Act.There are three main mineral concessions that may be issued interms of the Act namely prospecting licences, retention licencesand mining licences.Mining licences (except in respect of diamonds) are granted forperiods up to 25 years. The Government has the right to acquirean equity interest of up to 15% in a company that applies for amining licence.A 5% state royalty is payable in respect of precious metalproduction, 3% for base metals and 10% for precious stones(including diamonds).AgricultureThe livestock industry continues to be affected by persistentoutbreaks of diseases, particularly foot-and-mouth disease(FMD). However, the successful completion of a new FMDlaboratory in 2010 enabled the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI)to increase its FMD vaccines production capacity and this willgreatly assist in removing current technical barriers to trade andmake it possible for Botswana beef to be eligible for export to theEuropean Union.The ISPAAD (Integrated Support Program for Arable Agricultureand Development) is aimed at addressing challenges faced byfarmers and low productivity. It provides subsidised seeds forfarming, potable water, cluster fencing for farms and fertilizer.Labour RelationsBotswana has a reputation for stability on all levels, includinglabour relations. The Government has a low level of ratificationof International Labour Organisation (ILO) treaties whichindicates a reluctance to commit to or adopt a pro labourmovement agenda. Government emphasises productivity, wageincrease restraint, the concept of reward for productivity andthe need for harmonious industrial relations and the role tradeunions can play in this. In the recent past, while the number oftrade disputes has risen, disruption to the economy due toindustrial action has been limited. 2011 however saw the largestever strike by Government employees over salary increases. Asa result teachers were classified as essentialservices and thus prevented from striking infuture. This has been met with strongdisapproval from labour movements andtrade unions.10