21/09/2026
The Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Hon. Letlhogonolo Barongwang this morning officiated the 17th African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC) General Assembly and Meetings 2026 hosted by the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS) at Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel and Convention Centre in Gaborone.
Addressing delegates from across the continent, Hon. Barongwang said it is indeed a privilege that the AFRAC Secretariat selected Gaborone as the venue for these important meetings.
He noted that Botswana adopted its National Quality Policy (NQP) in 2022, which seeks to strengthen our National Quality Infrastructure and Technical Regulatory Framework, thereby fostering greater confidence in goods and services produced within our economy.
"Most importantly, the NQP advocates for the active participation of the private sector, which is expected to spearhead industrialisation efforts in line with Botswana's renewed national aspiration to develop large-scale, non-mining industries, diversify the economy and reduce dependency on diamonds," the Assistant Minister said.
On Botswana’s accreditation landscape, Hon. Barongwang highlighted that there are currently 34 accredited facilities through SADCAS.
The Assistant Minister emphasized the importance of the regional and national accreditation frameworks that have been established by Governments to serve their economies.
"The growth of accreditation across Africa demonstrates the increasing recognition of quality infrastructure as a strategic tool for economic integration, market access, innovation and sustainable development," he said.
As African nations continue to pursue regional and continental integration through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Accreditation will continue to play an even more critical role in facilitating trade, reducing technical barriers and promoting mutual confidence in products and services across Africa.
