Duma Boko, a 54-year-old human rights lawyer, has taken office as Botswana’s new president, marking a significant shift in the country’s leadership after nearly 60 years of rule by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) . Boko’s inauguration follows a whirlwind transfer of power, just three days after the elections that ousted the BDP.
Key Campaign Pledges
- Doubling the Minimum Wage: Boko plans to increase the minimum wage to 4,000 pula ($300), a move aimed at improving the lives of Botswana’s citizens.
- Universal Health Insurance: The new president has pledged to introduce universal health insurance, ensuring that all citizens have access to quality healthcare.
- Economic Diversification: Boko aims to reduce Botswana’s dependence on diamonds and explore ways to diversify the economy, securing investor confidence and strengthening ties with mining companies.