The Department of Industrial Affairs is charged with the responsibility of promoting the development of industry through a variety of public policy instruments with the aim of diversifying the economy, increasing employment opportunities, developing local entrepreneurship and increasing the participation of Botswana at all levels of industry.

The activities of the Department are guided by the Industrial Development Policy which came into effect in 1998 as Government Paper No. 1 of 1998. The policy emphasizes the diversification of the manufacturing sector through the promotion of highly productive and efficient export industries, the creation of linkages between industries and the development of small, medium and micro enterprises.

The Department consists of five divisions namely; Industrial Support Services, Integrated Field Services, Policies and Programmes Coordination, Licensing and Protection; and Departmental Management.