With over two decades of executive experience, Mr. Ramaphoi's career spans critical sectors from corporate and investment banking to small and medium enterprise (SME) development. He held senior roles at the Bank of Botswana, Standard Chartered Bank, and Stanbic Bank, providing him with an invaluable perspective on capital flows, investment requirements, and the financial tools essential for business expansion.

A notable facet of his career is his tenure at the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA), where he served as CareTaker-Registrar General. There, he championed intellectual property (IP) as a key driver of innovation and economic diversification, recognizing the growing importance of intangible assets in the global economy. His leadership at CIPA also extended to fostering regional cooperation by facilitating a Memorandum of Understanding between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).

Before his new appointment as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Mr. Ramaphoi also served as the Executive Director for Investor Attraction at the Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA). This experience provides him with a practical understanding of the incentives and mechanisms that draw foreign capital and businesses, knowledge that is directly transferable to the MTE’s broader mandate of creating a conducive business environment for both domestic and international trade.

Ramaphoi’s expertise is further reinforced by his prior role as the inaugural Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of Entrepreneurship, where he laid the groundwork for promoting entrepreneurship, with a special focus on empowering women and youth within the SME sector. His commitment to inclusive growth is evident in this foundational work, which demonstrates a profound understanding of grassroots challenges and opportunities.

His professional standing is solidified by a series of notable accolades, including being named Banker of the Year in both 2002 and 2004, and the Debswana’s National Service Excellence Gold Star Award in 2011. Academically, he holds an MBA in Business Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Botswana, a robust foundation that complements his extensive practical experience.