15 Jan 2025

Botswana and the United Kingdom (UK) agree that fostering ties is essential to achieving mutual prosperity and addressing evolving challenges of the global economy.

“We are committed to intensify our focus on strengthening economic and diplomatic relationships, with special attention to sectors such as mining, agriculture, education and renewable energy,” said the Minister for International Relations Dr Phenyo Butale.

Dr Butale was speaking during a courtesy call by the visiting United Kingdom Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury at the Office of the President yesterday.  

He said Botswana continued to navigate its path toward economic diversification hence the partnership with the UK provided a promising avenue for strengthening its position in the global marketplace.

The minister said UK’s long standing history of international trade and expertise in finance, made it an ideal partner for Botswana which seeks to diversify its economy base and increase global trade footprint.

Furthermore, he emphasised the need for the two countries to diversify economic interactions beyond traditional industries highlighting the long- standing trade partnership in the beef and diamond sector.

“We are eager to attract more foreign investment in areas like agriculture, tourism and renewable energy,” he said.

Dr Butale also shared with Lord Collins, Botswana’s ambitions of  accelerating its digital agenda to drive and improve public service delivery and expressed hope that the UK would provide expertise to support the ambitions.

Lord Collins affirmed the UK’s commitment to focusing on innovation and technology as key drivers of economic growth. He said technology played a crucial role in modernising economies, increasing productivity and improving competitiveness.

Diplomatic ties between Botswana and the UK date back to 1966. ENDS