22 Apr 2025

Botswana is eager to expand its bilateral cooperation with Burkina Faso and promote the spirit of South-South cooperation, stated Minister for International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale, during a benchmarking reception dinner held in honor of a delegation of special advisors to the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traorè. 

This benchmarking exercise, he said,  underscored the shared vision of both leaders, aiming for positive change and actionable solutions for their citizens. 

Dr Butale noted that Botswana had adhered to sustainable development principles grounded in good governance, prudent economic management, transparency, and the rule of law over the past decades. 

“We are happy to share our experiences in any sector that you may have interest in,” Dr Butale said, acknowledging Burkina Faso’s recent efforts to maximise the benefits of its mineral resources through governance practices reminiscent of Botswana’s own strategies.

The minister emphasised the importance of long-term equitable benefit sharing and the necessity for continuous innovation in natural resource management. 

He said that the prudent management of the resources could catalyse economic diversification, infrastructure development, and investment in human capital. Drawing from Botswana’s experiences with diamond mining, Dr Butale highlighted the significance of local beneficiation and value creation.

Moreover, Dr Butale reaffirmed Botswana’s ongoing commitment to good governance, democratic principles, and the strengthening of institutional capacity to enhance citizen participation. 

“We believe that responsive and accountable leadership forms the foundation for sustainable development,” he added.

In the spirit of cooperation, he mentioned Botswana’s deliberate efforts in fostering a stable, inclusive financial environment that stimulates private sector growth. He pointed out that the country’s banking system was adapting to emerging economic trends, particularly the shift towards digital finance.

This partnership, he said  aimed to complement the intra-African trade agenda by leveraging Africa’s natural resources for sustainable solutions to the continent’s challenges.  Leading the Burkina Faso delegation, Prof. Nicolas Kagambega, Special Advisor to President Traorè, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the people and government of Botswana. 

During the five-day visit, the delegation explored various ministries, including International Relations, Finance, and Agriculture, to understand Botswana’s governance structures and practices.

“This engagement is a follow-up to the discussions between the two heads of state held in Ghana,” Prof. Kagambega stated, emphasising the focus on good governance and anti-corruption measures. He articulated President Traorè’s commitment to prioritising South-South cooperation as Burkina Faso embarked on transformative reforms aimed at sustainable development. 

Prof. Kagambega appreciated Botswana’s high standards of governance, respect for human rights, and low levels of corruption. 

He acknowledged the country’s stability, attributing it to its democratic electoral processes, which have been in place since 1965, and praised the Independent Electoral Commission’s role in ensuring free and fair elections.

Furthermore, he highlighted Burkina Faso’s collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries, such as Mali and Niger, to combat terrorism and their ongoing discussions about establishing a shared currency. 

Prof. Kagambega expressed interest in leveraging Botswana’s successful mining model and regulatory frameworks to benefit Burkina Faso’s mineral-rich population, particularly after visiting the Minerals and Energy Ministry and the Diamond Trading Company Botswana.

“This benchmarking exercise marks the beginning of a collaborative relationship between our two countries,” he said, promising to relay suggestions regarding anti-corruption efforts and initiatives in the mining, agricultural, and financial sectors back to President Traorè. ENDS