As foreign ministers from the African Union and European Union reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on security and economic development, Botswana has urged the EU to take a more strategic role in investing across Africa, beginning with Gaborone.
Speaking to Euronews, Botswana’s Foreign Minister, Phenyo Butale, emphasized that the southern African nation remains open for business and is eager to strengthen its economic ties with Brussels.
“Botswana has been enjoying excellent relations with the EU. We believe there is room to reimagine this partnership—to enhance trade and ensure both Europe and Africa benefit mutually from this relationship,” Butale said.
His remarks come at a critical moment for Botswana’s economy, which contracted by 3.1% last year, largely due to weakened global demand in the diamond sector—its primary export. The country was also significantly impacted by a 37% trade tariff imposed by the Trump administration, making it one of Africa’s hardest-hit economies during that period.
Despite recent challenges, Botswana is cautiously optimistic. The International Monetary Fund projects a 3.3% economic growth for the nation in 2025, signaling the beginning of a potential rebound.
Once hailed as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Botswana is now betting on enhanced EU-Africa trade relations and targeted investments to catalyze its recovery and diversify beyond mineral exports.
