- Welcome to Botswana
- Botswana in the Commonwealth
- Botswana has been a member of the Commonwealth since 1966
- Botswana became an independent country on the 30th of September 1966
- Botswana has been competing in the Commonwealth Games since 1974, and has won seven medals over that period
- After a distinguished career in public service within Botswana and in the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba became Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General in June 2008
- Novelist and human rights campaigner Unity Dow was appointed a High Court judge in 1998, the first woman to hold the post
- Eric Molale – Permanent Secretary to the President and Head of the Public Service in Botswana – is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management
- Scholarships and fellowships are awarded by Botswana to citizens of other Commonwealth countries under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
- Botswana is one of six landlocked Commonwealth countries, all of which are in Africa
- With population density of three per square km, it is among the most sparsely populated states in the Commonwealth
- The country has sustained rapid economic growth; its economy grew at an average of 6.1% p.a. during the decade 1998-2007
- Botswana and Russia are the largest producers of natural diamonds by value in the world
- 1997 Thirteenth Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Gaborone
- 2003 Fifth Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting
His Excellency Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana
It is my pleasure to address this message to visitors of the “Commonwealth of Nations” website.
My country, Botswana, has often been described as a “Jewel of Africa” for its natural beauty. Our diverse wilderness areas, from the lush waterways of the Chobe and Okavango Delta to the endless horizons of the Kalahari, are blessed with a unique abundance of plant and wildlife, including the world’s largest population of elephants.
Visitors to our country will discover its rich cultural, as well as natural, heritage. Our ancient traditions of freedom of speech and collective decision making through consultation have become the foundation for our modern multi-party democracy, which is the oldest on the continent.
Since independence in 1966, Botswana has progressed from being one of the world’s least developed countries to a growing middle income society that derives increasing confidence from its rapidly evolving human and material infrastructure. The people of Botswana are today meeting the challenges of globalisation head on within an open economy and society, which balances innovation with prudent economic management.
Our commitment to maintaining and enhancing an enabling environment for investment, along with our uncompromising respect for human rights and strict adherence to the rule of law continue to earn us many international accolades. We have thus also been benchmarked as being among the best in the world in terms of our economic freedom, good governance and low levels of corruption.
I encourage you to explore this website further with a view to finding out more about the numerous opportunities that await you in Botswana.
The above message was provided by the previous president.
Botswana in the Commonwealth
did you know?
Commonwealth meetings hosted
Commonwealth Projects
Developing a Private Sector Development Strategy for Botswana (2007/08)
The purpose of this Commonwealth commissioned project was to elaborate on a strategy for the development of the private sector in Botswana that will contribute more effectively to the growth of the national economy. To achieve this purpose the project was arched on three mutually reinforcing thrusts. These are the creation of an enabling environment where businesses can thrive and prosper; generating opportunities and catalysing private investments.
Technical Assistance on Coal-Bed Methane Development (2007/08)
This Commonwealth funded project assisted the Government of Botswana in the development of a modern legislative regulatory framework for the exploration and development of coal-bed methane and the establishment of funding schemes for rehabilitation of mines.
Meteorological Data Processing Expert (2005/06)
The purpose of this Commonwealth commissioned project was to enhance the data processing skills of the Department of Meteorological Services in Botswana. A technical advisor/expert was provided who was responsible for assisting the Department to set up data management systems in order to analyse and utilise much of the existing meteorological data that is currently collected and stored, but which is underutilised.
Expert on Pensions (2003/04)
An expert in pensions fund management was provided by the Commonwealth, to head the Pension Unit to assist in establishing the Public Service Pension Fund and ensure it is managed in accordance with the provisions of the Pensions and Provident Funds Act. The position was extended pending the government recruitment of a suitable officer. As well as continuing the administration of the Pension Service Pension Fund, the expert provided on-the-job training for staff and arranged local and overseas training.
Speech Therapist, Central Resources Centre for Special Education (1997-2000)
The objective of this operational project (which was funded by the Commonwealth) was to provide a long-term expert for two purposes. First, to develop and maintain an effective and efficient speech therapy service, second, to conduct workshops for officers.
Botswana
in the Commonwealth Yearbook
The flagship publication of the Commonwealth Secretariat and the essential reference on the modern Commonwealth for
Economy | Politics | Society | Facts and Figures