26 Jun 2014

The United States of America continues to provide development assistance in sectors of Botswana’s economy including non-government and charitable organisations.

The two countries had, over the years, enjoyed excellent bilateral relations that translated into practical bilateral cooperation in a variety of sectors such as health, human resources development, natural resources conservation and economic diversification drive.

Speaking at the 238th Independence Anniversary of the US, acting Minister of Education and Skills Development, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi said Botswana was indebted to the US support, without which the country would not be where it was in terms of development.

He noted that the past few years saw a number of American companies embarking on trade and investment missions to Botswana to explore business opportunities.

“Therefore, I have no doubt that the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) that we signed last month will make it even easier for more American investors and visitors to come to Botswana to further explore business opportunities as well as experience the abundant fauna and flora including other attractions that our country is endowed with,” said Mr Masisi

US Charge d’Affaires, Mr Michael Murphy said the breadth and depth of the bilateral partnership was testament to the deep friendship between the two countries, the Americans and Batswana.


He noted that the US had accomplished a lot, since they celebrated their independence day a year ago, such as the launch of a groundbreaking HIV/AIDS project that promised to save lives and that would take people closer to an AIDS free generation.

“We worked together to protect Botswana’s wildlife and supported Botswana’s successful world heritage site application for the Okavango Delta. We signed an Open Skies Agreement and launched a Global Procurement Initiative that will strengthen our economic ties and advance Botswana’s economic diversification efforts,” he said.

There had been countless trainings and exchange programs across a wide range of issues that included conservation, defense, cyber security, civil society and health among others.

Mr Murphy said these achievements spoke to the potential of the relationship to accomplish even greater things both within Botswana and globally. Ends