01 Oct 2019

Germany’s unwavering support and commitment to the deepening of bilateral ties with Botswana is key ingredient to realising the latter’s development ideals. 

According to Botswana’s ambassador to Germany, Ms Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, collaboration in a couple of areas among them education, sports and tourism helped Botswana to advance in her development path. 

Ms Masire-Mwamba, who was speaking on Independence Day celebration in Germany on Friday, expressed optimism that Botswana and Germany would continue to strengthen and expand their relations particularly in the areas of trade, investment and agriculture.

She said the resounding success of the business mission to Germany by Botswana industry leaders was testament of the great gains that could result from further collaboration. Remarking on what the Independence Day meant for Batswana, the ambassador stated that despite the remarkable progress Botswana had made since the end of colonial rule, the country still wrestled with some unrelenting challenges in the form of poverty, inequality and high rates of youth unemployment.

Dealing with these challenges, she pointed out, had become a central focus of the country’s development agenda under the guidance of the National Development Plan 11, African Union Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Ms Masire-Mwamba said working together with partners such as Germany would increase the two countries’ efforts to ensure that their citizens fully enjoyed the dividends of independence.

The ambassador also paid homage to the founding ambassador of Botswana to Germany the late Ms Tswelopele Moremi for the foundational work she had left behind.

She said Ms Moremi’s dedication towards realisation of the mandate of the embassy would continue to be an inspiration.

From the Federal Foreign Office, Regional Director for Sub Saharan Africa, Mr Robert Dolger, also hailed the strong bond between Germany and Botswana, expressing hope that the two countries would strive to deepen their relations.

Mr Dolger further praised Ms Masire-Mwamba for having brought a business delegation to Germany to interact with their counterparts and explore opportunities for collaboration.

He said the initiative by the ambassador was exemplary and also indicative of the commitment she had towards ensuring that Germany and Botswana grew even closer.

 Guests at the event were treated to dinner prepared by globally-renowned Poland-based Botswana chef Mr Joseph Seeletso. 

Another highlight of the night was a live painting session by Botswana’s top artist Mr Wilson Ngoni.

A piece that Mr Ngoni painted was then auctioned, fetching him P4 500. ends