16 Aug 2020

Botswana ambassador-designate to the US Mr Kitso Mokaila has been urged to focus on developing the wildlife economy as well as the minerals and energy sectors. 

He received the encouragement for his assignment from President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi on August 14.

“With your experience, expertise and contacts for over many years in the field of conservation, wildlife management and the economy, I could not have found a better candidate than you to go and do this assignment. You must put your best foot forward and serve the interest of this country,” President Masisi said. 

Botswana, the President said,  was focused on growing its market and capabilities therefore interacting with the direct market would go a long way in the value-added space for its minerals.

President Masisi also urged Mr Mokaila to tap from his experience as former minister of minerals and grow the diamond market. 

“The Americans have the infrastructure, the architecture, the human and financial capital and all the vital systems necessary to benchmark on and learn from.  Your team will be occupied with doing that; whether it is in the agriculture space for our beef, mutton and our cereals, wild game products, diamonds and other minerals and any other that may add value to our economy and our people,” he said. 

Dr Masisi said since coal was important to the economy of Botswana, dialogues should be around projects derived from the sector but being mindful of negative effects on the environment. 

  Mr Mokaila was also told to cultivate warm and fraternal relations with the people of America.

 The relationship between Botswana and the US, he noted, dated back to 1966 adding that the two countries had collaborated in the water, education, infrastructure sectors as well as human and capital development.

“As you go, be very careful, mindful and sensitive, look after Batswana who are out there, look after yourself,” said Dr Masisi. 

For his part, Mr Mokaila expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the country.

“I can only pledge to do my best in the areas you have specifically spoken to. I go there, knowing that I am well armed to work with a team that is already in Washington,” said Mr Mokaila. ends