MPs attend US sponsored exchange programme
23 May 2025
Young Botswana Lawmakers Conclude US-Sponsored Exchange Program Focused on Growth, Governance, and Innovation
A delegation of Botswana’s rising parliamentary leaders returned from an ambitious visit to the United States under the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on May 21.
The project, Promoting Economic Growth: Diversification and Public-Private Partnerships, brought together Members of Parliament and legislative staff for a fast-paced and focused itinerary through Washington, D.C.; Columbia, South Carolina; and Boston, Massachusetts.
Their mission: to engage with American counterparts and explore how US institutions promote economic development through responsive legislation, transparent governance, and public-private cooperation. As a cohort of recently elected leaders, the delegation brought fresh perspectives and a shared interest in building lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships between the United States and Botswana.
Statement by U.S. Ambassador to Botswana Howard A. Van Vranken: “This delegation represents the best of Botswana’s future -patriotic leaders who are curious, pragmatic, and determined to drive meaningful change,” Van Vranken said.
“They return with practical tools and new partnerships that will support Botswana’s path toward a more diversified, opportunity-rich economy. They also return, I believe, with a much better understanding of the United States and how Botswana can continue to build its relationship with the United States to make both our countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”
Washington, D.C.: Principles and Policy Foundations The program began in the nation’s capital, where the delegation engaged in rich exchanges with senior officials from the U.S. Department of State and Members of Congress. At the U.S. Capitol, they met with Senator Ted Cruz and legislative staff for Senator Tim Scott to discuss U.S. perspectives on Africa, regional trade, and economic policy.
Meetings at the U.S. Department of State and the Brookings Institution offered deep dives into U.S.-Botswana bilateral relations and current growth trends across Southern Africa. A session led by Professor Steven Billet provided an overview of the U.S. federal system and its implications for economic policy, while a guided tour of Washington’s historic landmarks offered context to the American political tradition.
U.S. Ambassador to Botswana, Howard A. Van Vranken, also joined the delegation for an official luncheon.
Columbia, South Carolina: Blueprints for Local Prosperity In Columbia, the delegation explored how local governments and public-private partnerships can catalyze economic transformation. Through sessions with the Central SC Alliance and South Carolina’s Department of Commerce, the delegation examined practical investment promotion tools, including the “Landing Pad” program for foreign firms.
W. Ford Graham of McGuireWoods Consulting shared case studies of successful business recruitment, while Professor Doug Woodward of the University of South Carolina outlined development trends shaping Africa’s investment landscape. A session with the South Carolina Legislative Council highlighted how transparent legal drafting supports strong governance.
Boston, Massachusetts: Innovation with Accountability The final leg of the program took place in Boston, where the delegation turned its attention to high-tech growth and institutional oversight. At the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, participants examined how public funds can be used to stimulate private-sector innovation in energy. The Massachusetts Comptroller’s Office and the Government Accountability Office offered models for auditing and ensuring financial integrity.
Legislators also met with the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies and visited the Office of Business Development to discuss incentives for entrepreneurs and small businesses. These sessions illustrated how legislative vision, if matched with accountability and flexibility, can foster resilient economies.
IVLP: A Bilateral Investment in Shared Prosperity This IVLP initiative reflects an enduring commitment between the United States and Botswana to strengthen democratic institutions and unlock the power of private enterprise. The exchange showcased U.S. policy innovation to Botswana’s lawmakers and provided their American counterparts insight into the priorities, ambitions, and emerging leadership shaping Botswana’s future.
By fostering direct dialogue on topics ranging from trade policy to technological innovation, the program built professional networks that are likely to bear fruit for both countries. U.S. participants—including legislators, civil servants, and business leaders—benefited from learning how Botswana is navigating its own development challenges, especially in sectors like youth employment, infrastructure, and digital expansion.
The International Visitor Leadership Program remains the U.S. government’s flagship initiative for professional exchange, fostering mutual understanding and practical collaboration. The program was funded by the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy Gaborone.
Participants in the Botswana Delegation:
• Hon. Dithapelo Keorapetse, Speaker of the National Assembly
• Hon. Lesego Chombo, Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs
• Hon. Maipelo Mophuting, Assistant Minister for State President & Member of Parliament for Bonnington North
• Hon. Moneedi Bagaisamang, MP for Shoshong
• Hon. Letlhogonolo Barongwang, MP for Mogoditshane East
• Hon. Gabatsholwe Disho, MP for Okavango East
• Hon. Jeremiah Jerry Frenzel, MP for Shashe West
• Hon. Tlhabologo Furniture, MP for Tati East
• Hon. Reuben Wame Kaizer, MP for Selebi-Phikwe West
• Hon. Arafat Kitso Khan, MP for Molepolole North
• Hon. Galenawabo Mule Lekau, MP for Mogoditshane West
• Hon. Motlhaleemang Moalosi, MP for Nkange
• Hon. Phenyo Segokgo, MP for Tlokweng
• Mr. Gabriel Gosiame Malebang, Clerk of the National Assembly
Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Gaborone
Email: PASGaborone@state.gov
Phone: +267 373 2221
Source : BOPA
Author : BOPA
Location : GABORONE
Event : press release
Date : 23 May 2025
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