27 Jul 2025

Spain is considering the establishment of a resident diplomatic mission in Botswana, a move aimed at fostering closer relations and enhancing cooperation between the two nations. Currently, Spainish Embassy  is based in Windhoek, Namibia.

During a farewell courtesy call to President Advocate Duma Boko on Friday, Spain’s outgoing ambassador to Botswana, Mr Alberto De la Calle, revealed the country’s intentions to open a full embassy in Botswana. He emphasised that such a move would not only deepen diplomatic and political ties but also open new avenues for economic collaboration. Mr De la Calle highlighted Botswana’s recent evolution, noting that the country’s peaceful transition  had garnered admiration from Spain.

“Botswana has proven to be a stable and  democratic nation. The recent transition of power has further reaffirmed our admiration for Botswana, making the establishment of a direct diplomatic presence a strategic priority,” he said.

He also stressed that a resident embassy would facilitate stronger political consultations and serve as a platform for expanding economic partnerships.

“There are many untapped areas of economic cooperation that could benefit both nations,” he added.

Furthermore, Mr De la Calle stated that Spain’s interest in Africa remained a key part of its foreign policy, as outlined in the new Spain-Africa Strategy 2025/2028, which aims to deepen engagement across the continent. President Boko lauded Mr De la Calle for his exemplary role during his tenure, citing his contribution to the recent launch of the Gaborone Traffic Control Centre, a project led by a Spanish company.

“There have been notable practical achievements resulting from various collaborations between Spain and Botswana recently, and you personally contributed to these successes,” President Boko remarked.

He also highlighted potential future areas of cooperation, specifically in sports and healthcare. The President acknowledged Spain’s excellence in sports, particularly football, and expressed Botswana’s hopes to strengthen collaboration in this field.

“Spain is already a powerhouse in football, and it would be appropriate to send some of our sports instructors to Spain for mentorship,” he said.

Additionally, President Boko conveyed optimism about expanding joint efforts in the healthcare sector to enhance and upgrade Botswana’s medical services.

“It would be beneficial to include Spanish physicians and other medical practitioners in our health facilities periodically, or to engage via telemedicine—an area that Botswana is actively transforming,” he stated.

Botswana and Spain officially established diplomatic relations in 1981. As a member of the European Union, Spain partakes in EU-Botswana initiatives aimed at supporting Botswana’s development priorities. ENDS