17 Mar 2026

The Ministry for International Relations has prioritised expanding Botswana’s diplomatic footprint into the Gulf region, a move representing a centre of considerable economic influence and capital mobility. 

Presenting the ministry’s 2026/27 budget proposal on Monday, International Relations minister, Dr Phenyo Butale said by strategically expanding international representation, Botswana can leverage the power of diplomacy to advance national priorities. 

In that regard, he indicated that new diplomatic missions were earmarked for Ankara, Turkey, Muscat, Oman and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, along with a Consulate in Dubai. 

“These regions present strategic economic opportunities in trade, logistics, energy cooperation and investment,” he stated. 

Dr Butale also noted that under the current review, the ministry focused on advancing Botswana’s national interests by promoting economic diplomacy initiatives and strengthening the country’s image, both domestically and internationally, as a respected, human-rights-centered nation with influence at bilateral, regional and global levels. 

He added that the ministry also facilitated high-level strategic engagements across Africa, Europe, the Gulf and the Americas. 

“These produced agreements in agriculture, digital transformation and enhanced market access for Botswana beef, while strengthening regional trade corridors, including the Kazungua Bridge Authority,” he said. 

Parliament also heard that during the current budget cycle, the ministry facilitated several of the President’s high-level strategic visits aimed at unlocking economic opportunities, which included visits to neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Lesotho, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

Further engagements were undertaken with the United States, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Estonia and Hungary. 

Dr Butale said outcomes included agreements on agricultural cooperation, digital technology partnerships and improved market access for Botswana beef. Regarding Botswana’s participation in multilateralism, Dr Butale noted that President Advocate Duma Boko currently served as African Leaders Malaria Alliance chairperson, while Ms Joy Phumaphi served as the Alliance’s executive secretary. 

Furthermore, he said the President was appointed the AU Sub-Committee of Heads of State and Government on the African Continental Free Trade Area vice chairperson at the AU Summit held in February this year. 

He also told Parliament that through the work of 23 missions abroad, the ministry continued to strengthen protection mechanisms for Batswana seeking opportunities overseas. 

Meanwhile, he stated that the past five years had seen a rising number of Batswana seeking employment abroad, some without proper documentation, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States, thereby increasing demand for consular services. 

Regrettably, he said, in some cases, individuals had resorted to fraudulent asylum claims, exposing themselves to heightened vulnerability. 

The ministry’s proposed budget for 2026/27 amounts to P823.4 million for the recurrent budget, representing an increase of P46.8 million (six per cent), driven by the necessity to sustain current operations, address rising cost pressures and support the expansion of Botswana’s diplomatic engagements. Personnel emoluments will be allocated P416.8 million to cover basic salaries, foreign service and other staff-related allowances, as well as remuneration for locally recruited staff at diplomatic missions. 

Operational costs would be allocated P127.2 million, directed toward assessed contributions to international and regional organisations, reflecting Botswana’s dedication to multilateralism. 

An allocation of P248.7 million would be designated for essential utilities, property rentals, maintenance and office supplies critical to maintaining service delivery at headquarters and across missions. 

Under the development budget, the ministry had requested P29.2 million. 

This includes P3 million for the construction of a Chancery Building and diplomatic apartments in Addis Ababa, P2 million for the renovation and refurbishment of the ministry office building, including a new extension joining Block-A and Block-B as well as P4 million for property renovations in Washington, DC. 

The budget would also cover renovations at Botswana missions in Zimbabwe and Pretoria, the Swedish House state guest house, the New York chancery, SSKIA lounge and the State Guest House. ENDS