24 Mar 2026

President Advocate Duma Boko  has called on the newly appointed ambassador to China to unlock trade opportunities and strengthen people-to-people relations as Botswana seeks to tap into China’s economic growth.

Speaking during a courtesy call by Ambassador-Designate to China, Professor Lekoko Kenosi on March 24, he said the country sought to leverage China’s technical expertise, innovation, and vast market to accelerate its own economic development.

President Boko described Prof. Kenosi’s appointment as a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations, calling on him to strengthen people-to-people interaction between Batswana and the Chinese while opening markets for Botswana’s goods and services.

He noted that China’s large population presented an unrivalled market, encouraging the ambassador to build on existing cooperation between the two countries.

He further highlighted China’s rapid economic transformation, citing its ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects within short timeframes, produce a high number of engineers annually, and advance in technology and manufacturing.

President Boko also said that China’s technology and motor vehicles were gaining acceptance and effectively taking over.

“We are looking to benefit from these skills,” President Boko said, adding that Prof. Lekoko’s record for the development of the country was monumental.

In a separate engagement, President Boko also met Botswana’s Consulate General to Johannesburg, Ms Kutlo Chelenyane, where he reaffirmed the strong economic ties between Botswana and South Africa, the country’s largest trading partner.

He noted, however, that there was a need to continuously align economic, social, and political interests to sustain and deepen the relationship. He tasked Ms Chelenyane with facilitating stronger bilateral cooperation and addressing barriers to trade and commerce.

The President observed that her appointment came at a time of shifting global geopolitics, underscoring the importance of proactive engagement to safeguard Botswana’s economic interests.

Ms Chelenyane expressed gratitude for the appointment, describing it as a vote of confidence in both her and the country’s youth. She pledged to work diligently to resolve trade-related challenges in line with Botswana’s economic priorities.

Prof. Kenosi also thanked the President for the trust placed in him and committed to serving in the best interests of the country. ENDS