25 May 2026

Botswana’s Ambassador-designate to Belgium and Permanent Representative to the European Union, Dr Zein Kebonang has been urged to represent Botswana’s interest and strengthen diplomatic and economic relations with Europe.

President Advocate Duma Boko made the call during Dr Kebonang’s farewell courtesy call at the Office of the President on May 22, expressing confidence in the latter’s ability to represent Botswana’s interests effectively in both Belgium and the European Union.

He said key to Dr Kebonang’s task would be managing the entire relationship with the European Union through the various programmes and opportunities available amongst them;  Africa-rise programme, which was keen on the development of transport and logistical corridors.

The development of such corridors, he said were of paramount importance in establishing trade corridors particularly at the commencement of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement which aims to promote intra Africa trade.

He said Dr Kebonang had an illustrious career that spans from private practice, academia, the judiciary and now the diplomatic space.

Such rich experience, he said placed Dr Kebonang in good standing to serve the interest of the country in a position that exposes him to several countries.

“There is Belgium, which comes in as a diamond hub at Antwerp, a space which Botswana place a key role in, Italy is another country to oversee as well as Luxembourg which is a financial epicenter and the Netherlands which is also very successful in dairy farming and horticulture; areas that will be of immense importance to Botswana” President Boko said.

Botswana’s economic relations with Belgium have historically been anchored in the diamond trade, which remains a key pillar of bilateral engagement.

Through structured trade arrangements, both countries have benefited from a stable and mutually advantageous relationship.

However, current discussions indicate a shift toward diversification, with increased interest in expanding cooperation into renewable energy and other mineral sectors.

This reflects a broader national strategy aimed at reducing dependence on a single commodity and promoting sustainable development. In accepting his appointment, Dr Kebonang vowed to fully serve the country with prestige, dignity and commitment.

With a population of over 451 million people, he said the EU was an important partner and market for Botswana, citing Belgium as a crucial partner in the diamond sector while the EU in general has been instrumental in the beef market.

He said the EU has also over-time been a leader in climate financing, thus said, he was determined to facilitate funding streams for Botswana.

Dr Kebonang also expressed optimism in facilitating European direct foreign investment to Botswana through promoting the country’s economic interests. ENDS