25 Aug 2026

President Advocate Duma Boko has described the United States  America as an important development partner across Botswana’s economic, political and social spheres.

President Boko said this at a farewell courtesy call on him by the outgoing US Ambassador, Mr Howard Van Vranken yesterday.

The President said Mr Van Vranken had contributed significantly to strengthening the long-standing relationship, particularly the deep educational and professional ties between the two nations.

He highlighted that a number of Batswana had trained and continued to train in the USA, creating a solid relationship with intellectual influence across various parts and levels of society.

Reflecting on Ambassador Van Vranken’s three-and-a-half years in Botswana, President Boko emphasised the strength of the partnership.

“It is a real and tested relationship,” he said, noting that it was unshakable and built on people-to-people ties rather than sentiment. We are grateful that you came and strengthened that relationship,” he added.

The President also pointed to historical contributions such as US Peace Corps volunteers, who had aided Botswana’s socio-economic development trajectory.

He further noted defense training collaboration, highlighting that the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) commander was among those trained in the USA.

Again, he said his interactions with the outgoing envoy had started even before he assumed office and that together they had navigated systemic challenges.

He said as a human rights and rule-of-law-oriented government, his administration had to contend with challenges such as corruption that were entrenched in the system.

“We had to tackle these challenges without focusing on winning elections, as doing so could deter the service I ought to give. The country must be served without fear or favour,” he said.

On economic issues, President Boko noted that the US had stood firm in supporting Botswana, while identifying emerging areas like trade that must be confronted to enable growth.

He added that Botswana possessed critical minerals and remained open to working with the US for mutual benefit.

The President further briefed the ambassador on the imminent appointment of Botswana’s ambassador to the USA, noting that he had chosen someone mature and invested in multilateralism.

For his part, Ambassador Van Vranken expressed gratitude for serving in the country, affirming that the bedrock of the broad US-Botswana relationship remained a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

He noted that the US continued to be a primary market for Botswana’s exports, taking in about 70 per cent and that US consumers made up the bulk of tourists who found value in the sector.

On critical minerals, he said the US recognised Botswana as a development partner, adding that the US had the most dynamic economy in the world and wanted Botswana to benefit from its innovation and entrepreneurship. ENDS