The Office of the Presidential Envoy for Trade and Investment Affairs (Asia-Pacific) of Botswana and Development Advance Institute (DAI) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a cooperative framework aimed at deepening Botswana’s strategic engagement with Asia, with a particular focus on China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
The signing, which took place at Golden Crystal in Gaborone, marks a significant step in Botswana’s deliberate effort to diversify its international trade relationships and attract investment from one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions.
Under the MOU, the two organisations will collaborate across a range of priority areas including trade promotion, investment facilitation, tourism marketing, cultural diplomacy, media and branding, youth and women’s empowerment, and the organisation of high-level delegations, roadshows, and business forums.
“This partnership positions Botswana at the centre of a dynamic corridor between Africa and Asia. It gives us structured, relationship-driven access to markets and investors that our country urgently needs as we accelerate economic diversification.”
— Benjamin Malebogo Raletsatsi, Director, Development Advance Institute
DAI will contribute its portfolio of strategic national platforms to the partnership, including Miss Botswana and Miss World Botswana for tourism promotion and public engagement campaigns, ABICOB (the Aesthetic and Beauty Industry Council of Botswana) for creative economy and fashion initiatives, and its media production and stakeholder coordination capabilities.
The Envoy’s Office will provide market access, introductions to Chinese and Asian business communities in Botswana, facilitation of investor relationships, and market intelligence to support Botswana’s promotion in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Envoy’s Office will provide market access, introductions to Chinese and Asian business communities in Botswana, facilitation of investor relationships, and market intelligence to support Botswana’s promotion in the Asia-Pacific region.
The MOU is valid for twelve months and is renewable by mutual agreement, with specific projects and commercial arrangements to be governed by separate written agreements. The partnership reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to practical, implementation-focused collaboration that delivers tangible benefits for Botswana.
In a gesture of goodwill accompanying the signing, the Special Envoy has arranged for the reigning Miss Botswana to be hosted at Golden Crystal Hotel in Gaborone for a period of thirty (30) days while her permanent accommodation is being finalised. The arrangement underscores the personal commitment of the Envoy’s Office to the partnership and reflects the significance accorded to Miss Botswana as a national platform and cultural ambassador in Botswana’s broader Asia-Pacific engagement agenda.
“This is a special activity for the future of Botswana. We are building bridges between our country and one of the most dynamic economic regions in the world. I am proud to bring my networks, my experience, and my deep belief in Botswana’s potential to this partnership. What we are signing today is not just a document — it is a commitment to action.”
— Miles Gengxu Nan, Special Advisor and Presidential Envoy for Trade and Investment Affairs (Asia-Pacific), Botswana
