Economic Diplomacy, Key to Economic Growth

05 Mar, 2025

Yesterday, Business Botswana paid a courtesy call to the Minister of International Relations, Honourable Phenyo Butale. The purpose of this visit was to introduce the organisation and reaffirm its commitment to collaborating with the government on private-sector facilitation activities. Business Botswana aims to ensure a strong private sector that can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the country.

Mr Mpaphi Tsholofelo, Head of Policy and Research, introduced Mr Joseph Willie, International Relations High-Level Consultative Council (HLCC) Coordinator. Mr Tsholofelo made a formal request to the Minister for the revival of the Sectoral Engagement Meetings. These meetings are co-chaired by the line minister and the sector chairperson, and they have proven effective in addressing sector-specific impediments.

Mr. Willie provided an overview of the sector's efforts in lobbying for the development of the Economic Diplomacy Strategy and the Foreign Policy Plan, which were drafted by the Ministry in consultation with Business Botswana. Mr. Willie stressed that these policies are critical for facilitating investments, particularly Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), which play a key role in driving economic growth and job creation.

On sector-specific issues, Mr Willie called for the Minister's support in facilitating access to non-resident envoys. Highlighting that engaging with these envoys would create opportunities for Business Botswana to forge strategic partnerships and further expand the private sector. Additionally, Mr Tsholofelo requested that Business Botswana be allocated a speaking slot at the annual Heads of Mission Conference.

Honourable Butale thanked Business Botswana for the courtesy call and reiterated the importance of regular engagement with the private sector. He emphasised that such dialogues are important for the Ministry to fulfill its mandate of private sector facilitation. The Minister also acknowledged the existence of the Economic Diplomacy Strategy and urged Business Botswana to liaise with Ms. Lorato Plaatjie, Permanent Secretary to finalise the documents.

Regarding access to non-resident envoys, Honourable Butale agreed to facilitate engagement and promised to share a schedule for envoys. He further expressed a willingness to address administrative issues to ensure stability within the Ministry. Honourable Butale also encouraged more issue-based engagements with solutions that will have a tangible impact on business facilitation, economic growth, and job creation. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the Ministry supports the ease of doing business and facilitates an environment conducive to private sector growth.