European Union in Botswana

02/06/2026

Trust is not built in one day. It is built through transparency and showing up for the long term.

That is why the European Union works with partners across more than 75 countries to support credible,inclusive processes worldwide. Not a gesture. A long term commitment.

Reliable. And that's the whole point.

European External Action Service - EEAS

29/05/2026

Green Value Chain Development for Job Creation Programme – Summary

The Green Value Chain Development for Job Creation Programme aims to support the diversification of Botswana’s economy by promoting sustainable value chains and creating decent employment opportunities. The programme will particularly support export-oriented small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), with a strong focus on women- and youth-led businesses.

Key Programme Details
Programme Duration: 4 years, from 16 February 2026 to 15 February 2030
Budget: €8 million, funded by the European Union
Target Beneficiaries: Export-related SMMEs, especially women and youth entrepreneurs
Lead Partner: Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship
Institutional Partners:
Ministry of Environment and Tourism
Ministry of Lands and Agriculture
Implementing Partner: International Trade Centre through its programme office in Gaborone

The programme is expected to enhance green economic growth, strengthen export competitiveness, and increase sustainable employment opportunities across Botswana.

29/05/2026

European Union Support to Digital Transformation in Botswana

🚀 Botswana’s digital transformation is gaining momentum through renewed cooperation with the European Union under the approach. A high-level delegation recently visited France to exchange on digital governance, data protection, digital identity, innovation, digital health, skills development and citizen-focused public services.

Implemented by Expertise France with European Union support, the initiative strengthens Botswana’s digital foundations while fostering future collaboration and trusted, inclusive digital systems aligned with global priorities on Artificial Intelligence, data governance and digital public infrastructure.

29/05/2026

BWgovernment launched an €8 million programme, implemented by ITC, to boost eco-tourism and horticulture, create jobs, strengthen small businesses and support a greener economy.

This initiative is funded by the European Union as part of the strategy.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/43w9UPZ

28/05/2026

Today, the European Union Ambassador to Botswana and SADC, Petra Pereyra, together with Ambassadors and Representatives of EU Member States , met with Honourable Minister of International Relations Dr. Butale and representatives from various government ministries for the EU-Botswana Partnership Dialogue.

The Dialogue provided an important opportunity to reaffirm the strong partnership between the European Union and Botswana since 45 years ago and to exchange views on future key priorities in the bilateral relationship.

During the exchanges Ambassador Petra Pereyra highlighted the natural partnership between the European Union and Botswana, united by shared commitments to democratic governance, peace and security, sustainable development, and a rules-based international order, as well as the steadfast partnership provided by EU and EU Member States supporting Botswana in diversifying, growing the economy and creating jobs.

Honourable Minister Dr. Butale underlined the shared commitment to further strengthening relations between Botswana and the European Union, anchored in shared values around democracy, rule of law, human rights, and sustainable development. Minister Butale furthermore expressed appreciation for EU support to regional integration and peace and security, and highlighted the importance of strong and close bonds between Botswana and the EU in times of geopolitical turmoil.

Thanking the European Union Member States for participating in today's dialogue. 🇧🇪🇧🇬🇫🇷🇩🇪🇮🇪🇮🇹🇳🇱🇵🇱🇵🇹🇸🇰🇪🇸🇸🇪



Ministry of International Relations, Botswana
BWgovernment

26/05/2026

Highlights from Europe Day 2026 in Gaborone, celebrating the enduring and solid partnership between the European Union and Botswana, grounded in mutual respect, shared prosperity and sustainable growth.

We were honoured to welcome all our partners and guests at this timely juncture as we celebrate not only Botswana’s 60th independence anniversary but also 45 years of the European Union partnership in Botswana and 10 years since the EU-SADC Partnership Agreement.

25/05/2026

The European Union has launched a BWP 125 million “Green Value Chain Development for Job Creation” Programme aimed at boosting jobs and economic growth in Botswana’s eco-tourism and horticulture sectors.

Running from 2026–2030, the programme will be implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with Botswana’s Ministries of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Environment and Tourism, and Lands and Agriculture.

As part of the EU Global Gateway Strategy, the initiative will focus on:
✅ Creating jobs, especially for women and youth
✅ Strengthening Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and green businesses
✅ Improving access to finance, skills, and markets
✅ Supporting sustainable and climate-smart production

Aligned with Botswana’s Vision 2036 and National Development Plan 12, the programme also aims to strengthen links between eco-tourism and local agrihorticulture businesses, reducing import dependence while increasing opportunities for local communities.

European Union Ambassador to Botswana and SADC, Petra Pereyra, said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth and economic diversification that delivers prosperity for all. 🇪🇺🤝🇧🇼



International Trade Centre
Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship Botswana
Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Botswana
Ministry of Lands and Agriculture

22/05/2026

22/05/2026

🇪🇺 Europe was built on a promise: freedom, equality, and democracy. Today, in a world of rising conflicts and economic pressures, we must defend these values, at home and abroad.

Yesterday when we celebrated , we celebrated not just who we are, but what we do, together with Member States and partners worldwide, to protect our way of life and promote a fairer, safer, and more sustainable world.

For her fourth and final Europe Day celebration in Botswana, EU Ambassador Petra Pereyra stated: “In a world that is increasingly fragmented and uncertain, where short-term interests increasingly overshadow long-term stability, we need dialogue, international cooperation and multilateralism more than ever. And you can count on the European Union to remain a reliable and predictable partner based on mutual respect, and shared interests and values.”

In addressing the profound transformation unfolding within the international system, Honourable Dr Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations, expressed "the urgent need for stronger international partnerships, renewed commitment to multilateralism, and collective approaches to global problem solving. Botswana therefore remains firmly committed to a rules-based international order and to working closely with strategic partners such as the European Union in promoting peace, stability, sustainable development, and shared prosperity."

A big thank you to our partners African Parks GIZ SADC/Botswana, Travel for Impact, Kuru Art, OKACOM, and SmartBots for sharing your inspiring initiatives and giving our guests a closer look at the impact of our work. 🇪🇺🤝🇧🇼



Ministry of International Relations, Botswana