Botswana is keen to significantly boost its already warm relationship with Ethiopia, with a strong focus on expanding economic collaboration, fostering cultural exchanges, and forging stronger connections between their people, according to Botswana’s Deputy Ambassador to Ethiopia.
Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), Deputy Ambassador Poppy Mhambi highlighted the existing positive collaboration between the two nations, particularly within multilateral forums. However, she emphasised a desire to see this relationship blossom further, especially in the realms of trade, cultural understanding, and direct engagement between citizens.
“Botswana is eager to see this collaboration growing from strength to strength,” Ambassador Mhambi affirmed, signalling a clear intent from Gaborone to deepen ties with Addis Ababa.
Recent high-level engagements underscore this commitment. Ambassador Mhambi noted that Botswana’s leadership had recently engaged with their Ethiopian counterparts at the highest level, citing a direct meeting between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Duma Boko on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit held in February. Sources indicate that the discussions between the two leaders were fruitful, exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation in crucial areas such as trade, development, and regional security.
The deputy ambassador revealed that both sides expressed a strong positive inclination to elevate their bilateral cooperation. “We are concluding some very important memoranda of understanding in various areas; one of them being in agriculture, where we hope to exploit the opportunities,” she disclosed, hinting at concrete steps being taken to solidify their partnership.
Ambassador Mhambi further elaborated on specific sectors that hold significant interest for Botswana, including agriculture, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. This targeted approach suggests a strategic effort to identify and capitalise on mutually beneficial opportunities for economic growth and development.
The historical context of the relationship between Botswana and Ethiopia, rooted in mutual respect and the shared ideals of Pan-Africanism, provides a solid foundation for this renewed push for closer ties. As Botswana actively seeks to broaden its horizons and Ethiopia continues its trajectory of growth and regional influence, this deepening partnership promises to yield significant benefits for both nations.
