Botswana is well respected as a partner at international level and has created favourable conditions for its economic development.
Switzerland has set out a strategy for sub-Saharan Africa for 2021–24.
High-level contacts are intensifying, with Switzerland placing a greater focus on trade relations with the country.
Apart from the acquisition of capital goods at state level, direct trade between the two countries is modest because Swiss products sold in Botswana are imported via South Africa. Botswana is a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), which in 2008 signed a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Several Swiss companies already established in South Africa have set up subsidiaries in Botswana, which is aiming to diversify its economy by encouraging the expansion of financial services.
Researchers who are citizens of Botswana can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Botswana is a member of the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), which was established upon a Swiss initiative in 2000.
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) runs a regional program for southern Africa.
According to the statistics on the Swiss abroad, at the end of 2020 there were 53 Swiss nationals living in Botswana; 13 Botswanan nationals were living in Switzerland.
The Federal Council recognised the independence of the former British Bechuanaland Protectorate, under the name of Botswana, in 1966. Diplomatic relations were established the following year with the appointment of Switzerland’s ambassador in Pretoria. Botswana is represented in Switzerland by its ambassador to the international organisations, who is based in Geneva.
Last update 26.04.2023
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