09 Mar 2025

President Advocate Duma Boko has affirmed Botswana’s position as a haven for investment.

Speaking during a roundtable discussion on business opportunities with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, President Boko emphasised Botswana’s stable and predictable environment, asserting that the nation’s democratic political setup had remained steadfast.

He pointed that the recent elections reaffirmed Botswana’s status as a stable democracy, urging potential investors to trust in the nation’s governance.

“From a single political party that ruled for over 58 years to a seamless transition of power represents a secure landscape for investment in Botswana,” President Boko stated.

He expressed his eagerness to engage in substantive discussions aimed at fostering durable partnerships, inviting innovation and creative solutions from investors.

Highlighting the country’s favourable business atmosphere, President Boko noted the importance of robust, transparent, and credible democratic structures.

He beckoned investors to consider Botswana for expanding their global business footprint, particularly due to the young and educated population.

The President outlined several ready-for-investment opportunities, notably in infrastructure development.

Following recent floods, he acknowledged the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and suggested that partnerships in this realm would be beneficial.

President Boko also highlighted key sectors ready for investment, including digitisation, value-chain development, and green energy, underscoring Botswana’s commitment to digital innovation in critical industries such as agriculture, tourism, and mining.

“As the largest producer of diamonds by value, we are aware of the challenges posed by an economy vulnerable to external shocks, making economic diversification essential,” he said.

He emphasised the need to explore Botswana’s untapped resources, including natural gas and iron ore, within the mineral sector.

On the topic of sustainability, President Boko conveyed the government’s focus on a green economy, climate-smart agriculture, and renewable energy, indicating that partnerships in these areas presented impactful opportunities.

“Botswana aspires to achieve an energy mix by 2030, with 50 per cent of this coming from renewable sources,” he said, further emphasising the importance of digitalisation for enhancing efficiency and service delivery across government services.

The president and CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, Mr Stephen Cheung, echoed President Boko’s sentiments, highlighting Los Angeles’s commitment to fostering economic diversity and transformation.

He expressed eagerness for collaboration in key sectors such as aerospace, digital entertainment, bioscience, and agriculture.

“We want to align ourselves with Botswana in the areas you have highlighted for economic diversification,” Mr Cheung said, noting the strategic importance of Botswana’s location on the African continent.

Ms Maria Salinas, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce said the city valued partnerships that drove innovation and progress.

She emphasised that Los Angeles provided an ecosystem conducive to strategic partnerships due to its diverse sectors and population.

The discussion, which brought together influential figures from various industries, aimed to highlight potential collaborations between Botswana and Los Angeles. ENDS