20 Mar 2025

Botswana’s foreign policy under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) led government will focus on the promotion of human rights as well as economic diplomacy for the benefit of the country’s developmental interests.

This was revealed by the Minister for International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale while presenting his ministry budget proposals to Parliament recently. Parliament approved the P834 million Dr Butale had sought for his ministry, approximately P776 million for recurrent expenditure and a further P58 million for development spend, after the minister had elucidated on the path they sought to undertake.

He said while domestic policy was crafted and implemented to address national interests within national borders, foreign policy was designed to articulate and promote those interests internationally.

Dr Butale said Botswana’s foreign policy had evolved over the years, anchored on the principles of non-alignment, diplomacy, peaceful resolution of conflicts, socio-economic development, and multilateralism.

“While these foundational principles have been instrumental in shaping the country's foreign policy, the new administration under President Advocate Duma Boko, has defined our foreign policy priorities with greater focus on promoting human rights and economic diplomacy. These are pivotal areas for this administration that will guide our international relations and development efforts,” Dr Butale said.

He said through participation in international trade fairs, economic forums, and regional organisations such as SADC and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), government would advocate for policies that promote trade and collaborative economic initiatives.

The minister noted that his ministry had faced some challenges, including the lack of foundational elements necessary for effective service delivery, sustainable improvement, and long-term success.

“Specifically, we are facing issues such as low staff morale, overabundance of political appointments within the foreign service, the misallocation or transfer of experienced career diplomats to other ministries, and an organisational structure that fails to adequately support a viable career path in diplomacy,” Dr Butale lamented.

He said his ministry had been operating without a substantive Permanent Secretary since Dr Gladys Mokhawa was appointed the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations at New York, USA in 2023, and the position she left behind at ministry headquarters needed to be filled.

Dr Butale said he was also made aware that several career diplomats had been transferred from the ministry under “unclear and unconvincing” circumstances, and that it was necessary to conduct a comprehensive review of the impact of political appointments to foreign service.

“To address these concerns, we must establish clear guidelines and criteria for future appointments, ensuring that all selections align with the Ministry's objectives and enhance our operational effectiveness,” he noted.

Additionally, he said they should implement professional development and training programmes tailored to the needs of diplomatic staff.

“These initiatives will empower our personnel and strengthen the overall capabilities of the ministry,” Dr Butale pronounced.

He said in addition to assessing the ministry’s organisational structure to establish clear guidelines and criteria for future appointments, the ministry also needed foundational strategic documents to serve as a guide.

These include a Foreign Service Act, a codified foreign policy, an Economic Diplomacy Strategy, a robust Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Justice, Defence and Security, among others.

“Another area requiring urgent attention is the condition of ministry facilities, including the main office and two government guest houses, which are visibly falling into disrepair,” he added.
Dr Butale said this deterioration poses safety risks and creates inconveniences for both staff and clients.

“It is imperative that we refurbish these facilities, particularly the two blocks at ministry headquarters, which have been neglected for years, yet serve as a vital gateway to the world and reflection of our national image,” Dr Butale remarked. ENDS