Botswana Roundup: Seychelles collaboration, low female election candidates, new British High Commissioner
Collaboration with Seychelles
Seychelles and Botswana are collaborating on agriculture, education, and tourism projects. The new High Commissioner of Botswana presented her credentials to Seychelles President and discussed trade, investments, and connectivity, as well as the impact of import restrictions on Botswana's diamond trade, Seychelles News Agency reports. “Botswana is interested to learn from Seychelles' experiences in dealing with victims of substance abuse and rehabilitation process, Seychelles is keen to learn more from Botswana's agricultural success," said the Seychelles Foreign Affairs Department.
Low female candidates for election
As Botswana prepares for general elections in October, the number of women running for office remains low, with only 20 out of nearly 200 candidates for the National Assembly being women, according to VoA News. Gender activists are concerned about the lack of female representation in elected positions, and there is a call for gender quotas and amendments to electoral laws to support women in political leadership. Botswana falls short of achieving gender parity as advocated by the Southern Africa Development Community. Other countries in the region have higher women representation in parliament.
New British High Commissioner to Botswana
The UK government has appointed Giles Enticknap MBE as the new British High Commissioner to Botswana, taking over from Sian Price who is relocating to another position in the Diplomatic Service, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office announced. Enticknap is expected to begin his new role in August 2024.
Zimbabweans sentenced for human smuggling
Twelve Zimbabweans were sentenced to smuggling in persons and entering Botswana through an illegal point of entry, local media Mmegi reports. Eleven out of the twelve pleaded guilty to entering Botswana through an ungazetted point of entry. The dozen were intercepted with six minors en route to South Africa, according to Mmegi. The socio-economic situation in Zimbabwe was a major factor in their actions. Most of the convicts pleaded for mercy, citing their intention to seek greener pastures in Botswana.
New additions to barred fresh produce imports
Botswana has extended its ban on certain fresh produce imports to four years, set to expire at the end of 2025—the ban, which included 19 horticultural items, aimed to boost local agriculture and reduce import expenditure. Botswana Minister Fidelis Molao plans to introduce additional items by July. The ban has resulted in a 71% reduction in the horticultural import bill and significantly increased local production volumes. However, meeting domestic demand remains a challenge.
