The blue on Botswana’s flag represents water, while the black and white represent racial harmony.
The Republic of Botswana
BotswanaSouthern Africa-2:00Hours behind the UAE
About the Country
General Information
National Identity
Official Language(s)English, Setswana
National CurrencyBotswana Pula (BWP)
National Day(s)30 September (Independence Day / Botswana Day)
Capitals
Political / Administrative CapitalGaborone
Economic CapitalGaborone
Cultural CapitalGaborone
Transport & Connectivity
Flight Duration from the UAE≈ 9 – 11 h
Connecting flights
Primary AirportSir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
Primary PortNone (landlocked). Botswana runs its own dry port inside Namibia’s Walvis Bay harbour.
Geography
Land Area-
Length of the Coastline0 km (landlocked)
Highest PointManyelanong Hill (1,495 m)
Primary Inland Water Body / RiverOkavango Delta (one of the world’s largest inland deltas; fed by the Okavango River flowing from Angola, it fans out into the Kalahari Desert)
ClimateSemi-arid, with warm winters and hot summers
Border Countries
NamibiaSouth AfricaZambiaZimbabwe
4Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Key Facts
Botswana has the world’s largest elephant population.
The Kalahari Desert covers about 70% of Botswana’s land area.
Botswana’s currency is the pula, a word meaning “rain.”
Seswaa is a traditional dish made from slow-cooked, pounded meat.
In 1997, Botswana limited presidents to two five-year terms.
Over the last decade, all of the world’s largest rough diamonds have been found in Botswana.
The zebra is Botswana’s national animal.
The Kuru Dance Festival celebrates traditional San music and dance.
The kori bustard is Botswana’s national bird.
Community discussions are traditionally held at a meeting place called a kgotla.
The Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hold more than 4,500 ancient rock paintings and are known as the “Louvre of the Desert”.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Internal Research
Economic Overview
Macroeconomic Snapshot
GDP, current prices-USD Billions
Real GDP growth-Annual percent change (%)
GDP per capita, current prices-USD per capita
Population-Millions of people
General government gross debt-% of GDP
Income levelWorld Bank classification-
Economic Comparison
| Indicator |  UAE | BotswanaUAE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP, current pricesUSD Billions | - | - | |
| GDP, PPPCurrent int$ | - | - | |
| Real GDP growthAnnual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| GDP per capita, current pricesUSD per capita | - | - | |
| PopulationMillions of people | - | - | |
| Unemployment rate% of total labor force | - | - | |
| Inflation rate (avg. consumer prices)Annual percent change (%) | - | - | |
| General government gross debt% of GDP | - | - | |
| Income levelWorld Bank classification | - | - |
Foreign Trade
No data available for this section yet.
Political Overview
Leadership
H.E. Duma Boko
Since November 2024
H.E. Dr. Phenyo Butale
Since November 2024
H.E. Ndaba Gaolathe
Since November 2024
H.E. Tiroeaone Kealeboga Ntsima
Since November 2024
H.E. Moeti Mohwasa
Since November 2024
Political Summary
Political System
Parliamentary Republic
Ruling Party
Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC): Centre-left coalition (since October 2024)
Main Opposition Force(s)
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP)
Next Presidential Election
Expected in October 2029
Next Legislative Election
October 2029
Last Updated: May 2026Source: Internal Research
Membership in Key Organizations and Blocs
43Organizations
29Member
0Founding Member
1Partner, Observer or Participant
13Not a Member
No organisation matches.
Last Updated: July 2026Source: Official websites of the respective organizations
Competitiveness Indexes
| Index | Year | Rank Out of | Botswana | UAE |
|---|
No index matches.
Bilateral Relations
Diplomatic Relations and Representation
Date of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations28 Apr 200620 years of relations
UAE Ambassador
H.E. Mahash Saeed Al HameliUAE Ambassador to Botswana · Non-residentForeign Ambassador
H.E. Augustine NtshumaneAmbassador of Botswana to the UAE · ResidentLast Updated: June 2026Source: MoFA; Internal Research
Flights by UAE Carriers
Passenger Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Passenger Flights
EYEtihad Airways0
EKEmirates0
FZflydubai0
G9Air Arabia0
Cargo Flights
October 2026 figures0Total Weekly Cargo Flights
EYEtihad Cargo0
EKEmirates SkyCargo0
Last Updated: October 2026Source: GCAA
Consular Information
Tourists | Residents | Students | Golden Visa Holders | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Botswana Nationalsin the UAE | - | - | - | - |
UAE Citizensin Botswana | - | - | - | - |
Main Agreements and MoUs
| Agreement / MOU | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement | Not Signed | - |
IPPAInvestment Protection and Promotion Agreement | Not Signed | - |
DTADouble Taxation Avoidance Agreement | Ratified | Signed on 12 Oct 2018.Entered into force on 27 Mar 2020. |
ASAAir Services Agreement | Signed | Memorandum of Understanding on air services was signed in Oct 2010. |
Ratified— Signed and entered into force
Signed— Signed, but entry into force or ratification is pending
Not Signed— No signed agreement exists
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
UAE Foreign Assistance
| UAE Aid to Botswana | Total Amount |
|---|---|
| Amount (USD Mn) | - |
Bilateral Visits
Official Visits from the UAE
- H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al NahyanMinister of StateDec2024
Official Visits to the UAE
- H.E. Duma Gideon BokoPresident of BotswanaFeb2026
- H.E. Duma Gideon BokoPresident of BotswanaOct2025
- H.E. Duma Gideon BokoPresident of BotswanaSep2025
- H.E. Dr. Mokgweetsi Keabetswe MasisiPresident of BotswanaMar2022
The officials’ titles shown reflect the positions held at the time of the visit.
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Trade
Non-Oil Bilateral Trade
-
Rank Among UAE's Trade Partners
-Non-oil trade partner of the UAE
-Source of UAE imports
-Destination for UAE exports
-Destination for UAE re‑exports
Key Trade Commodities
-
Foreign Direct Investment Flows
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Inflows (Into the UAE)1.3USD Millions
Jan 2021 – Sep 2026
FDI Outflows (UAE Abroad)216.1USD Millions
Capex and jobs data include estimated values.
Last Updated: November 2026Source: fDi Markets
Major Companies and Investments
Major Botswanan Companies in the UAE
Okavango Diamond CompanyDiamonds and mining
Botswana Meat CommissionAgriculture and food exports
Botswana Oil LimitedOil and gas trading
Major UAE Companies in Botswana
Mubadala Investment Company-
DP WorldLogistics and distribution
- Masdar-
Last Updated: April 2026Source: Internal Research
Business Support
Joint Business Council(s)-
Cooperation Opportunities
Priority level: HIGH / MEDIUM / EMERGING, based on overall attractiveness to the UAE.
Last Updated: September 2026Source: Internal Research