Today marks the beginning of a pivotal three-day working visit to Angola as President Duma Boko leads Botswana’s high-level delegation to the 17th U.S.–Africa Business Summit in Luanda. Accompanying him are key ministers, including David Tshere (Infrastructure & Telecommunications), Tiroyaone Ntsima (Trade), Stephan Modise (Health), and Dr. Phenyo Butale (International Relations), each set to participate in strategic discussions vital to Botswana’s economic agenda.
The summit officially opened this morning with remarks by the African Union Commission Chairperson, His Excellency Mahomed Yousef, at 8:30 am local time. The event brings together heads of state, ministers, investors, and private sector leaders from across the continent and the United States, aiming to deepen economic ties and catalyze development.
President Boko will contribute to several high-level panels, including the critical “Race to Connect: Investing in Africa’s Digital Backbone,” where he is expected to highlight Botswana’s priorities in expanding digital infrastructure and bridging the connectivity gap.
Meanwhile, Botswana’s ministers will be actively engaged in parallel sessions that target key developmental sectors. Health Minister Dr. Stephan Modise will join discussions on improving healthcare financing in Africa, while Trade Minister Tiroyaone Ntsima will contribute to the “Pathways to Prosperity” panel, emphasizing Botswana’s trade potential and entrepreneurship landscape. International Relations Minister Dr. Phenyo Butale is also scheduled to speak on strengthening U.S.–Africa agricultural collaboration.
Building on the momentum of last year’s summit, which was successfully hosted in Gaborone, this year’s gathering is poised to generate meaningful investment commitments and forge new partnerships in areas such as energy, ICT, health, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
In a show of Botswana’s growing private sector innovation, the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) has coordinated the participation of eight local companies. These include trailblazing firms such as Naledi Mining and The Bulb World, all of which are exhibiting their offerings at the summit. President Boko is expected to visit these company booths later today to show support for Botswana’s entrepreneurs and promote local enterprise to international investors.
On the diplomatic front, President Boko is also set to hold bilateral talks with Angola’s President João Lourenço and Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema. These meetings will focus on deepening regional cooperation and exploring opportunities for shared economic growth.
Botswana’s presence at the summit signals its commitment to regional integration, global investment partnerships, and long-term sustainable development, as the country seeks to reposition itself as a key player in Africa’s economic transformation.
