President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko yesterday welcomed renowned Tanzanian businessman and philanthropist Mohammed Dewji, President of MeTL Group, during a courtesy call at the Office of the President. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss Botswana’s investment potential and the prospects for stronger economic cooperation between Botswana and Tanzania. President Boko expressed his appreciation for Dewji’s confidence in Botswana as an investment destination and welcomed his interest in exploring opportunities within the country. The engagement comes as Botswana continues to seek new investment, strengthen economic diversification and create more employment opportunities for its citizens. It also highlights the potential for partnerships between major African businesses and Botswana as the country works to expand its economy beyond traditional sectors.
During the meeting, President Boko commended Mohammed Dewji for recognizing Botswana’s economic potential and considering the country for future business ventures. The President specifically highlighted the Botswana Stock Exchange and other sectors of the economy as areas where investors can explore opportunities. Botswana has continued to position itself as a destination where investors can establish businesses, develop partnerships and contribute to long-term economic development. President Boko emphasized that the country offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and companies looking to participate in economic growth and job creation. His remarks reflect the government’s broader focus on attracting investment that can support productive economic activity and generate sustainable opportunities for Batswana.
President Boko further highlighted Botswana’s stable business environment and commitment to good governance as important advantages for international investors. He also pointed to the country’s people and their warmth and hospitality as factors that contribute to Botswana’s attractiveness as an investment destination. A predictable operating environment can provide businesses with greater confidence when considering long-term investments and expansion plans. For Botswana, attracting international capital can also bring new expertise, technology, market access and opportunities for local businesses to participate in broader value chains. The President’s message therefore placed investment within a wider development agenda focused on strengthening the economy while creating tangible benefits for communities and workers.
The President also welcomed Mohammed Dewji’s interest in strengthening business partnerships in Botswana and expanding the footprint of MeTL Group. MeTL Group is one of Africa’s leading conglomerates and has a diverse investment portfolio spanning agriculture, manufacturing, energy, logistics, telecommunications, real estate and mining. The group employs more than 34,800 people across eight African countries, giving it a substantial presence across multiple areas of the continental economy. Its interest in Botswana could therefore create opportunities for cooperation across several sectors rather than being limited to a single area of investment. Greater participation by established African companies could also help deepen regional trade and encourage more businesses to consider Botswana as part of their growth strategies.
The potential expansion of MeTL Group into Botswana comes at a time when economic diversification remains an important priority for the country. Partnerships involving agriculture, manufacturing, energy, logistics and other productive industries could support efforts to broaden the economic base and reduce reliance on a limited number of sectors. Investment in manufacturing and value-added industries could help create jobs while increasing opportunities for local suppliers and service providers. Developments in logistics and energy could also strengthen the infrastructure needed to support businesses operating in Botswana and improve connections with regional markets. If these opportunities develop into concrete investments, they could contribute to increased economic activity and provide new avenues for employment and enterprise development.
President Boko also encouraged greater collaboration between businesses in Botswana and Tanzania. Stronger private-sector relationships between the two countries could open opportunities for companies to exchange expertise, establish joint ventures and access new markets. African businesses increasingly have an opportunity to play a greater role in driving investment across the continent rather than relying primarily on capital from outside Africa. Botswana and Tanzania can potentially benefit from this approach by encouraging companies to explore partnerships based on complementary strengths and commercial opportunities. Such cooperation could contribute to economic diversification, employment creation and shared prosperity while strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.
The engagement also sends a broader message about Botswana’s efforts to attract investors who can contribute to sustainable economic growth. Investment attraction involves more than securing capital, as successful projects can bring skills development, new technologies, supply chain opportunities and access to wider markets. For local businesses, partnerships with established companies can create opportunities to become suppliers, contractors or strategic partners. For communities, well-structured investments can contribute to employment and increased economic activity when projects are implemented responsibly. The government’s commitment to creating an enabling investment environment will therefore remain important as Botswana seeks to convert investor interest into long-term economic opportunities.
President Boko concluded the engagement by welcoming MeTL Group to pursue further business ventures in Botswana and reaffirming the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and sustainable economic growth. His meeting with Mohammed Dewji reflects Botswana’s interest in building stronger relationships with influential African investors and businesses. The potential involvement of MeTL Group could provide opportunities across several sectors and contribute to the country’s wider economic diversification ambitions. Continued cooperation between Botswana and Tanzanian businesses could also strengthen regional commercial ties and create opportunities for companies and workers in both countries. As discussions around investment opportunities continue, the meeting between President Boko and Mohammed Dewji represents a significant step towards encouraging greater African investment in Botswana and supporting the country’s pursuit of inclusive and sustainable economic development.
