Botswana showcases trade, investment ambition in Algeria
Pauline Dikuelo | Wednesday September 17, 2025 06:00
The Forum, a premier platform for advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is designed to unlock intra-African investment and promote the vision of “One Africa.”
The high-level opening ceremony, attended by nine African Heads of State and leaders from the Caribbean region, set the tone for the week-long deliberations on how Africa can accelerate trade, investment and innovation.
During the Forum, Ntsima participated in multiple strategic sessions. At the mini-summit of African Investment Promotion Agencies, Botswana reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the investment climate and attracting sustainable Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In the Roundtable of African Ministers of Trade, he showcased Botswana’s progress in AfCFTA implementation and highlighted the country’s ambition to become a hub for value addition, logistics and innovation-driven trade.
The Minister also joined the Innovation Hub Dialogue, which explored how groundbreaking technologies can expand Africa’s trade opportunities. Botswana was positioned as a partner in driving transformative solutions, reinforcing its growing role in innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Beyond the plenary sessions, the Minister engaged in high-level meetings, including a strategic session with Afreximbank where he underscored Botswana’s intent to prioritise sourcing capital for national projects within Africa, strengthening intra-continental financial cooperation. A bilateral meeting with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of Nigeria also took place, focusing on deepening cooperation in trade, investment promotion, and knowledge exchange.
To further explore industrial partnerships, the Minister visited leading manufacturers in sectors ranging from automotive parts and energy to pharmaceuticals and e-mobility. These visits identified opportunities for co-creation and collaboration that could unlock new pathways for Batswana entrepreneurs and investors.
Speaking on Botswana’s participation, the Minister said they are showcasing the country’s potential.
“Our presence here is not only about showcasing Botswana’s potential but also about forging meaningful partnerships that will bring tangible benefits to our people. “We are committed to sourcing capital, fostering innovation, and building industries that create sustainable jobs while positioning Botswana as a strategic player in Africa’s value chains,” he told MonitorBusiness.
Botswana’s active participation at the Inter-Africa Trade Forum comes at a pivotal moment as the country accelerates efforts to attract FDI, diversify its economy and strengthen regional cooperation.
The Minister’s engagements are expected to catalyse new partnerships, bring capital home, and open fresh opportunities for Batswana entrepreneurs.