Diplomatic relations must be on equal footing
Mmegi Editor | Monday October 26, 2026 06:00
“Let us never negotiate out of fear.
But let us never fear to negotiate”
– John F. Kennedy
Support for healthcare, education, skills and infrastructure can improve lives. The reaffirmed commitment to the Mmopane–Block 8 road is welcome for the prospect of better transport links for surrounding communities.
China has shown willingness to assist Botswana, and government deserves credit for securing these commitments. However, the success of our diplomacy must also be measured by the opportunities it creates for Batswana to produce, sell and government deserves credit for securing these commitments.
However, we should be concerned if the measure of every successful diplomatic engagement is based on the size of handout received. Botswana cannot afford to become comfortable with handouts. A country seeking economic transformation must approach its partners with commercially credible proposals and products of its own.
Relations on equal footing require Botswana to negotiate confidently around its development priorities. We must know what we can supply, where we need investment and which skills our people must acquire to participate meaningfully. China’s zero-tariff initiative presents an opening that deserves sustained attention. President Xi Jinping himself called for the two countries to use these trade opportunities during his meeting with Boko.
The work now is to turn that opening into actual business. Government should prioritise product approvals, clear information on standards, links with buyers and practical solutions to transport and delivery costs.
Our farmers, processors and manufacturers need access they can use. Preferential tariffs achieve little if producers cannot meet quality requirements, supply consistent volumes or get their goods to customers at competitive prices.
This also places responsibility on Botswana. Reliable power, efficient permits, access to finance and stronger production skills must accompany negotiations abroad. Our private sector must prepare credible offers and invest in the ability to deliver them.
The assistance secured should help build that capacity. Training must develop skills needed by local industries, infrastructure should support production and trade, and investment partnerships should create opportunities for citizen businesses.
A grant can finance an important project. A growing export business can sustain jobs, generate foreign exchange and contribute taxes over many years. That is the longer-term developmental advantage our foreign relations should pursue.
Government should report on both the delivery of the assistance and progress towards commercial agreements. Batswana deserve to know which commitments are becoming projects, contracts and employment.
We welcome China’s support however Botswana must now bring more to the relationship through the enterprise, products and skills of its people.