The US has allocated the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) about P4 million as part of the global war on terror by President George W. Bush. Botswana and other African countries, will receive arms deliveries and increased military training from the US. The budget request by the US State Department and Defence Department for the financial year 2009 indicates that America will spend about P3.1 billion on military equipment and training in Africa. The budget request is awaiting approval by the US Congress. The other countries included in the military aid are Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan and Uganda. Among the programmes to be financed under the African phase of the controversial war on terror will be the expansions of the Trans-Saharan Counter-Terrorism Partnership, the East African Regional Security Initiative and Anti-Terrorism Assistance. In addition to direct assistance, the US will licence private commercial sales of military and police equipment of up to P620 million through the State Department.
The budget covers foreign military financing, international military education and training, and peace-keeping operations. Many African countries would have their shares and programmes expanded as the US government seeks to extend its strategic interest in the continent.
