The EU is committed to maintaining strong ties with Botswana. Ambassador Gerard McGovern, former Head of the EU Delegation to Botswana and SADC, discusses the EU’s priorities there.
European Times: What are the EU Delegation’s main tasks in Botswana?
Gerard McGovern: The EU Delegation promotes the values of the EU and defends its interests while nurturing cooperation across a broad political, economic and development agenda. We strive to support good governance, democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Botswana and the SADC region. In August we have successfully concluded the negotiations for an EU / SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that will boost trade between the two regions. We also help enhance Botswana’s business climate. The Education Sector has received the biggest share of EU funding in Botswana and will continue to do so under the terms of our new cooperation strategy for 2014 to 2020.
European Times: What are some of the EU’s current projects in Botswana?
Gerard McGovern: We are targeting the Education Sector since human-resources development has been identified as a key engine for economic diversification and social progress in Botswana. We are also supporting Public Finance Management (PFM), Botswana’s efforts to achieve UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on infant and maternal health, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and civil society. Our SADC programme focuses on regional economic integration as well as peace and security.
European Times: What are the main challenges Botswana faces and how is it dealing with them?
Gerard McGovern: Botswana has enjoyed admirable stability and high GDP growth rates since the 1960s thanks to its diamond wealth, but the government realises it needs to diversify the economy. Targeted sectors are mining, agriculture, tourism, financial services and manufacturing. Botswana is a landlocked country and needs to develop competitive transport systems, while it also needs to boost its energy capacity. A new water pipeline will alleviate water shortages in southern Botswana. HIV/AIDS remains a problem although the government maintains a very generous Anti-Retro Viral (ARV) policy.
European Times: How would you describe the relationship between Botswana and the EU?
Gerard McGovern: Relations between the EU and Botswana are cordial, frank and fruitful, and Botswana’s government is a receptive and accessible partner. The EU is one of Botswana’s five major export markets for diamonds and the country’s premium market for high-quality free-range beef. The two sides share many common objectives concerning peace, stability and human rights. I hope that more European tourists will visit the country and that Botswana’s diamonds and beef will continue to find a market in Europe.
