Anne de la Blache, Ambassador of France to Botswana, Special Representative to SADC, discusses the long-term ties between the two countries. She also highlights Botswana’s political stability, strong economic performance and significant investment appeal.
European Times: Can you describe the relationship between France and Botswana?
Anne de la Blache: France has developed a warm and cordial relationship with the Republic of Botswana, within the framework of a balanced and sustainable partnership. The difficult situation faced by several African countries makes us realise how much Botswana is a positive exception. Since its independence, Botswana has enjoyed democracy and good economic results and has achieved remarkable progress in its development. The government’s wise macro-economic policy has allowed a comprehensive reinvestment of diamonds’ resources to achieve the development goals fixed in its Vision 2016 Strategy. Such good governance is also remarkable in other fields, such as Health management, fight against poverty and Environment protection. Indeed, among its natural resources, the country also enjoyed a tremendous flora and fauna diversity in very well preserved ecosystems, and I wish to pay tribute to the restless efforts made by the government to protect its “green diamond”. I am also pleased to say that France has actively supported the recognition of the Botswana Okavango Delta as UNESCO’s 1,000th World heritage Site.
European Times: Why should international investors choose Botswana?
Anne de la Blache: With a growing presence of French Companies and Investors, I would say that the French business community has definitely acknowledged the quality of the business environment. Trade between France and Botswana is growing to reach €8.8 million in 2013, and I am looking forward to further increasing these bilateral exchanges. Blessed with natural resources, Botswana offers remarkable political stability and a competitive business environment. It was ranked number four in Africa in the World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business” survey in 2013. In addition, according to a 2013 report by Transparency International, Botswana has the least corruption of any African country. Botswana is prosperous and has significant economic potential even with its limited local market of two million. Botswana’s government is committed to an open market and to development that benefits all members of the population. All this should encourage investors to expand into Botswana.
European Times: What are some of the challenges Botswana faces?
Anne de la Blache: To address the issue of being a landlocked country, Botswana is engaged in extensive infrastructure development. Other challenges include water and energy management, as well as Health and Education to achieve a sustainable development in accordance with the evolution of the population’s needs and expectations. Investors would definitely find increasing business opportunities in these sectors.
European Times: What is your personal message?
Anne de la Blache: Botswana is unfortunately not known enough among French companies and investors. I invite them to no longer consider it as a landlocked country with limited market opportunities, but as a vibrant country with one of the best business environment of the region and very ambitious infrastructure programs. I will continue to dedicate myself to develop the French presence in Botswana, and am encouraging every investor to have a look to this destination.
