Who We Are

Get to know us

In 1966, the Department of External Affairs was established in the Office of the President, tasked with a huge and demanding responsibility of managing Botswana’s relations with the international community. In 1998, the Department was upgraded to a fully-fledged Ministry and assumed the title of “Ministry of Foreign Affairs”. The primary responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is to manage and nurture Botswana’s relations with the international community, and promote the country’s interests abroad. As a facilitator, coordinator, and custodian of Botswana’s foreign policy, the Ministry guides the Government in the conduct of its relations with the international community. In pursuit of this important mandate, the Ministry works closely with other Ministries, and through its (High Commissions and Embassies, to engage the international, the Ministry’s mandate can be summarized as follows:

1) Promote friendly bilateral and multilateral relations with the international community;

2)Articulate and defend Botswana’s foreign policy

3)Cross sectoral co-ordination of domestic matters with a bearing on foreign relations;

4)Management of Diplomatic immunities and privileges and Consular services;

5)To promote favourable conditions for Botswana’s trade, foreign investments, tourism and to seek scientific, technological and cultural cooperation with other countries and institutions;

6)State Protocol and State Functions

LEADERSHIP

The Ministry is led by the Honourable Dr. Lemogang Kwape, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Previous Ministers

DR LEMOGANG KWAPE

MISSION

MFA exists to promote and manage foreign relations as well as advance Botswana`s interests abroad.