Masisi: Botswana moving from recipient of trade to creators

Botswana's President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, is amongst almost 10 other African heads of state in attendance of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Texas. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, President Masisi discussed how Botswana is shifting from being a recipient of trade and aid to becoming creators of content, innovation, knowledge, and services. The summit, held in Dallas this year, symbolizes a strong partnership between Africa and America, showcasing the best of what each has to offer with a focus on the private sector. President Masisi expressed confidence in the relationship and highlighted the importance of understanding government policies, regulations, and areas of focus for mutually beneficial growth. He emphasized the need for engagement, innovation, and leveraging technology to leapfrog traditional development stages. The key theme of the interview was Botswana's strategic approach to leveraging its mineral and meat sectors to foster stronger trade ties with American investors. In the interview, President Masisi outlined three key points that encapsulated Botswana's trade strategy and goals. Firstly, he discussed the country's competitive advantage in the beef industry, emphasizing Botswana's high-quality beef products and the potential for collaboration with American partners to enhance production processes and market access. Secondly, President Masisi highlighted Botswana's focus on mineral beneficiation, aiming to optimize the value of its mineral wealth through partnerships with global deep tech institutions such as MIT. By innovating and diversifying products beyond commodities, Botswana seeks to add value and control its market space. Thirdly, the president emphasized the importance of utilizing technology to enhance various sectors, from agriculture to tourism, and capitalize on Botswana's strengths, such as its large wild elephant population and research capabilities in health and science. President Masisi also addressed the implications of a potential M&A deal involving BHP Billiton, Anglo-American, and Glencore, emphasizing Botswana's interest in protecting its assets and negotiating deals that serve its national interests. Additionally, he discussed Botswana's participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and highlighted the country's plans to leverage the program to expand its citrus industry, develop value chains, and create jobs through tech-driven innovations in sectors like beekeeping, leather, and tourism. As Botswana gears up for elections in October, President Masisi assured a smooth and incident-free electoral process, positioning the country as a model of democracy and governance in Africa. With a focus on sustainable development, peace dividends, and democratic values, Botswana aims to showcase its peaceful transition of power and governance excellence to the world. In conclusion, President Masisi's vision for Botswana at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit underscores the country's transformation from a trade recipient to a trade creator. By prioritizing innovation, technology, and value-added products in key sectors, Botswana seeks to elevate its economic standing, attract global investments, and position itself as a hub of knowledge, services, and innovation in the region.