Botswana has initiated the development of a National Implementation Strategy for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a key move aimed at unlocking the full potential of the Agreement and enhancing intra-African trade.
The strategy was the focus of a National Consultative Forum hosted by the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Speaking at the event, Goemeone Mogomotsi, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, emphasized that the strategy would position Botswana to fully leverage AfCFTA opportunities.
“The strategy will align Botswana’s areas of comparative advantage with continental demand, ultimately driving economic diversification,” said Mogomotsi.
Driving Economic Growth Through Trade
The AfCFTA Agreement, signed in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2018, aims to create a single market for goods and services across Africa by progressively eliminating trade barriers. It is expected to enhance regional integration, promote industrialization, and support sustainable economic growth.
Mogomotsi highlighted the importance of Botswana’s participation, stressing that the strategy would help businesses integrate into continental value chains and capitalize on emerging trade opportunities.
To support effective implementation, Botswana has joined the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), an effort involving 31 other State Parties to facilitate real trade by connecting buyers and sellers across Africa.
Empowering Local Businesses
As part of its AfCFTA engagement, Botswana, with support from UNDP Botswana, helped 15 local businesses from sectors such as agro-processing, cosmetics, and basketry participate in the 2023 GTI event in Kigali. This initiative aimed to secure contracts and enhance Botswana’s export potential under the AfCFTA framework.
“Reaping the benefits of AfCFTA is not automatic. It requires deliberate strategic interventions at both national and regional levels,” Mogomotsi noted, urging Botswana’s private sector to take the lead.
A Game-Changer for Botswana’s Economy
Addressing the forum, Stephen Karingi, Director of the Regional Integration and Trade Division at the ECA, described AfCFTA as a transformative opportunity for Botswana and the continent.
“AfCFTA is set to create the world’s largest free trade area, unlocking unprecedented economic potential,” Karingi stated. “For Botswana, it presents a chance to diversify beyond diamonds, integrate into regional and continental value chains, and drive industrial transformation.”
Karingi urged Botswana to invest in high-growth sectors like manufacturing, agro-processing, and services, while focusing on value-added production instead of raw material exports. He highlighted the beef value chain as a key opportunity for Botswana.
Commitment to Trade Facilitation
Representing AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, Gemma Matshediso Mbegabolawe, Principal Officer for Women and Youth in Trade at the AfCFTA Secretariat, commended Botswana’s commitment to trade facilitation and policy reforms.
“Developing Botswana’s AfCFTA National Strategy is critical to ensuring the country maximizes opportunities, addresses challenges, and aligns with its broader economic and trade agenda,” Mbegabolawe said.
She stressed that Botswana’s participation is not just about market access but also about export diversification, value chain integration, and inclusive economic growth.
Next Steps
The consultative process will continue with further stakeholder engagements to refine and validate the strategy before full implementation. The final strategy is expected to serve as a roadmap for Botswana’s private sector, industrial expansion, and broader economic transformation under the AfCFTA framework.
With Botswana actively positioning itself within AfCFTA, the country aims to expand its trade footprint across Africa and harness new economic opportunities on the continent.//