Botswana High Commission, Namibia

Air Botswana introduces new flight services to Namibia.

New routes:

Gaborone - Windhoek

Maun - Windhoek

Kasane - Windhoek

H.E MR. PHEMELO MBI RANKORO PRESENTS LETTERS OF CREDENCE TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA

On the 03rd July 2024, His Excellency Mr. Phemelo Mbi Rankoro presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Mr Joào Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, accrediting him as Ambassador of Botswana to Angola on a non-residential basis.

Botswana and Angola enjoy friendly relations and close ties underpinned by shared democratic values.

The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1975 and cooperate in various sectors including transport and agriculture. The two countries also cooperate through the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) and are members of the Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM). 🇧🇼🇧🇼🇧🇼🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴

Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Botswana

On June 11, 2024, in Kasane, Botswana, and on June 13, 2024, in Katima Mulilo, Namibia, the Minister of Defence and Security of Botswana, Hon. Kagiso Thomas Mmusi, and the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs of Namibia, Hon. Frans Kapofi, launched the joint Civil Military Cooperation Implementation Plan (CIMIC) between the two countries. This initiative, launched under the theme "Working Together to Ensure Peaceful Co-existence, Security and Human Development," underscores Namibia and Botswana's dedication to fostering peace and security.

The CIMIC Plan was developed following directives from President Dr. Mokgweetsi Keabetswe Masisi of Botswana and the late Former President of Namibia, Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, at the Inaugural Session of the Botswana-Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Gaborone, Botswana, from September 5 to 9, 2022. The two leaders directed their respective Defence Forces to create a comprehensive plan to initiate Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, particularly targeting communities along the shared border.

The common security challenges along this border include the poaching of iconic species like rhinos and elephants by international poachers seeking their horns and tusks, subsistence poaching, livestock rustling, illegal fishing, illegal wildlife trade, and other illicit activities. The CIMIC Plan aims to sensitize civilian communities about the economic importance of wildlife, thereby helping to reduce illegal activities and promote sustainable development and peaceful coexistence.

The launch was attended by the High Commissioner of Botswana to Namibia, H.E. Phemelo Mbi Rankoro, the High Commissioner of Namibia to Botswana, H.E. Asser Kapere, Minister of Justice and MP for Chobe Constituency, Hon. Machana Shamukuni, Chobe District Commissioner Ms. Onalenna Sechele, Governor of Zambezi Region Hon. Lawrence Sampofu, BDF and NDF Commanders, Councilors, traditional authorities, senior officers from the police, prisons, and other departments forming the security cluster as well as community members from the towns and villages along the border.

JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ ON THE OCCASION OF THE JOINT MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE (JMC) MEETING OF THE TRANS-KALAHARI RAILWAY LINE PROJECT 🇧🇼🇳🇦

1. At the invitation of Hon. Eric Molale, MP, Minister of Transport and Public Works of the Republic of Botswana, Rt. Hon. John Mutorwa, MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works Transport of the Republic of Namibia, attended and Co-Chaired the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) of the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line Project, which was held on 30th May 2024 in Kasane, Botswana.

2. Hon. Molale was accompanied by H.E. Mr. Phemelo Mbi Rankoro, High Commissioner of Botswana to Namibia, Mr. Kgakgamalo Ken Ketshajwang, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works and Co-Chair of the JSC, and Mr. Johannes Tsimako, Co-Chair of the JTC, as well as Rail Authority Officials and Senior Government Officials.

3. Hon. Mutorwa was accompanied by H.E. Mr. Asser Kapere, High Commissioner of Namibia to Botswana, Ms. Esther Kaapanda, Executive Director of the Ministry of Works and Transport and Co-Chair of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC), Mr. Jonas Sheelongo, Deputy Executive Director: Transport, and Co-Chair of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) as well as, Port, Corridor and Rail Authorities and Senior Government Officials.

4. The JMC meeting was preceded by the JSC, co-chaired by Ms. Esther Kaapanda and Mr. Kgakgamalo Ken Ketshajwang. The JSC reviewed the progress made since the last meeting on 2 February 2024 in Swakopmund, Namibia, which had approved the engagement of a competent consultant to augment the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line Project Management Office (TKR-PMO). The consultant will be tasked with developing comprehensive Terms of Reference for the Request for Proposals (RFP) and undertake a Feasibility study in collaboration with the Railway Operators of both Member States.

5. The Hon. Ministers noted that a technical team comprising of officials from the Member States, Railway Operators and the TKR-PMO convened on 25-27 March 2024, in Lobatse, Botswana, to develop the Terms of Reference for the RFP bidding document, complete with a draft contract. The draft contract was developed by legal expert from the Member States, from 09-12 April 2024, Swakopmund, Namibia.

6. The Hon. Ministers further noted that following the drafting and approval of the bidding documents for the engagement of a consultant to develop the Terms of Reference of the RFP, the TKR-PMO published an advertisement for the consultant on 13 May 2024, with a deadline of 26 June 2024.

7. The Hon. Ministers recalled their decision that a Feasibility Study for the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line Project be undertaken by a prospective developer for the Member States, and considered that an independent Feasibility Study be carried out by the Member States through a consultant. It was observed that the Feasibility Study will affect the timeline of the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line Project Roadmap.

8. Following deliberations, the Hon. Ministers noted and approved that the Feasibility Study be carried out, and further approved the revised Roadmap with the revised timeline.

9. The Hon. Ministers took note of the upcoming elections within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region, and wished the Republics of Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia well in the preparation of their general elections, expected to be held in the later part of 2024, respectively.

10. They also congratulated the Republic of South Africa for hosting its general elections on Wednesday, 29 May 2024, commending the country for its commitment to the SADC democratic principles and the peaceful conduct of the electoral process.

11. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the two Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue working closely together to further deepen and consolidate the strategic cooperation and partnership in the areas of transport infrastructure, namely the Trans-Kalahari Railway Line and the Dry Port facility at the Port of Walvis Bay, which are increasingly necessitated by the Kalahari Copper Belt in Botswana.

12. The Hon. Ministers further underscored the need to continue nurturing the warm and excellent bilateral relations that subsist between Botswana and Namibia, which are anchored by long-standing historical bonds of solidarity, socio-economic and common cultural heritage.

13. Hon. Mutorwa expressed appreciation to Hon. Molale for the excellent hospitality rendered to the Namibian delegation for the duration of their visit, and further used the occasion to extend an invitation to Hon. Molale to attend the next JMC meeting, scheduled to be held in Namibia, at a date to be communicated through diplomatic channels.

ISSUED AT KASANE, BOTSWANA, ON 31 MAY 2024

[Signed]
For the Republic of Botswana
Hon. Eric Molale, MP
Minister of Transport and Public Works

[Signed]
For the Republic of Namibia
Rt. Hon. John Mutorwa, MP
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Works and Transport

Photo Courtesy of Ministry of Transport and Public Works - Botswana

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) FOR THE SELECTION OF A CONSULTANT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE RFP DOCUMENT FOR THE TRANS-KALAHARI RAILWAY PROJECT

The Trans-Kalahari Railway Project Management Office (TKR-PMO) is established in terms of a Bilateral Agreement between the Governments of the Republic of Namibia and Republic of Botswana (herein referred to as Member States) and is hosted in Windhoek, Namibia.

The mandate of the TKR-PMO is to execute the TKR Project on behalf of the Member States.

With this RFP, Trans-Kalahari Railway Project Management Office (TKR-PMO) is inviting potential consultants that are interested in providing consultancy services for the development of an RFP to be issued to Shortlisted Respondents from the Expression of Interest (EOI) for the TKR Project.

TKR-PMO is interested in Potential Bidders with demonstrated experience in delivering consultancy services of a similar nature and magnitude.

Potential Bidders are invited to provide responses to this request.

The Request for Proposal (RFP) bidding document can be downloaded from the TKR-PMO website at www.tkrpmo.com

Enquiries to the issuance of these documents must be forwarded to [email protected]. The closing date and time for this RFP is 26 June 2024 at 10:00 Hours (GMT+2).

Late offers will be rejected.

The Botswana High Commission in Namibia participated in the Namibia Tourism Expo 2024 in Windhoek from April 24th to 26th, 2024, under the theme “Beyond Borders”. Botswana Safari operators, including Pat Mobile Safaris, African Big Five Tours and Safaris, also participated in the Expo. We're thrilled to announce that the Botswana High Commission won the award for the best Tourismus Namibia Stand of the year! 🏆
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Botswana 🇧🇼🇳🇦

Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Botswana
Dr. Lems Kwape

Today, High Commissioner H.E Phemelo Mbi Rankoro paid a courtesy call on the US Ambassador to Namibia H.E Randy Berry. The two had discussions around their respective assignments in Namibia and pledged to work together in executing their mandates. H.E Phemelo Mbi Rankoro also seized the opportunity to brief the US Ambassador on the unintended and grave consequences (on Botswana Diamonds sales) of the decision of the G7 countries requiring all rough and polished diamonds entering G7 countries to be routed through Antwerp, Belgium.

His Excellency Mr Phemelo Mbi Rankoro, High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Botswana to Namibia presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Dr Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia on 15th March 2024.

The High Commission of Botswana in Namibia wishes to invite all eligible Batswana who have attained the age of 18 years and above, to register for the upcoming 2024 General Elections scheduled from 01st to 30th November 2023, at the Botswana High Commission. You are advised to assist in sharing this important information with the Botswana community in Namibia and to advice them to bring their valid ID/omang for this process. The High Commission is located at the following address: 101 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Klein Windhoek , Namibia ; Phone. +264-61-221-941 +264-61-221-942 ,+264-61-221-947.

On 26th October 2022, His Excellency Dr. Batlang Comma Serema, High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to the Republic of Namibia, paid a farewell courtesy call on His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia. The two appreciated progress made in advancing the Bilateral Cooperation between the two countries in the areas of Trade, Agriculture, Immigration and also highlighted the importance of enhancing people-to-people interaction in order to promote the spirit of good neighborliness, particularly in Chobe and Zambezi Region. They also discussed the importance of fast tracking implementation of Bilateral Projects such as the Tran-Kalahari Railway Line and Water Desalination as per the resolutions of the Inaugural Session of the Botswana Namibia Bi-National Commission which was held from 5th - 9th September 2022 in Gaborone, Botswana. His Excellency Dr. Serema completed his Tour of Duty as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to the Republic of Namibia on 30th October 2022. Photo credit: NBC

Please take note

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲`𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞

PRESS STATEMENT

STATEMENT ON THE THEBEPHATSHWA AIR BASE

GABORONE, 1st April 2022: The Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation wishes to register its concern with the various misleading narratives circulating on social media platforms regarding the Thebephatshwa Air Base, which is located west of Molepolole Village, in Botswana.

The distorted narratives proffer that the Thebephatshwa Air Base was established through funding from the United States Government. They further purport that the United States Government set up the Air Base in order to realise military strategic reach and projection of power in the African continent, particularly the Southern African Region.

The Ministry wishes to underscore that this misinformation stands to tarnish Botswana’s reputation, image and her relations with her fellow Member States in the Region as well as the rest of the African continent, and the international community at large.
Accordingly, the Ministry wishes to reiterate that the Air Base is a national initiative which was fully funded by the Government of Botswana and completed in 1997. Its funding was done through the standard processes of Government planning and budgeting for capital projects. As a project, it was planned for under the National Development Plan 7 (NDP7), with the aim of setting up an Air Base that would enhance the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Air Arm Command for future force development and deployment for various roles nationally, regionally, and internationally. Since its completion, the Air Base has also been utilised for training exercises, including with external military forces from the SADC Region and other countries.

Like many other countries, Botswana attaches great importance to international peace and security. In this regard, Botswana is committed to investing in efforts that would strengthen and promote international peace and security. Therefore, the establishment of Thebephatshwa Air Base has, among others, enabled the BDF to effectively perform broad mission requirements, such as airlift capability for deployment and engagement in peacekeeping efforts in the Region and elsewhere. Most recently, the Air Base enabled the BDF to provide minimum airlift capability for the deployment of BDF personnel participating in the SADC Mission in Mozambique.

Botswana remains fully committed to regional peace and security, as well as the regional integration agenda, and fostering strong bonds of friendship and cooperation with her neighbours in the Region and beyond.

Botswana Senior Netball National Team will participate at the Africa Netball Cup held in Windhoek from 09 - 16 November 2021. We are all encouraged to support our Team. Venue for the games is Wanderers Sports complex, Pioneers Park.

CEO of Botswana Oil Limited (BOL) Mr Meshack Tshekedi paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Dr. Batlang Comma Serema on 06 October 2021, following a working visit to Namibia.

While in Namibia, BOL had meetings with National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) and other stakeholders in pursuit of its objectives of ensuring security of petroleum products supply in Botswana by ensuring: Development of opportunities to leverage fuel storage facilities; Alternative supply routes to mitigate risks associated with single sources supply; Development of strategic partnership with regional stakeholders in the oil industry.

Mr. Tshekedi was accompanied by the Acting Chief Operations Officer - Mr Kenamile Mosetlho, Acting General Manager Operations – Mr Tshegofatso Kenosi and Head of Hydro- Carbon Sourcing Mr Tebogo Erick.

Presentation of credentials in Angola by Dr. Batlang Comma Serema, Ambassador Designate, on 12 August 2021.

His Excellency Dr. Batlang Comma Serema, High Commissioner of Botswana to the Republic of Namibia and Staff wish you a Merry Christmas and and Happy New year. 🎊🌲🌲🎉

High Commissioner Dr. Batlang Comma Serema paid courtesy visits to:
1. Sunita Cables
2. Flo-Tek
3. Motovac
4. Choppies

Dr. Batlang Comma Serema, High Commissioner of Botswana to Namibia visited the Botswana Dry Port Facility in Walvis Bay on 13th October, 2020. He was accompanied by Mr. Modisaotsile Mabutho and Ms. Ketshidile Bafetanye. Mr. Derick Mokgatle, the Acting Managing Director briefed the delegation about the operations of the Facility.