Working visit of the Africa Working Party (COAFR) of the Council of the European Union to Botswana
The Delegates from the Africa Working Party (COAFR) of the Council of the European Union visited Botswana from 7 to 10 April 2025. COAFR is a preparatory body of the Council of the EU dealing with EU’s foreign policy towards Africa.
Africa is particularly high on the agenda of the European Union this year as the EU is preparing to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its partnership with the African Union.
This was also a very timely visit to reconfirm how important Botswana and SADC are for the EU and Member States, and how we wish to further strengthen our respective partnerships. Twenty Member States diplomats and EU officials of the COAFR visited Botswana from 7 to 10 April to deepen their understanding of Botswana, its role in the region and explore new opportunities for cooperation between the EU, Botswana and SADC. The group interacted with the Minister of International Relations, the Vice President and Finance Minister, representatives of the Ministry for State President (SmartBots) and the Ministry of Minerals and Energy providing opportunities to discuss the Government’s vision and strategic priorities for Botswana and further explore opportunities for strengthening our partnership to accelerate the green and digital transitions of Botswana and to diversify the economy and create jobs.
COAFR met with the SADC Executive Secretary and his management team, to discuss regional integration in the Southern Africa and the work of SADC, supported by the EU, including the Global Gateway corridors for the integrated development of the region and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Peace and Security issues affecting the region were also discussed. In Gaborone, the delegates met with the resident EU Heads of Mission and were hosted by the German and French Ambassadors, providing further opportunities for exchange and networking in a true Team Europe spirit.
The COAFR Delegates had also great interactions with civil society organisations, digital startups and the Diamonds for Development Fund discussing women empowerment, sexual and gender based violence, innovations and the transformation of the economy. Finally, the delegates had the opportunity to visit Mokolodi to discuss and learn about EU’s support to biodiversity and the development of local communities under the NaturAfrica initiative. COAFR exchanged with partners, including the KAZA secretariat, while enjoying the beauty of the landscape. The COAFR Delegations went home with an open invitation from the Vice-President and the Minister of International Relations to come back to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Okavango Delta, the Chobe river and the salt pans.
