Everything is Ready in Botswana for Business with Nigeria: High Commissioner Philda Nani Kereng
Lagos
In a clear indication of Botswana’s desire to strengthen bilateral ties with Nigeria, Her Excellency Philda Nani Kereng, Botswana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, announced that her country is fully open for business and eager to engage with Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the Botswana Business Breakfast Meeting held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, the Commissioner emphasized that Botswana is ready to partner with Nigerians across various sectors.
The event, themed “Doing Business in Botswana: Investment Climate and Opportunities ” brought together business leaders, investors, partners and government officials to discuss potential partnerships between the two nations. During her welcome remarks and panel session, High Commissioner Kereng emphasized Botswana’s eagerness to engage Nigeria in several the business of tourism, mining , education, sports, creativity, trade and commerce, among others.
HE, (3rd-L-R) speaking during the panel discussion on the topic ” Business Environment, Investment and Partnership Opportunities at the event in Lagos yesterday
In particular, the High Commissioner pointed out the significant role tourism could play in fostering economic collaboration between the two countries. She outlined Botswana’s Tourism Development Area initiative, a strategic plan designed to expand the country’s tourism sector and create new opportunities for foreign investors. Kereng, being a former Minister of Environment and Tourism emphasized the importance of mutual participation in cultural and tourism events, signaling the potential for easing visa issuance processes to facilitate travel and business exchanges between the nations.
She reiterated that the Botswana High Commission is ready to provide all the necessary information and support to Nigerian businesses willing to explore investment opportunities in her country. “Let’s engage with what Botswana is all about,” she urged, stressing also the importance of continuous dialogue to ensure successful collaborations.
Botswana-Nigeria Relations
Botswana and Nigeria have maintained diplomatic relations since Botswana gained independence in 1966. While both nations have different economic structures—Botswana being a diamond-dependent economy and Nigeria relying heavily on oil—their shared interest in diversification has opened doors for broader partnerships in sectors like tourism, education, and trade.
Botswana, known for its political stability and sustainable tourism centered on its wildlife reserves and natural landscapes, sees potential in tapping into Nigeria’s large market. Nigeria, with its growing interest in expanding trade partnerships across Africa, views Botswana as a gateway to Southern African markets. Both nations have participated in various African Union initiatives and continue to explore avenues for deeper cooperation, particularly through business forums such as the Botswana Business Breakfast Meeting.
This initiative signals a promising future for Nigeria and Botswana to build stronger economic ties, fostering growth through business collaborations and cultural exchanges.
