Botswana Positioned as a Regional Trade Bridge, Not a Barrier – Vice President Gaolathe. Vice President of Botswana, Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, has reaffirmed the country’s strategic positioning as a “land-linked” hub for African trade, countering outdated perceptions of Botswana as landlocked.
Speaking at the Future of Finance and Trade in Africa Conference held at George Washington University, the Vice President addressed an audience of scholars, policymakers, and business leaders, emphasizing Botswana’s growing role in shaping the continent’s trade future.
Mr. Gaolathe highlighted that Botswana is actively transforming its regional identity by strengthening its role as a connector for cross-border commerce through progressive policy, investment in digital infrastructure, and regional trade corridors. “Our borders are not barriers but bridges, and our institutions are instruments of the future,” he stated.
The Vice President detailed the government’s current trajectory, noting that Botswana is laying the foundation for a future defined by sovereign wealth creation through intelligence-driven policies. Among the initiatives mentioned were investments in blockchain-backed logistics, financial technologies that transcend borders, and environmentally conscious infrastructure projects.
The emphasis on ecological sustainability and digital advancement is part of a broader ambition to integrate trade development with long-term economic resilience and innovation. Mr. Gaolathe’s remarks come as Botswana continues to engage in high-level discussions aimed at building collaborative partnerships across continents.
This address forms part of Botswana’s broader diplomatic and economic engagement strategy, reinforcing its image as a forward-looking, reliable partner for regional and international trade.
