Botswana plans to open an embassy in Moscow and is seeking to deepen economic ties with Russia, including cooperation in rare earths and diamonds, the country’s foreign minister has said.
Speaking to Russia’s TASS news agency, Foreign Minister Phenyo Butale said Botswana was encouraging Russian investors to consider opportunities in the southern African country, citing its political and economic stability.
“We firmly believe that Botswana is the best place for investment,” Butale was quoted as saying, adding that the government was open to cooperation in strategic mineral sectors.
The move comes as Russia steps up diplomatic and economic engagement with African countries amid its broader confrontation with Western nations.
Diamonds remain central to Botswana’s economy, accounting for around one-third of government revenue and roughly three-quarters of foreign exchange earnings, according to official figures.
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Botswana has also shown interest in developing its rare earths sector as part of efforts to diversify its mining industry and reduce dependence on diamonds.
Russia has an established footprint in Botswana’s mining sector. In 2021, Russian mining giant Norilsk Nickel settled a long-running dispute with the Botswanan government and the BCL Group over the sale of its African assets.
Botswana has not yet announced a timeline for the opening of its Moscow embassy, but officials say the move is intended to strengthen diplomatic and commercial relations between the two countries.
