Botswana–Israel relations

Israel and Botswana have official relations though neither country maintains a formal consulate or embassy in the other. The two countries, nevertheless, have reached cooperate agreements at the government level and there is private sector activity between the two countries.

History

The two countries established diplomatic ties in 1972,^[1] broke them off due to the Arab-Israeli conflict, and re-established them in 1993 after Israel and the PLO signed the Oslo Accords.^[2] In February 2012, Dan Shaham-Ben-Hayun presented his diplomatic credentials to Botswana as an official representative.^[2] However, he is currently based in Namibia.

Economic and educational ties

Six Israeli companies are licensed to cut and polish diamonds in Botswana, employing over 1,000 Botswana citizens.^[2]

In December 2012, Israel and Botswana formalised an agreement to establish the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), with Ben-Gurion University (BGU) leading the academic and research aspects of the institution. Despite delays caused by the global financial crisis and challenges in curriculum development, the project gained momentum after Botswana’s education minister, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, visited Israel and was impressed by BGU’s expertise in desert studies. Under the agreement, BGU will provide academic content, and Israeli lecturers will contribute to training local staff, fostering knowledge exchange between the two nations. The initiative also involves Israeli support in constructing the university’s physical infrastructure, with plans for BIUST to grow gradually into a full-fledged university. The collaboration positions BGU as a global leader in desert research while addressing Botswana's need for a specialised science and technology institution.^[3]

In 2015, Richard Anthony Lyons was appointed as Israel's honorary consul in Botswana.^[4]

References

^ Jacqueline, Kalley; Schoeman, Elna (1999). Southern African Political History: A Chronology of Key Political Events. p. 124.
^ ^a ^b ^c Motsamai, Mmoniemang (24 February 2012). "Israel, North Korea present credentials". Botswana Daily News. Archived from the original on 12 May 2013.
^ Eichner, Itamar (12 December 2012). ""University of the Negev to help establish academic institution in Africa specializing in science and technology, focusing on desert conditions"". Yedioth Ahronoth. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |archive-url= requires |url= (help)
^ Belling, Michael (25 November 2015). "Israel's message must come across loud and clear". South African Jewish Report. Retrieved 26 November 2024.