Most people in Botswana support international trade and political cooperation, while a large majority believe African countries should have a stronger voice in global decision-making. However, fewer than one in 10 citizens have heard of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting a significant awareness gap around continental trade integration.
The findings come from the latest Afrobarometer survey, which examined how Batswana view Botswana’s economic and political relationships with other African countries and major international powers.
The results indicate broad support for international engagement, including cooperation with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU), China and the United States. However, many respondents said they lacked sufficient information to express an opinion on some international relationships and institutions.
Trade Diversification Remains a Priority
Botswana’s economy remains heavily dependent on diamond mining, which accounts for approximately two-thirds of the country’s export revenues. This reliance exposes the economy to fluctuations in global markets and changes in demand for diamonds, making economic diversification a key government priority.
As a landlocked, upper-middle-income country, Botswana relies on international trade to support economic growth. It maintains commercial relationships with major global partners, including China, the United States and the European Union.
In 2025, Botswana and China signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation. Botswana also benefits from preferential access to the European Union market under the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement and qualifies for certain textile and apparel benefits under the United States’ African Growth and Opportunity Act.
Regionally, Botswana participates in SADC and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), which support economic cooperation, trade integration and shared institutional arrangements.
AfCFTA Awareness Remains Low
Botswana has ratified the AfCFTA agreement, which aims to create a more integrated African market and expand opportunities for trade among participating countries.
In 2025, the country began developing a national AfCFTA implementation strategy to identify competitive sectors and connect local producers to regional value chains beyond diamonds.
Despite these efforts, Afrobarometer’s findings show that fewer than 10% of surveyed citizens had heard of the agreement. The low level of awareness suggests that greater public information and engagement may be needed to help businesses and citizens understand the opportunities associated with continental trade integration.
For Botswana, stronger regional market access could support the development of new export industries, broaden commercial opportunities and reduce dependence on a narrow range of commodities.
Citizens Want a Stronger African Voice
The survey also found that Batswana were more satisfied than dissatisfied with how Botswana’s interests are represented in SADC and AU decision-making, although opinions varied and some respondents were unable to assess the institutions.
At the global level, a large majority said African countries should have a stronger voice in international forums such as the United Nations. The finding reflects support for greater African participation in decisions affecting the continent’s economic and political future.
On international conflicts, most respondents who were aware of the Russia-Ukraine war favoured Botswana taking a neutral position.
Overall, the findings point to strong public support for international trade and cooperation, alongside a desire for greater African influence in global affairs. For Botswana, translating this support into economic benefits will depend in part on diversifying exports, increasing awareness of AfCFTA and helping local businesses take advantage of opportunities in African markets.