- Tsaone Segaetsho
President Duma Boko on Wednesday welcomed Sheikh Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani of Qatar, describing him as “a distinguished member of Qatar’s ruling family.”
Sheikh Mansour is leading a high-powered delegation from Al Mansour Holdings to explore strategic partnerships and long-term investments in Botswana.
“Their visit signals strong interest in major infrastructure and development projects across different sectors of our economy. Over the coming days, they will engage ministries, SOEs and business leaders, with the intention to establish a framework agreement that will pave the way for transformative investments. This partnership holds great promise, and further details will be shared as it unfolds,” Boko said.
Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima, received Sheikh Mansour and his delegation before accompanying them to the Office of the President. The Ministry of Trade and Investment later confirmed that Al Mansour Holdings is expected to conclude significant agreements with Botswana, aimed at accelerating development across multiple sectors.
This latest engagement underscores a growing relationship between Botswana and Qatar. In January, Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Kenewendo, attended the inaugural Doha International Diamond and Gemstone Conference (DIDGC), where she held discussions with Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ahmed Al Sayed, with the talks focusing on opportunities in Botswana’s minerals and energy sectors.
Kenewendo also met with Laurence Graff, Chief Executive Officer of Graff, one of the world’s most prestigious jewellers. Graff continues to favour diamonds sourced from Botswana’s De Beers and Lucara mines. At the Doha conference, the jeweller showcased a signature piece crafted from Botswana diamonds, drawing international attention and reaffirming the country’s reputation as a leading source of high-value stones.
Botswana’s engagement with Qatar is not new. In 2019, then-President Mokgweetsi Masisi met with the Emir of Qatar, HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha. Their talks centred on expanding cooperation in investment, minerals, infrastructure, and air transport—areas which remain focal points in the current administration’s discussions.
The renewed momentum in Botswana–Qatar relations signals a potential inflow of strategic capital and partnerships, positioning Botswana as an increasingly attractive destination for Gulf investors.
