Greetings from the Head of Mission

  January 20, 2025
 
I am SHINDO Yusuke, and I have been appointed as the Ambassador of Japan to Botswana.
　
Botswana was one of the least developed countries in the world when it became independent in 1966, but it has since achieved remarkable economic development, with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of more than $7,000, making it an upper-middle-income country according to the World Bank's income classification.
 
Domestic politics are stable, democracy is well established, and there have been no coups or civil wars. When the government changed after the General Elections in October, 2024, the peaceful transition without any confusion showed the maturity of democracy in Botswana.
Thus, Botswana is truly the “diamond of Africa”.
 
In relation to Japan, Botswana is the first country in Africa to adopt the Japan system of terrestrial digital broadcasting. In 2022, a ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of the dispatch of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) was held in the capital city, Gaborone, and thanks to the efforts of many JOCVs, amicable bilateral relations have been strengthened.
 
Botswana is home to the Geological Remote Sensing Center of the Japan Energy and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), which conducts technology transfer and human resource development of satellite image analysis technology and geological survey projects. Through these projects, relations between Japan and not only Botswana but also southern African countries are deepening.
 
The Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) will be held in Yokohama in August, 2025. This is an important milestone in strengthening the relationship between Japan and Africa. Through TICAD9, we would like to strengthen our relationship with Botswana and work towards the development and prosperity of Africa.
 
Botswana is a very attractive country with unlimited potential. I will do my utmost effort to develop cordial relations between this country and Japan. We look forward to your continued support and cooperation.
 
 
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Botswana
SHINDO Yusuke