Flemish Minister for Finance, Budget, Housing and Immovable Heritage, Mr Matthias Diependaele visited Botswana on 27 and 28 March for a number of high level meetings, including with the President of Botswana, HE Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi. Minister Diependaele also met with several Cabinet Ministers, amongst whom Minister for State President and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Kabo N. Morwaeng, Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Mmusi Kgafela and Minister of Minerals and Energy, Hon. Lefoko Moagi.

The outcomes of these meetings have given new impetus to the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Flanders and Botswana. Although the trade relationship between Flanders and Botswana focuses primarily on the diamond sector, the Excellencies agreed that both parties are eager to diversify the cooperation and explore new sectors, such as digitalisation, research and innovation, renewable energy, and the green economy.

Minister Diependaele’s visit to Botswana concluded a 7-day trip to the Southern African region, and forms part of Flanders' ambition to strengthen its ties with this African frontrunner both geopolitically and economically.