Diplomatic relations between Botswana and Switzerland were established in 1967. Before 1967, only a few Swiss missionaries lived in Botswana. In the 1970s the number of Swiss citizens in Botswana increased. Switzerland came under the portfolio responsibility of the Permanent Mission of Botswana to the United Nations in Geneva in 2012 Botswana’s first Ambassador to Switzerland, His Excellency Mr. Mothusi B. R. Palai presented his Letters of Credence to the then President of the Swiss Federal Council, Her Excellency President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf on the 27th March 2012 in Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Switzerland is accredited to Botswana through its Embassy in Pretoria.
In 1998, Botswana and Switzerland signed an Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investment. The Agreement entered into force in 2004.The main aim of the agreement is to maintain favorable conditions for investment between Botswana and Switzerland with the overall objective of fostering fruitful economic relations between the two countries.
There is also a bilateral Free Trade Agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The agreement entered into force in 2008. Its main objective is to strengthen the links between Europe and Southern Africa and establish close and lasting relationships and cooperation. Botswana intends to use this platform to enjoy the benefits of foreign trade and investment between the two organizations.
Trade and Investment
Most of Switzerland’s outward foreign direct investment is concentrated in Europe. The Mission has been engaging the Swiss Government on ways through which Botswana-Swiss cooperation can be deepened. At the Private Sector level, the Mission continues to undertake number of promotional activities and participate at various platforms to advance Botswana’s interests in Switzerland
Visa Requirements
Batswana travelling to Switzerland require a Schengen visa. The visa can be obtained from the Embassy of Switzerland in Pretoria. Swiss Nationals do no require visa to visit Botswana;
Permanent Mission of Botswana
to the United Nations – Geneva
Rue de Lausanne, 80
1202 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 906 10 60
Fax: +41 22 906 10 61