Bilateral relations between Switzerland and Botswana

Switzerland established diplomatic relations with Botswana in 1967 (under British control until 1966, when it declared independence.) Before 1967, only a few Swiss missionaries lived in this country in southern Africa. In the 1970s the number of Swiss citizens in Botswana increased to 30, and by 2000 there were 68 (including individuals with double citizenship). A good number of them work in the mining industry.

Botswana is not a priority country for Swiss development aid. However, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) provides some support for the country through the Regional Programme Southern Africa. Switzerland also participates in multilateral anti-poverty programmes.