SGGW Scientists develop cooperation with Botswana
From Poland to Botswana
Dr hab. Marta Mendel, Vice-rector for international cooperation, and dr Wiesław Ptach accompanied the Polish economic mission in Botswana. The mission organized by the Polish Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria and Botswana Investment and Trade Center took place on 3-6 July 2022.
The mission assisted some political consultations with the participation of representatives of the Polish and Botswana Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
SGGW for Botswana
International cooperation plays an important role in the SGGW activities. The representation of our scientists enables to develop the global relations resulting in the worldwide development of science and tangible benefits at the local level. The purpose of the SGGW representatives’ visit in Botswana was to strengthen and develop cooperation in terms of education of young Botswanans.
Since March 2022, our scientists have been conducting on-line training for young scientists from Botswana. Currently, the following programs are being implemented: Agribusiness and Introduction to Life Science.
About the mission
The main point of the visit was the Botswana – Poland Economic Forum in Gaborone including meetings with local entrepreneurs and institutions, and some representatives of government administration.
The purpose of the mission was to present the Polish export and investment offer, and to establish trade contacts with potential business partners in Botswana, and to identify any investment opportunities in Botswana.
Botswana is seen as politically and economically stable with a low level of corruption (it is ranked first among African countries that confronts corruption most effectively). According to the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) report, ‘Where to Invest in Africa 2021’, Botswana has been ranked the fifth most attractive investment target in Africa.
Botswana – centrally located in SADC (Southern African Development Community), offers access to seven fast-growing South African markets with the best inland infrastructure in Africa and a well-developed logistics environment.
The development strategy currently implemented by the Botswana government, including the post-Covid-19 policy, aims to gradually diversify the country’s economy by attracting local and foreign investors.
The most promising areas of economic cooperation between Poland and Botswana include the following industries:
- agriculture and agri-food processing, agri-tech technologies for dairy and food processing,
- agricultural machinery and equipment; fertilizers,
- medical devices sector (i.e., hospital equipment and specialized medical equipment as well as medical devices used in the daily operations of medical facilities),
- mining and energy sector (technological modernization of these sectors),
- the green technology sector (water / sewage / renewable energy / air protection).