Africa-Press – Botswana. Business Botswana recently convened a high-level panel discussion in Gaborone to deliberate on the implications of the newly imposed 37 per cent tariff by the United States on Botswana exports. The dialogue brought together industry leaders, who agreed on the urgent need for government intervention and strategic reorientation in export policy.
The panel reached a consensus that the country must intensify efforts to create a more enabling environment for exporters, while actively exploring and penetrating alternative international markets to reduce reliance on traditional trade partners such as the USA. Unpacking the tariff’s potential impact, Botswana Chamber of Mines CEO, Mr Charles Siwawa, expressed concern from the mining industry’s perspective.
“There should be no tariffs in the context of how we conduct business in the mining sector and it is already a tough environment without added trade barriers,” said Mr Siwawa.
He also stated that the private sector must support government in negotiating more favourable trade terms with the USA. Echoing similar sentiments, Business Botswana(BB) Manufacturing Sector Chairperson, Ms Tecla Evans, underscored the need for economic diversification.
“We cannot overstate the importance of expanding our export portfolio. However, all these negotiations will mean little if we are not deliberate about cultivating a conducive local business environment,” she said.
Ms Evans further noted that industries must be adequately equipped to meet the demands of emerging markets, including through upskilling workers and investing in production capabilities. Moreover, Economic expert, Dr Pelotshweu Moepeng noted that while the USA remained a key market, particularly for Botswana’s diamonds,other economies like China presented growing opportunities.
“The USA is indeed our largest diamond market, but it’s important to remember that Botswana’s diamonds represent just a small share of the country’s total imports,” he said.
The session called for both public and private sectors to collaborate in reshaping Botswana’s export strategy to cushion the economy against unpredictable global shifts.
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