Fewer than one in 10 have heard of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Key findings
- Batswana are more satisfied than dissatisfied with the way that SADC (49% vs. 15%) and the AU (45% vs. 12%) recognise their country's needs and interests in their decision making.
- o But two-thirds (66%) say African countries should have a greater say in international decision-making bodies such as the United Nations.
- More than half of Batswana prefer free trade over limiting international trade to protect domestic producers (55% vs. 42%).
- o If leaders facilitate international trade, a majority (63%) of Batswana favour trade with countries throughout the world, while about three in 10 would privilege trade with all countries in Africa (19%) or with countries in Southern Africa (10%).
- Only 8% of respondents say they have heard of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- Batswana hold more positive than negative views of the economic and political influence on their country of SADC, China, the United States, the AU, the EU, Britain, and India. But more see Russia's influence as negative than positive.
- Asked who helped Botswana most during the COVID-19 pandemic, respondents most frequently cite China (46%). Much smaller shares point to the United States (10%), while 35% say they "don't know."
- The proportion of citizens who see China's influence on Botswana as substantial has declined sharply compared to a decade ago (from 76% to 50%), as has the share who see China's influence as positive (from 74% to 37%).
- Among Batswana who are aware of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, most (85%) favour taking a neutral stance in the war.
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Botswana is a landlocked country, but much of its economic growth has been powered by export earnings. While the country enjoys upper-middle-income status, its economy is highly dependent on diamond mining, which accounts for about two-thirds of export revenues, leaving it susceptible to global market fluctuations and declining demand in the diamond sector (International Monetary Fund, 2025; World Bank, n.d.; Schilirò, 2022). Economic diversification is a strategic priority for the government (Ministry of Finance, 2025).
Politically, Botswana has a reputation for stability and good governance; it ranked fifth out of 54 African countries in the 2023 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (Mo Ibrahim Foundation, 2024). The government works constructively with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) to support peace efforts, economic cooperation, and regional integration. For instance, President Mokgweetsi Masisi chaired SADC's Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation in 2020-2021, and Botswana contributed troops to the SADC Mission in Mozambique from 2021 to 2024. The country also participates in SACU's common revenue pool and joint institutions (Southern African Development Community, 2020, 2024; Southern African Customs Union, 2025).
Botswana maintains strong economic and diplomatic relations with major global powers outside the continent, including China, the United States, and the European Union (EU). In 2025, China and Botswana signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation (State Council, 2025). Botswana retains preferential access to the EU market under the EU SADC Economic Partnership Agreement, which remains an important avenue for trade and investment cooperation, while it qualifies for textile and apparel benefits with the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (European Commission, 2025; Office of the Historian, 2025; Office of the United States Trade Representative, 2025).
Botswana has ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which aims to build an integrated African market with more than 1 billion consumers and opportunities for export diversification. In 2025, Botswana began developing a national AfCFTA implementation strategy, identifying where the country's comparative advantages align with continental demand, with the goal of breaking into value chains in sectors beyond diamonds (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, 2025).
How do Batswana view their economic and political relations with the rest of the world?
Findings from the most recent Afrobarometer survey show that citizens are largely supportive of international trade and political cooperation.
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Respondents tend to welcome the economic and political influence of SADC, the African Union (AU), China, the United States, and other major powers, though many citizens say they don't know enough to offer an opinion. And fewer than one in 10 are aware of the AfCFTA.
Citizens express greater satisfaction than dissatisfaction with the way Botswana's needs and interests are recognised in SADC and AU decision making. But a large majority say that African countries need a stronger voice on global platforms such as the United Nations.
Among Batswana who are aware of the Russia-Ukraine war, most favour taking a neutral stance.
Elliot Abraham Elliot Abraham is a Ph.D. student at the Legon Center for International Affairs and Diplomacy at the University of Ghana.
Alfred Kwadzo Torsu Alfred Kwadzo Torsu is the Data Analytics Lead at Afrobarometer, where he focuses on using data to guide and shape effective policies.
