China wins Khama over

• Khama happy with Botswana, China bilateral relations
• Invites Chinese investors to transform GaMmangwato into economic hub

BAKANG TIRO

editors@thepatriot.co.bw

In a surprising turn of events, Kgosi Ian Khama IV of GaMmangwato territory has joined voices that have hailed China as an important partner, who can assist Botswana drive her ambitious economic transformation programme into the future.

Such declaration follows a recent visit by Khama to China at the invitation of the Chinese government in his capacity as GaMmangwato Kgosikgolo. Back in 2017, Khama- then President of Botswana, triggered a diplomatic tiff that strained relations between the two countries when he announced plans to invite the Dalai Lama to visit Botswana.  The Embassy of China in Gaborone, a stone’s throw away from State House – the Presidential residence, was temporarily closed as the Asian tiger threatened to cut ties with Botswana for hosting the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is accused of trying to promote secession by the Tibetan territory from mainland China, a development China considers to violate the One China Policy, which they do not compromise on

Almost ten years later, Khama could not stop waxing lyrical about strategic investment discussions he held in his recent sojourn to China that will benefit development of GaMmangwato district. His ambition is to position GaMmangwato as an economic hub in Botswana, he told The Patriot on Sunday this week.

“I held discussions with potential investors focusing on national and community development agenda, though I was not representing government. Bilateral relations are good between the two countries. My visit was to explore and develop relations in my role as Kgosikgolo for my territory, the SKI Foundation and as a former President,” Khama revealed.

According to Khama, he had a very successful visit, both with the meetings he had with senior officials and with those heading various private enterprises, adding that he was very impressed with the high levels of modern infrastructure development, technology innovation, modern and diverse public transport modes, commitment to green energy and its rapid implementation, general cleanliness and discipline and much more.

“Since my last visit years ago, I could not have imagined the speed and quality of development across all sectors. Some of the investments are purely community centered and it is very good to draw the lessons from their model,” he added.

Ngwato Trust

Khama has been at the forefront mobiising Ngwato Development Trust and bogosi in striking important economic agreements with private businesses and associations while also engaging in consultation with different businesses operating in the region.

Last month, BaMangwato Tribal Administration signed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association (BEMA) to boost productivity and drive grassroots wealth creation across all the seven districts in GaMmangato territory.

Khama VI noted that partnerships with the private sector through entity like BEMA will significantly improve businesses by driving infrastructure development, fostering innovation, and expanding market access. In 2025, Khama appointed new Board of Trustees for Ngwato Development Trust, marking a significant change after the previous board had served since 2008 without the expected biannual rotation. The appointments, include two consultants, Kamogelo Mogale and Godiretse Khumiso, mining surveyor Malebela Oagile, accountant Boago Matheatau, as well as legal advisors Angelinah Seanokeng and Mr Tapiwa Abel.