Botswana’s Vice President and Minister of Finance, Ndaba Gaolathe, met with senior Singaporean ministers on Sept. 14 to discuss bilateral and regional economic cooperation. The single-day working visit focused on trade, investment, and strategies for economic transformation.
During his visit, Gaolathe held meetings with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, as well as with Chan Chun Sing, the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence.
According to a statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions centered on enhancing economic ties. Specific topics included workforce upskilling, investment promotion, public sector training, and economic diversification. The officials also explored opportunities for strengthening cooperation between Singapore and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), which Botswana currently chairs.
In a public statement, Deputy Prime Minister Gan noted that the meetings addressed Botswana’s ongoing economic transformation efforts. Gaolathe is leading the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, a national initiative to diversify the country’s economy. Gan also referenced Botswana’s position as the world’s second-largest producer of diamonds and its leadership role within SACU.
The visit marked Gaolathe’s first official trip to Singapore since 2006, when he attended World Bank meetings in the city-state. The vice president departed on Sept. 14 after concluding his official meetings.
