Source: LinkedIn/Gan Kim Yong
Singapore and Botswana discussed economic transformation, trade, investment and regional cooperation during meetings.
Botswana Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe was on a working visit to Singapore on 14 September 2026. During the visit, Vice President Gaolathe met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, as well as Coordinating Minister for Public Services, Minister-in-charge of the Public Service and Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing, to discuss bilateral economic ties, investment and cooperation.
During the meetings, Singapore and Botswana reaffirmed their warm and friendly relations and discussed opportunities to enhance bilateral and regional cooperation in trade and investment. Discussions also covered workforce upskilling, investment promotion, economic diversification and public sector training.
Source: LinkedIn/Gan Kim Yong
Gan Kim Yong said Botswana’s economic transformation efforts were among the areas discussed during his meeting with Vice President Gaolathe. He noted that Botswana is located in southern Africa, is the world’s second-largest diamond producer and currently chairs the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
Vice President Gaolathe is leading Botswana’s economic diversification efforts through the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme. His working visit to Singapore provided an opportunity to discuss potential partnerships and approaches to economic transformation.
The discussions also covered opportunities to strengthen economic ties between Singapore and Botswana, as well as cooperation with SACU. Botswana’s current role as chair of SACU provided a regional dimension to the discussions on trade and investment cooperation.
Vice President Gaolathe’s visit was also his return to Singapore after previously visiting the country in 2006 for World Bank meetings. During his latest visit, he exchanged views with Singapore officials on economic transformation efforts and potential opportunities to develop bilateral economic relations.
The meetings between Vice President Gaolathe and Singapore ministers covered both bilateral and regional cooperation, with particular attention to trade, investment, skills development, economic diversification and public sector capabilities.
Vice President Gaolathe departed Singapore on 14 September following the working visit.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore
