Botswana

USAID’s regional environment program focuses on protecting biodiversity and improving the management of shared river basins, starting with the Okavango River Basin

With its long history of stable democracy, Botswana is a strong ally of the United States. Throughout most of the last half century, Botswana has experienced robust economic growth. It is now considered a middle-income country, although there are concerns about the economy’s dependence on diamond mining.  People in Botswana have better access to education and clean water than others in sub-Saharan Africa, but they struggle with one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world.  Nearly one-quarter of adults are infected with HIV, placing a heavy burden on social services and the economy. 

USAID Programs in Botswana focus on the alleviation of HIV/AIDS in the country, strengthening indigenous organizations as well as the Government of Botswana by bringing technical expertise and financial support to strengthen the county’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.   Regional programs also address economic growth and environment, increasing regional trade, enhancing agricultural production, and ensuring sound management of trans-boundary natural resources.  Programs support three Presidential Initiatives: the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Feed the Future (FTF), and Global Climate Change (GCC).

USAID activities in Botswana are managed by the USAID Southern Africa regional office.