Botswana High Commission, Canberra, Australia

12/06/2026

The High Commission of the Republic of Botswana in Australia was honoured to receive a zebra artwork by Mr Andre Vlcek of Europe Masters, based in Hughes, ACT. The artwork was formally presented to His Excellency Dr Jonathan Thuto Mahlanza at the Chancery in Canberra on 12 June 2026.

The donation followed an impromptu encounter in which His Excellency came across Mr Vlcek’s zebra artwork and was immediately struck by its expression and symbolism to the Republic of Botswana. In the ensuing discussion, the two exchanged views on the artistic inspiration behind the piece. Upon learning that the zebra is Botswana’s national animal and appreciating the significance of the two zebras depicted on Botswana’s coat of arms, Mr Vlcek was deeply moved. Recognising the cultural and national importance of the symbol, he felt compelled to offer the artwork as a gesture of goodwill.

The artwork was generously donated to the High Commission on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Botswana. As a national symbol, the zebra embodies Botswana’s values of racial harmony, tolerance, and unity, while also reflecting the country’s rich and diverse wildlife heritage.

The High Commission expresses its sincere appreciation to Mr Vlcek for this thoughtful and meaningful gesture, which further strengthens the bonds of friendship and people-to-people relations between Botswana and Australia.

09/06/2026

High Commissioner H.E. Dr Jonathan Thuto Mahlanza Engages the Botswana Diaspora in Canberra

On 6 June 2026, His Excellency Dr Jonathan Thuto Mahlanza hosted Batswana living in Canberra for a meet-and-greet and engagement session focused on key issues affecting the diaspora, including his roadmap and priorities during his term of office, the Botswana Diaspora Engagement Policy adopted by the Ministry of International Relations, the role of the High Commission, and consular and administrative matters.

The High Commissioner underscored the importance of a close working relationship between the High Commission and the Botswana diaspora and encouraged Batswana in Australia to register with the High Commission to support consular assistance and policy facilitation. He also stressed the need for Batswana to ensure that their national documents are up to date, including their legal immigration status in Australia, and to seek clarification on matters relating to dual nationality.

He further highlighted the value of open dialogue on matters affecting Batswana, continued engagement with Botswana Government policies and programmes, and the trade and investment opportunities available between Australia and Botswana.

This was the High Commissioner’s first engagement with the diaspora. Similar sessions will be held in other Australian states over the course of the year to strengthen collaboration and cooperation with Batswana living in Australia.

02/06/2026

TRAVEL HEALTH NOTICE ON HEIGHTENED SCREENING AT ALL POINTS OF ENTRY FOLLOWING EBOLA OUTBREAK IN THE DRC AND UGANDA

29/05/2026

BOTSWANA HIGH COMMISSION IN CANBERRA PARTICIPATES AT THE 2026 AFRICA DAY CELEBRATIONS

On 26 May 2026, the Botswana High Commission, in conjunction with other African diplomatic missions accredited to Canberra, commemorated the Africa Day.

The event was honoured by the presence of the Honourable Dr. Anne Aly MP, Minister for Small Business, Minister for International Development, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs; the Honourable Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade; The Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives; Andrew Barr, Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory; as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior government officials, representatives of the business community, and the African diaspora residing in Australia.

The High Commission availed itself of the occasion to present Botswana’s rich cultural heritage through an exhibition of traditional artefacts and cuisine. Furthermore, guests and participants were informed of opportunities pertaining to tourism, investment, and trade in Botswana.

29/05/2026

INVITATION TO BATSWANA IN CANBERRA,A.C.T TO A DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT MEETING HOSTED BY H. E DR JONATHAN THUTO MAHLANZA

📅 Saturday, 6 June 2026
⌚️ 3pm
Venue: 32 Pindari Crescent, O’Malley, ACT, 2606

Kindly RSVP to [email protected]

25/05/2026

𝗜𝗡𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗔 – 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗡 𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗬 𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗦𝗢

Batswana residing abroad are invited by the Ministry of International Relations to participate in the upcoming Foreign Policy Pitso held under the theme: “𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻
𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗮’𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆.”

The Pitso aims to provide an inclusive platform for engagement and dialogue on Botswana’s foreign policy priorities and aspirations.

📍 Date: 26 – 27 May 2026
📍 Time: 08:00hrs (CAT)
📍 Streaming LIVE on the Ministry of International Relations Official page

Batswana in the Diaspora are encouraged to follow and actively participate in the discussions.

19/05/2026

His Excellency Dr Jonathan Thuto Mahlanza, High Commissioner of Botswana to Australia, today hosted African Heads of Mission in Canberra for the monthly Africa Group meeting.

The meeting provided a platform for the African Heads of Mission to deliberate on issues relating to the African continent, forge common positions on cooperation and engagement with the host government and partners, and discuss regional and bilateral matters of shared interest. It also strengthened collaboration among the African Missions resident in Canberra.

The Africa Group meeting rotates among African Missions resident in Canberra and offers an important forum for consultation, coordination, and engagement with stakeholders on trade, investment, and political issues.

The Group also had the opportunity to engage with the Managing Director of Emerging Africa Brand, Ms Catherine Jonathan, a Melbourne-based company that shared its work of connecting Australia and Africa in business and trade.

The exchange underscored the value of practical partnerships in strengthening Africa-Australia relations.

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

Representatives of Governments continued to pay tribute to the late 3rd President of Botswana, H.E. Dr Festus G. MOGAE.

A true statesman whose leadership and legacy continue to be honoured and recognised.

13/05/2026

The Botswana High Commission in Canberra has opened a book of condolences following the passing of the third President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Dr Festus Gontebanye Mogae.

Dignitaries representing Embassies and High Commissions in Canberra joined the Botswana High Commissioner, His Excellency Dr Jonathan Thuto Mahlanza, to convey their messages of condolence and sympathy to the people of Botswana through the High Commission.

The book of condolences forms part of the wider national tribute to a leader remembered for good governance, economic prudence, and service to the nation.

The staff at the Botswana High Commission, together with Batswana in Australia, extend their deepest condolences to President Mogae’s family and to the people of Botswana. His legacy, leadership, and lifelong service to the Republic of Botswana will forever be cherished and remembered.

May his soul rest in peace.🕊🕊🙏🙏🇧🇼🇧🇼🇧🇼🇧🇼