Botswana High Commission, Canberra, Australia

11/09/2026

His Excellency Dr Jonathan Thuto Mahlanza, High Commissioner of Botswana to Australia, undertook a series of high-level engagements in Perth, Western Australia (WA), from 7 to 10 September 2026, marking his first Official Visit to the State.

The visit opened with a meeting at Curtin University, where the High Commissioner met with the Vice-Chancellor and senior management to discuss deepening collaboration in education, scholarships, and joint research between Curtin and Botswana institutions.

During the Official Visit, H.E. Dr Mahlanza met with key Western Australian office-holders and institutions, including: His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson, Governor of Western Australia; The Lord Mayor of the City of Perth, Mr Bruce Reynolds; The Honourable Peter Quinlan, Chief Justice of Western Australia; and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament of Western Australia: the Hon. Alanna Clohesy MLC (President, Legislative Council) and the Hon. Stephen Price MLA (Speaker, Legislative Assembly).

The High Commissioner received a briefing from the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification on WA’s economy, investment opportunities, and potential synergies for Botswana in trade and investment. He also met the Hon. Daniel Pastorelli MLA, Minister for Mines, Petroleum, Water and Exploration (representing the Premier), and Ms Pamela Curry, State Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (WA), to discuss bilateral cooperation and state-level engagement between Australia and Botswana.

A meeting with TAFE North Metro focused on TVET collaboration, including addressing skills gaps in mining, teacher training, TVET curriculum development, and workforce capacity building. The High Commissioner toured a model underground mining operation at the TAFE campus.

H.E Dr Mahlanza also met with representatives of Australian Companies doing business in Botswana, including Sandfire, Botala Energy and Perenti.

The visit culminated in the Botswana–Western Australia Business Roundtable on 10 September 2026, facilitated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia (CCIWA). The event brought together business leaders from mining, manufacturing, transport and logistics, financial services, energy, and other sectors.

The High Commissioner presented Botswana’s investment landscape and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), highlighting its 186 government-approved, bankable projects aimed at diversification and private-sector-led growth. The roundtable generated strong interest, including from WA business leaders, in organising a trade mission to Botswana.

09/09/2026

On 8 September 2026, His Excellency Dr Jonathan Thuto Mahlanza paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Western Australia , His Excellency Chris Dawson AC APM and his wife Mrs Darrilyn Dawson.

H.E Dr Mahlanza is in Perth this week on his first Official Visit to the State of Western Australia to meet with Government representatives and other partners, to explore and strengthen cooperation between Botswana and the State of Western Australia.

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Governor Chris Dawson has welcomed His Excellency Dr Jonathan Thuto Mahlanza - High Commissioner for the Republic of Botswana - on his first official visit to Western Australia.

08/09/2026

His Excellency Dr Jonathan Thuto Mahlanza undertook a series of important engagements in Perth, Western Australia, from 1 to 5 September 2026.

On 1 September, His Excellency attended the Australia-Africa Universities Network (AAUN) Forum, which brought together universities from Australia and Africa to advance collaboration in research, scholarship, and academic partnerships.

The Forum also provided an opportunity to engage with the Emerging Leaders in Africa and Australia Development (ELAAD) Programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening Australia-Africa academic diplomacy and fostering links among emerging scholars and professionals from both regions.

From 2 to 4 September 2026, the High Commissioner participated in the Africa Down Under (ADU) Mining Conference, a leading platform that brings together mining companies, investors, and industry stakeholders with interests in Africa. During the conference, His Excellency held a breakfast meeting with the Hon. Anne Aly, Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs, as part of the Africa Delegation.

He also met with several companies exploring opportunities in Botswana’s mining sector, including Sandfire at the Motheo Mine, Jacaranda Natural Resources on upcoming gold projects, and COMANDEV, which is involved in mineral drilling in Botswana. These engagements underscored Botswana’s growing appeal to Australian companies seeking opportunities in uranium, clean energy, critical minerals, and rare earths, and provided a valuable platform for discussions with potential investors interested in establishing operations and injecting foreign direct investment into Botswana.

The week concluded with an engagement with Batswana living in Perth on 5 September 2026, which provided the High Commission with an opportunity to deliver consular services, including support for the renewal and application of key national documents. The meeting also enabled dialogue on issues of national interest, policy priorities, and the diaspora's important role in Botswana’s socio-economic development agenda.

03/09/2026

31/08/2026

The High Commissioner Engages Edith Cowan University and Edith Cowan College in Perth

On 31 August 2026, His Excellency Dr Jonathan Thuto Mahlanza, High Commissioner of Botswana to Australia met with the management of the Faculty of Engineering at Edith Cowan University in Perth.

The discussions explored opportunities for collaboration in science, technology, and research, as Botswana continues to advance innovation and diversify its economy. Edith Cowan University’s School of Engineering staff include Douglas Chai, Professor Wei Ni, and Dr Marija Petrovska.

His Excellency also toured the engineering and renewable energy laboratories to appreciate the expertise, training facilities, and infrastructure available at ECU.

In a separate engagement, the High Commissioner met with Edith Cowan College management and the Botswana students to discuss their academic progress and welfare. The College offers a pathway programme for Botswana students who are on scholarships and bursaries from the Botswana National Sports Commission.

The engagements also touched on scholarships, exchange programmes, and sports development, reflecting Botswana’s commitment to building practical partnerships that support education, skills development, and long-term cooperation.

24/08/2026

To All Batswana in Western Australia!!!!

13/08/2026

Promoting sports diplomacy! Australia is hosting Netball World Cup in Sydney 2027! The Mission continues to explore collaboration and cooperation with netballing nations like Australia!

Last night at the Government House, I had the opportunity to have a chat with Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor - General of the Commonwealth of Australia at the event celebrating 1 year to go until the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027. The event provided an opportunity to hear from...

11/08/2026

H.E DR. JONATHAN THUTO MAHLANZA PARTICIPATES AT THE 2026 VICTORIAN BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS GALA

At the invitation from the President of The Asian Business Association of Whitehorse Inc. (ABAW), H.E Dr. Jonathan Thuto Mahlanza attended the 2026 Victorian Business Excellence Awards Gala held on the 8 August 2026 in Melbourne, Australia.

The Gala Dinner brought together distinguished guests, community leaders, government representatives, entrepreneurs, and business professionals, offering an excellent opportunity to foster meaningful business networks, and explore avenues for collaboration.

The attendance of the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, further underscored the significance of the Gala as an important platform for engagement among senior government representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs and other key stakeholders.

In delivering his remarks, the High Commissioner highlighted Botswana's favourable investment climate, economic diversification agenda, and the growing opportunities for collaboration between Botswana and Australia in sectors such as mining, agriculture, renewable energy, education, tourism, financial services, and innovation.

The High Commissioner's participation also contributed to strengthening people-to-people and business-to-business linkages between Botswana and Australia, while providing an opportunity to promote Botswana’s economic and investment interests to a diverse audience of Victorian business and community leaders.

20/07/2026

MELBOURNE, 18 July 2026 – The Botswana High Commission in Canberra convened a productive engagement session with Batswana residing in the State of Victoria, Australia, including students, professionals and long‑term residents.

Addressing the diaspora, His Excellency Dr Jonathan Thuto Mahlanza, High Commissioner of Botswana to Australia, underscored the importance of sustained engagement with citizens abroad. He highlighted the consular services provided by the High Commission and outlined key Government policies and programmes such as the Diaspora Engagement Policy and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BTEP), noting the vital role that Batswana in the diaspora play in Botswana's social, political and economic development.

The High Commissioner encouraged all Batswana in Australia to register with the High Commission so that the Mission can better support them, help keep national documents such as passports, national identity cards, and birth and marriage certificates valid and safe, share important updates and events, and facilitate participation in national initiatives.

The High Commission extends its appreciation to the Botswana Australia Victoria Association (BAVA), Botswana's Honorary Consul in Victoria, Ms Heddie Goldberg, and all members of the community who attended, shared their experiences and contributed ideas. Such engagement is a key and necessary part of the High Commission's work, and we look forward to continued collaboration with Batswana across Australia.

👉 To stay connected:
Register via email at [email protected] and follow this page for updates on future events, consular information and opportunities to contribute to national initiatives.

of International Relations, Botswana

19/07/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

Please note that the High Commission will be closed on Monday, 20 and Tuesday, 21 July 2026, to observe President's Day holidays in Botswana.

The High Commission will resume operations on Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

Thank you.