In November 2024, the European Union Heads of Missions, H.E. Ms Petra Pereyra, Ambassador of the European Union, H.E. Mr Olivier Brochenin, Ambassador of France, H.E. Ms Gabriela Bennemann, Ambassador of Germany and H.E. Mr Alberto de la Calle, Ambassador of Spain embarked on a two-day mission to Ghanzi to visit EU funded projects and to exchange and meet with local and regional authorities, CSOs, beneficiaries of EU projects, private sector and the media. Ghanzi, which EU HoMs visited for the first time, was selected primarily for a number of EU funded projects being implemented by CSOs (Stepping Stones International and Impact Fund) but also because the district has increasing potential for economic growth, diversification and job creation, priority areas which the local authorities, including Kgosi Annah Rankho in Ghanzi confirmed.

During the meetings with local authorities, EU Ambassador recalled the strong, open and equal partnership the EU has developed over the years with Botswana on various areas of key importance for Botswana, such as trade, economic diversification, renewable energy, biodiversity, climate change and human rights, and EU’s strong interest in supporting sustainable development at local and regional level.

Meeting with the representatives of civil society was one of the highlights of the visit. The European Union Heads of Missions met with 26 representatives from CSOs across the district and exchanged on a range of topics and challenges raised by the CSOs, notably the high rates of unemployment, poverty, alcohol abuse, school dropout, teenage pregnancies, and exposure to HIV. CSOs highlighted the need for support from and cooperation with local and regional authorities to address these challenges. EU Heads of Missions commended the valuable work of the CSOs in benefit of the local communities and reaffirmed their support and close cooperation with the civil society representatives in Ghanzi in areas, which is currently ranging from general capacity building to eco-tourism and promoting gender equality.

The European Union Heads of Missions also visited two local businesses in sectors of key importance for the region (horticultural farm and copper mine) to better understand the doing business environment and the potential for further economic development, especially as to job creation and economic diversification in line with the EU-Botswana partnership priorities.

The EU Film Festival in Ghanzi, organised together with Alliance Française, attracted wide audiences from Ghanzi and around, with approx. 160 persons including students from local primary and secondary schools. EU Ambassador and the Director of Alliance Française officially opened the EU Film Festival to present the programme, which included an animated adventure film Richard the Stork and the documentary film Nkashi: Race for Okavango, made in Setswana in collaboration with Batswana filmmakers, which was produced in collaboration with the National Geographic Society. The festival was also an opportunity to exchange with Thalefang Charles, the producer of Nkashi. Virtual reality sets were available for the audience to experience the beauties of the Delta from a 3D angle.