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The Embassy of Botswana in London |
Contact
Address: 6 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AY
Tel.: 44 (0)20 7499 0031
E-Mail: bohico@govbw.com
http://botswanahighcommission.co.uk/
The Ambassador
Amb. Shimane Lawrence Gaokgethelwe Kelaotswe
Shimane Lawrence Gaokgethelwe Kelaotswe is a veteran Botswana diplomat with more than three decades of experience in the country's foreign service. His career has included senior responsibilities within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic assignments abroad. As High Commissioner in London, he represents Botswana in the United Kingdom and within Commonwealth and other multilateral networks based in London.
History
The diplomatic architecture between Botswana and the United Kingdom carries deep historical significance, dating back to 1885 when the territory was declared a British protectorate (Bechuanaland), a status uniquely initiated by Botswana’s three historic chiefs to prevent external annexation. Following its independence in 1966, Botswana joined the Commonwealth and established its diplomatic seat just off Oxford Street at Stratford Place.
The High Commission in London operates as a primary engine for resource diplomacy, diamond trade security, and eco-tourism promotion between Gaborone and Whitehall. Historically, Botswana has been celebrated as one of Africa’s most politically stable, continuous democracies and a premier exporter of high-quality diamonds. Under High Commissioner Kelaotswe's contemporary leadership, the mission focuses heavily on navigating G7 diamond tracing frameworks, securing post-Brexit trade continuity under the SACUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement, and attracting British investments into green infrastructure and sustainable beef supply chains. Additionally, the High Commission serves as a vital multilateral hub, overseeing Botswana's representation at the Commonwealth Secretariat and managing non-resident ambassadorial accreditations to 11 European nations.
