Niël Terblanché
In a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties between Botswana and Namibia, the President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi has appointed Mr. Phemelo Rankoro as Botswana’s High Commissioner to Namibia.
This appointment is expected to further enhance the longstanding and robust relationship between the two neighbouring nations.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Botswana, Rankoro is set to assume his role as High Commissioner in Namibia in October 2023.
He will be succeeding Ambassador Dr. Batlang Serema, who has been appointed as Botswana’s envoy to China. According to the ministry, Rankoro brings a wealth of experience to his new diplomatic post. He is a seasoned legal practitioner with over a decade of experience in the private sector in Botswana.
Additionally, he has played an influential role in both the private and government sectors, serving on various boards related to sports and medical fields. Notably, he most recently served as a board director at the Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital. Rankoro’s appointment is expected to contribute to expanding the scope of cooperation between Botswana and Namibia.
The two countries have enjoyed a good diplomatic relationship, characterized by strong neighbourly bonds, enduring friendship, and shared cultural, historical, and familial connections since 1990.
Cooperation between Botswana and Namibia spans multiple sectors, including agriculture, water resources management, defence and security collaboration, and transportation and logistics. Rankoro’s appointment is seen as a step toward deepening collaboration between these nations, which share not only geographical proximity but also common interests and values.
