Cynthia Thanda

The warm evening breeze swept across the beautiful Gaborone sky as guests gathered at Travelodge Hotel on 3rd November 2026 to celebrate with the Algerian Embassy the 72nd Anniversary of the Glorious Revolution.

The ceremony, officiated by His Excellency Mr. Mourad Boukadoum, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Botswana and Special Representative to SADC, was particularly significant as he had recently presented his credentials to His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana, on 20th October 2026. The occasion also offered a warm welcome to the Ambassador as he begins his diplomatic assignment in a country that will be his new home.

His Excellency expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warmth, Botho and friendly reception he had received from the Government of Botswana and fellow members of the diplomatic community. The ceremony opened with the national anthems of both countries, symbolising mutual respect and marking the beginning of the celebrations.

In his address, Ambassador Boukadoum welcomed the guests and highlighted the growing bilateral relations between Botswana and Algeria, noting that Algeria had established a physical diplomatic presence in Botswana in August 2022.

“I will intensely work with my capital and the Ministry of International Relations of Botswana in order to speed up the review and the finalization of discussions regarding several bilateral draft agreements, with the aim to hold, if possible, next year, the first session of Algeria-Botswana Joint Commission of Cooperation, as well as a session of political consultations between our ministries of foreign affairs,” said His Excellency.

He further noted that he would work towards fostering contacts between Algerian and Batswana businesses, with a view to establishing a joint business council in the near future.

Algeria’s commitment to African development

Beyond its bilateral relations with Botswana, Algeria continues to play an active role in promoting African development, regional integration and economic cooperation.

Ambassador Boukadoum highlighted Algeria’s multifaceted assistance to African countries through development initiatives in several sectors. In 2020, the Algerian International Cooperation Agency for Solidarity and Development was established with a budget of US$1 billion to finance projects in transport infrastructure, power generation, telecommunications, health, education and training. Countries such as Mauritania, Niger, Mali and Chad have already benefited from these initiatives.

Algeria also continues to promote African economic integration through its involvement in several continental infrastructure projects. These include the Trans-Saharan Optic Fibre Broadband Project, which connects Algeria, Niger, Nigeria and Chad, and the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a proposed 4,000-kilometre project designed to transport up to 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually from Nigeria to Algeria through Niger.

These projects carry strategic importance for the continent, particularly in strengthening regional connectivity, facilitating trade and supporting the ambitions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Algeria’s contribution to Africa’s human resource development is also reflected in its hosting of the Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences, including Climate Change (PAUWES), which welcomes students from 31 African countries, including Botswana.

In December 2025, Algeria launched the African Institute for Vocational Training and Education in Boumerdes. The institution is expected to contribute to empowering Africa’s youth through access to practical training and hands-on skills, in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Economic transformation and national development

Turning to Algeria’s domestic development, Ambassador Boukadoum emphasised that under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the country had embarked on ambitious economic reforms and major structural projects since 2020.

Among the key developments are investments in the mining sector, including the Gara Djebilet iron ore mine in Tindouf, which has estimated reserves of two billion tonnes of iron ore, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world. He also highlighted the Djebel El Onk phosphate mine, with estimated reserves of 2.8 billion tonnes.

The country is equally investing in major strategic railway infrastructure. Some projects are already operational, including the 950-kilometre Béchar-Tindouf-Gara Djebilet railway line, while others are under construction, such as the 422-kilometre Annaba-Djebel El Onk line. Another major undertaking is the proposed Algiers-Tamanrasset Railway Corridor, stretching approximately 2,039 kilometres. The corridor is expected to drive economic development in Algeria’s southern regions while strengthening regional connectivity between the Maghreb and West Africa.

According to the Ambassador, these efforts have contributed to steady economic growth since 2020. Algeria currently has the fourth-largest economy in Africa, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projected to reach US$332 billion by the end of 2026. The country also has a strong agricultural sector and an expanding, diversified manufacturing industry that is increasingly gaining ground in international markets.

He further highlighted Algeria’s performance in human development, noting its third-place ranking in Africa in the United Nations Development Programme’s 2026 Human Development Index report.

Drawing a comparison between the two countries, Ambassador Boukadoum noted that both Algeria and Botswana had placed considerable importance on education since independence.

“Like Botswana, Algeria has heavily invested in education since its independence. Currently, 12 million children are in schools. More than 400,000 young people are enrolled in 2,000 vocational training centres and institutes, while 1.9 million students joined the hundred and seventeen universities and higher education institutions of the country during the current academic year 2026-2027.”

He further explained that improving the living conditions of Algerians remained a priority, with more than three million housing units either completed or under construction since 2020. The government has also embarked on the construction of several seawater desalination plants to strengthen the country’s water security.

Botswana reaffirms its commitment to stronger bilateral relations

Delivering the keynote address, Ms Dimpho Mogami, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of International Relations of the Republic of Botswana, shared a toast with His Excellency and conveyed the Government and people’s warm congratulations to Algeria on the historic occasion.

She noted that the Glorious Revolution represented a defining chapter in Algeria’s history and remained a powerful testament to the courage, resilience and determination of the Algerian people in their pursuit of freedom, dignity, sovereignty and self-determination.

“As you celebrate this special occasion, I wish to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Botswana, to extend our warmest congratulations to the President of the Democratic Republic of Algeria, His Excellency President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and through him, to the Government and people of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. We join you in celebrating this important national milestone and honouring the courage and sacrifices of those who secured Algeria’s independence in 1962,” said Ms Mogami.

She further emphasised that the significance of the Glorious Revolution extended beyond Algeria’s borders, having inspired liberation movements across Africa and strengthened the continent’s collective resolve for independence and self-determination. Botswana, she said, held in high regard Algeria’s historical contribution to Africa’s liberation and its solidarity with fellow African nations.

Turning to the two countries’ diplomatic relations, Ms Mogami reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to building on the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

“Your Excellency, Botswana further attaches great importance to its cordial relations with Algeria, founded on mutual respect, solidarity, and a shared commitment to African unity and development. As we reflect on our longstanding diplomatic ties, we recognize the importance of building on our excellent political relations and translating this friendship into deeper economic cooperation and tangible benefits for our peoples,” she said.

She also acknowledged Algeria’s continued support for Botswana’s human resource development. In September 2026, 95 training opportunities were extended to Botswana, while Batswana students have also been afforded opportunities to pursue studies at the Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences, including Climate Change (PAUWES), in Algeria.

These initiatives, she noted, demonstrate the importance of education, technical training, knowledge exchange and skills transfer in strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

Exploring new areas of cooperation

Looking ahead, Botswana sees considerable opportunities for expanding cooperation with Algeria in areas that align with its national priorities of economic diversification, investment promotion and job creation.

These include vocational and technical training, energy, agriculture and livestock development, pharmaceuticals, digital connectivity, transport infrastructure, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Ms Mogami further highlighted opportunities for cooperation between Botswana Oil and Algeria’s Sonatrach, alongside efforts to promote Botswana’s beef exports to the Algerian market. Other areas for potential collaboration include information and communication technology (ICT), research, media and sports.

She emphasised that the two countries also share a commitment to advancing peace, security and development through the African Union and the United Nations. Botswana continues to recognise and appreciate Algeria’s contribution to continental peace and stability, while looking forward to continued collaboration on issues of common interest, particularly Africa’s development and the advancement of the continent’s collective aspirations.

As the evening drew to a close, guests were treated to delicious Algerian cuisine, offering them an opportunity to experience a taste of Algeria’s rich cultural heritage. Conversations continued in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, bringing together members of the diplomatic community and other guests.

Beyond the celebration of a historic milestone, the occasion served as a reminder of the longstanding friendship between Algeria and Botswana, while opening conversations about the possibilities of a stronger partnership built on shared history, solidarity and a common vision for Africa’s developm