GABORONE, July 14, 2026 – Honourable Dr. Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations, will represent Botswana at the 121st Session of the Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), scheduled for July 15–16 in Brussels, Belgium.

The meeting will be chaired by Honourable Seedy Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of The Gambia, who currently serves as President of the OACPS Council of Ministers.

The 121st Session will gather ministers from across member states to deliberate on pressing global issues and advance the outcomes of the 11th OACPS Heads of State and Government Summit. Key areas under discussion include trade, investment and economic integration; digital transformation and artificial intelligence; development finance; and people-centred development.

On the sidelines of the Brussels meeting, Dr. Butale will embark on high-level engagements in Germany and Romania aimed at strengthening Botswana’s economic diplomacy.

• Germany: The Minister will meet leading pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing companies to mobilise investment in Botswana’s pharmaceutical production, healthcare, and industrial sectors.
• Romania: He will engage private sector stakeholders to showcase Botswana’s industrial and trade potential, positioning the country as a competitive investment destination.

Dr. Butale is also expected to hold discussions with academic institutions to explore partnerships in capacity-building and student exchange programmes, reinforcing Botswana’s commitment to knowledge-sharing and international cooperation.