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Monday 07:30 - 16:30 Tuesday 07:30 - 16:30 Wednesday 07:30 - 16:30 Thursday 07:30 - 16:30 Friday 07:30 - 14:00

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Botswana

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Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Botswana

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is a political foundation in Germany committed to social democracy

In Botswana, our main objectives are the support of major institutional and political reforms that would foster the democratic stability in the country, promote the involvement of Non-State-Actors in shaping policy and democracy and strengthen civic participation in political decision-making processes. These processes aid in creating an environment for a comprehensive and expanded political and social public sphere.

10/06/2026

♀️ Feminism: What It Is (and What It Is Not)

Feminism is often misunderstood, yet its core message is simple: women deserve equal rights, opportunities, and dignity.

At the recent YLTP session, participants explored feminist ideology, myths, and realities under the facilitation of Dr. Porita Loeto.

The session also highlighted the Lerato Stories initiative by Feminist Alliance Botswana, which creates safe spaces for dialogue on gender-based violence and its many forms.

As Botswana marks 60 years of independence, this reflection is timely: progress on democratic rights and development must also be measured by how far gender equality has been achieved. Independence is not only political—it is also social and economic freedom for all citizens.

08/06/2026

"The Botswana State at 60: Looking Back to Appreciate the Present and Forecasting the Future!"

As Botswana marks 60 years of statehood, Botswana Council of NGOs and FES invite researchers, policy thinkers, activists, students and citizens to contribute to a landmark publication series:

📌 Proposed Themes
• Is Botswana working for all Batswana? A creative case for the inclusion of women, youth and persons of disabilities in the social, political and economic spheres
• From observer to active citizen: How to truly guarantee public participation in our democracy?
• A democracy that delivers: How to organise service delivery in a post-diamond world? Can social protection be means-tested and rights-based?
• The Climate Crisis hitting hard: How can a structured Just Transition policy framework away from fossil fuel be organised to foster ecological, economic and social justice for Batswana?
• Botswana at 60: the constitution we want! What new models can be used to organize democratic institutions that can deliver and are representative?
• The Trade Unions at the core of the new Botswana: Balancing productivity, merit and workers’ rights in a diversified economy

The best 6 solutions and ideas selected will present at a symposium on a date to be confirmed. Selected papers will:
• Show the history of Botswana and what are the ingredients that have built the Botswana state in the respective area.
• Explain the current state of affairs.
• Tie in the history and present to find creative solutions for the future and outline how such can be achieved.

Submission Guidelines:
• Format: Font Times New Roman, Font Size 12
• Maximum 10 pages
• Open to Botswana Citizens Only
Prize: 10.000 BWP per theme
Deadline: 10 July 2026
Email to [email protected]

📩 Submit your idea and be part of the conversation shaping Botswana's next chapter.

04/06/2026

📢 When Civil Society Speaks, Democracies Respond

The importance of civil society participation in giving citizens a voice in between elections is well established in democratic theory. Scholars argue that active civic engagement strengthens institutional accountability and trust. Similarly, participatory democracy emphasise that democracy is deepened when citizens and organised civil society can meaningfully influence decision-making processes—not just observe them.

The “Bridging the Gap”-project convened a follow-up training bringing together civil society organisations from across Botswana. The training allowed CSO to reflect on the relationship shaping Parliament–CSO engagement. It also allowed the different organisations to work collaboratively to identify thematic legislative priorities in Governance and Oversight, Gender Equality, and Environment and Climate Change.

The “Bridging the Gap”-project is supported by the European Union in Botswana and the Botswana Centre for Public Integrity

02/06/2026

Willkommen, Matthew John!
We are very pleased to welcome Matthew John to the team and are excited to have him on board. We look forward to the energy, insight, and commitment he brings to our work.

Matthew works at the intersection of public administration, political science, and policy work, with experience spanning research, project management, and industrial relations.

He is currently completing a Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the University of Botswana, specialising in Public Policy Analysis, Project Management, and Development Management.

Matthew’s passion for community upliftment is further reflected in his academic work on the effectiveness of social safety nets in poverty eradication.

During his time at FES, Matthew aims to contribute meaningfully to advancing social justice and inclusive development, with a particular focus on empowering disadvantaged groups, including women, children, and communities in peripheral areas. He is especially interested in deepening his experience in policy engagement, programme implementation, and advocacy work that supports equitable societal transformation.

We are delighted to have him join us and look forward to his contribution to the team. 🌍✨

27/05/2026

✨ Molepolole Turns Up for Democracy and Citizen Voices

Molepolole residents showed up in large numbers at Mafenyatala Mall for the Bridging the Gap World Café conversation — proving that Batswana are ready and willing to be part of shaping the country’s democratic future.

The discussions brought together citizens in a vibrant exchange of ideas on how public participation and inclusive governance can be strengthened. From passionate contributions to thoughtful recommendations, the engagement reflected a strong desire for institutions that genuinely listen and respond to the people.

This initiative forms part of an European Union in Botswana co-sponsored project implemented by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Botswana and the Botswana Centre for Public Integrity aimed at strengthening democratic participation and deepening engagement between citizens and public institutions.

The energy and turnout in Molepolole were a reminder that Batswana are not indifferent to governance — they want to engage, contribute, and help build institutions that work for ever

25/05/2026

Re a go amogela, Fiona!

We are delighted to welcome Fiona to as our new intern! 🎉

Having recently completed her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics, Fiona is taking the opportunity before beginning her Master’s studies to immerse herself in the practical world of political and development work.

She joins us with a strong interest in Tax Justice — a subject she explored through her studies on the UN Tax Convention and during her previous experience with FES in Berlin. Fiona is particularly excited to understand how global policy discussions connect with and influence local realities in Botswana.
For Fiona, meaningful political engagement starts with listening. She is eager to learn from Botswana’s diverse voices, engage with local partners and experts, and build genuine connections within the community.

Over the next three months, she looks forward to contributing to the team, learning through experience, and growing alongside the important work being done here.

Welcome to Botswana, Fiona — we are excited to have you with us! ✨

21/05/2026

Progress is not automatic — it is built through people, ideas, and collective action.

At FES and through the spirit of the Global Progressives, we believe real change happens when societies choose freedom, justice, and solidarity over exclusion, inequality, and fear.

The presence of His Honour the Vice President, Mr. Ndaba N. Gaolathe, is a powerful signal of what Botswana can achieve when leadership takes dialogue seriously. It reflects a commitment to democratic engagement, open conversation, and a shared responsibility to confront inequality, unemployment, and the pressures facing citizens today.

Botswana’s future will be shaped by leaders and citizens who are willing to listen, collaborate, and act with courage.

Because progress is only real when it includes everyone.

19/05/2026

⚖️ Youth Voices matter in Constitutional Democracies

Constitutionalism refers to all citizens having a common base grounding us despite our differences on everyday issues. It remains one of the strongest foundations of democratic governance. It is not defined merely by the existence of a written constitution, but by a political and legal culture where power is exercised within clear limits, human rights are protected, and public institutions are held accountable under the rule of law.

Yet, constitutional literacy continues to be a challenge—particularly among young people—often limiting meaningful youth participation in constitutional debates and reform processes. This is especially important in Botswana, where public engagement on constitutional matters, including referenda, plays a critical role in shaping the country’s democratic future.

As part of the FES Youth Leadership Training Programme (YLTP), legal practitioner Mr Martin Dingake engaged participants on the core principles of constitutionalism, the rule of law, and the practical implications of referendum processes in Botswana through interactive role-play debates. The discussion provided participants with a deeper understanding of how constitutional systems function, and why informed civic participation remains essential.

15/05/2026

🌍 Bridging Voices, Building Accountability: CSOs & Parliament in Dialogue

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a vital role in shaping a more transparent, inclusive, and accountable Botswana. Their lived experiences, insights, and advocacy efforts are at the heart of the Bridging the GAP between CSOs and Parliament Project.

In partnership with the Botswana Centre for Public Integrity (BCPI) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Botswana, and with the support of the European Union, we successfully hosted a two-day Fact-Finding CSO Workshop in Palapye

The workshop created an important platform for CSOs to come together, share their experiences engaging with Parliament, reflect on challenges and capacity gaps, highlight key legislative and policy areas requiring attention, and explore opportunities for stronger collaboration with Parliamentary Committees.

The conversations did not end in Palapye. The insights and recommendations gathered will now feed into an ongoing collaborative process, where the project team and participating organizations will continue refining findings and developing practical action plans to strengthen CSO–Parliament engagement.

🤝 Together, we are building stronger pathways for meaningful participation, collaboration, and accountable governance in Botswana

13/05/2026

🌍 Francistown Showed Up!
Go Feta Jaana Re Bue!

Francistown reminded us what democracy looks like when people feel seen, heard, and included. The second Bridging the GAP World Café brought real energy to Blue Jacket Plaza, as community members stopped by, leaned into conversation, and shared honest views on how Parliament connects with the public, how it works with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and how CSOs engage with communities on the ground.

Taking the project to Francistown was important—not only to expand the conversation beyond the usual spaces, but to ensure that national reforms are shaped by voices from every corner of Botswana. Through open dialogue and interactive discussion walls, citizens added their concerns, hopes, and practical recommendations to a growing national effort to strengthen participation and accountability.

Led by the Botswana Centre for Public Integrity (BCPI) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Botswana, with support from the European Union in Botswana, this engagement is helping build a clearer picture of what meaningful collaboration between Parliament, CSOs, and citizens should look like—grounded in real lived experiences.

📍 Molepolole, you’re next!
Go feta jaana re bue — come through and be part of the conversation.

Address

Plot 5261
Gaborone

Opening Hours

Monday	07:30 - 16:30
Tuesday	07:30 - 16:30
Wednesday	07:30 - 16:30
Thursday	07:30 - 16:30
Friday	07:30 - 14:00

Telephone

+2673952441

Website

http://www.fes-botswana.org/

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