Boko's hunger for success lands him in Hungary
President Advocate Duma Boko delivered a heartfelt and urgent message to Batswana students studying in Hungary, urging them to strive for excellence as they represent the nation's investment in a better future.
He stressed that Botswana is counting on its youth abroad to help rescue the country from the serious socio-economic challenges it faces.
Boko reflected on the sacrifices of previous generations, saying they had done their part, and now it was time for the younger generation to carry the vision forward.
“Botswana could do better,” he said, “yet it does not have the means to do better for its people, and the leadership is obligated to turn the country around as it is on the brink of collapse.”
“Was I aware of this reality? Yes, to some degree,” Boko said. He explained that he chose to step up because he recognised a looming crisis, and if it isn’t urgently addressed, Botswana risks spiralling into chaos.
He cautioned that the road to recovery will not be easy: the turnaround will take time, and things may worsen before they improve. Yet, he remains confident that things will get better.
The President's remarks came during his historic official working visit to Hungary, the first since diplomatic relations were established in 1980.
During the visit, Boko held high-level meetings with President Tamás Sulyok and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to deepen bilateral ties and open new economic opportunities for Botswana.
Discussions focused on cooperation in key growth sectors such as pharmaceuticals, ICT, manufacturing, and tourism.
President Boko highlighted Botswana’s readiness for mutually beneficial investment, emphasising the country’s stable political environment, educated workforce, and investor-friendly policies.
A key highlight of the visit was his participation in a high-level business forum where he met over a dozen Hungarian companies across sectors such as automotive, water treatment, renewable energy,
and healthcare.
These companies presented concrete proposals and expressed strong interest in working with Botswana, enthusiasm that affirmed the country’s direction toward economic diversification and job creation.
Boko explained that the visit was not symbolic, but a strategic step towards opening new doors for trade and development – a reflection of Botswana's commitment to expand its global footprint and ensure that Batswana benefit.
Beyond economic cooperation, Botswana is also seeking to strengthen ties with Hungary in education, agriculture, and agro-processing.
Boko underscored the nation’s aim to grow its agricultural sector and increase its GDP contribution, noting Hungary’s potential role in supporting that ambition.
In education, Botswana already benefits from Hungarian government-sponsored scholarships, and Boko indicated plans to expand the number of Batswana students benefiting from these opportunities. He also spoke of strengthening cultural ties, particularly through sports.
Botswana is partnering with the Hungary-based International Judo Federation to set up Judo academies in the country and broaden the sport’s reach in schools and communities.
This initiative aims to instil discipline and empowerment among young people.