Gaborone, Nov 12 (NationPress) During her official visit to Botswana, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the Parliament in Gaborone, emphasizing that Africa is indeed the continent of the future.

In her speech, she highlighted Botswana as a remarkable example of democracy, good governance, and effective leadership.

“This nation exemplifies what can be achieved when democracy is allowed to thrive for the benefit of all citizens, with national resources utilized for the comprehensive development of the country and to support the underprivileged,” the President remarked.

She expressed that India and Botswana enjoy a strong friendship founded on mutual trust, respect, shared values, and a commitment to democracy and human dignity.

“Our partnership has been strengthened over the decades through our collaboration and also by the bright prospects that lie ahead,” she stated.

President Murmu noted that the India-Botswana partnership has broadened to include several sectors—education, health, technology, agriculture, defense, trade, and investments.

Moreover, she mentioned that over the past decade, more than a thousand young individuals from Botswana have traveled to India for education and training, returning with new skills, expanded knowledge, and enduring friendships.

Highlighting the need to seize new opportunities, she said, “We must leverage these emerging chances for the benefit of our populations.” She pointed out that Indian companies are actively engaged in Botswana’s diamond, energy, and infrastructure sectors, and emphasized the vast potential for collaboration in renewable energy, digital innovation, pharmaceuticals, and mining.

Additionally, she called on the business communities of both nations to collaborate to maximize the full potential of their economic partnership.

Describing Africa as the continent of the future due to its youthful population and extensive natural resources, the President asserted, “The cooperation between India and African nations can unlock the potential of our 2.8 billion citizens, who make up 40 percent of the world's population,” and stressed that India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 and Africa’s ‘Agenda 2063’ offer a significant opportunity for collaboration between the two regions.