Batswana consider China more influential

Batswana widely see China as more influential in Botswana than the United States, the European Union (EU) and Japan, a new Afrobarometer study indicates.

The results of an assessment on the economic and political influence of foreign powers in Botswana, released in August this year, suggest that nearly half of the citizens say that China’s economic activities in the country have some or a lot of influence on the country’s economy. This is despite a majority of Batswana saying they don’t know enough to assess the economic and political influence of these foreign powers.

According to the results of the survey, three in 10 (30%) Batswana say the economic and political influence of China on their country is somewhat positive or very positive exceeding positive perceptions of the United States (25%), the EU (22%) and Japan (18%).

“Only small minorities see their influence as negative, while the majorities say they ‘don’t know’. Nearly half, 46% of Batswana say China’s economic activities have ‘some’ (16%) or ‘a lot’ (30%) of influence on Botswana’s economy, although an equal share (46%) say they ‘don’t know’,” reads the study.

The study further indicates that men (52%) and urban residents (57%) are more likely than women (41%) and rural residents (43%) to see China’s economic activities as influential. This view increases with respondents’ education level, ranging from 25% amongst citizens with no

formal schooling to 66% amongst those with post-secondary qualifications. Additionally, the study shows that most women (51%), rural and semi-urban residents (49%), the elderly (65%) and citizens with no formal education said they don’t know the economic influence of

China’s economic activities.

Moreover, the study found out that most men, urbanites, and the educated citizens are more likely to see China’s economic and political influence more positive than women, rural residents, and less educated respondents. Botswana has bilateral relations with these global powers, and in recent times, the government has intensified efforts to attract foreign direct investment. Whilst China and Botswana have enjoyed cordial relations, President Mokgweetsi Masisi has in recent times intensified efforts to attract Chinese companies to invest in the

diamond-rich country.