Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Botswana Oleksiy SYVAK visited NUBiP of Ukraine
On October 13, 2025, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Botswana Oleksiy SYVAK visited NUBiP of Ukraine. The visit took place as part of the expansion of the University's international academic cooperation with African countries.
During the visit, a working meeting was held with the rector of NUBiP of Ukraine — Vadym TKACHUK; the meeting was also attended by the vice-rector for scientific and pedagogical work and international activities Olexandr LABENKO, head of international relations department Maxym KLYMENKO and a leading specialist Oleksiy KRAVCHENKO. The meeting participants discussed in detail potential areas of cooperation between NUBiP of Ukraine and leading universities in Botswana.
The main focus was on opportunities for academic exchanges, joint research projects in the field of agricultural technologies and nature management, as well as prospects for attracting students from Botswana to study at a Ukrainian university. Double degree programs and the development of joint educational programs between higher education institutions of the two countries were discussed separately.
Separately, the Ambassador noted that Botswana for Ukraine can be a bridge for developing cooperation in all spheres of life, including education, with the countries of the African Development Community (SADC).
A separate item of the visit program was a meeting with students of NUBiP of Ukraine. During a conversation Oleksiy Volodymyrovych shared his own experience of the diplomatic service and spoke about the peculiarities of intercultural communication in Africa. The ambassador stressed that to build trust, it is important to understand the historical context and values of partners. Oleksiy SYVAK noted that in Botswana, it is often repeated, «You call It Africa – we call it Home» — words that reflect the people's deep respect for their land and identity. He recalled what type of a diplomatic thought the Botswana people have formed given their experience, «Tell us what you can give us, and then we'll start a conversation,» because for many years white people only took, giving nothing in return. But now Botswana is cautiously building a diplomatic dialogue and seeking new trust.
Mr. SYVAK continues to emphasize in his diplomatic activities that Ukraine is different from russia, and, as he noted in a conversation with partners, «Ukraine is part of your (Botswana) struggle.» We are talking, in particular, about the role in supporting anti-apartheid: the Soviet Union supported national liberation movements in Africa, including Botswana. When the Soviet Union collapsed, most of the glory was taken over by russia. According to him, information competition is going on now, as China and other countries present the history of Ukraine in African states in a different way (compared with us).
The diplomat also gave an example of his own work: during the celebration of Prison Day in Botswana, which was ignored by other embassies, it was the Ukrainian ambassador who found the opportunity to meet with the president, ministers and representatives of state structures. This was evidence of a deep understanding of the political life of the partner country and the ability to find a common language even in unexpected circumstances. Oleksiy Volodymyrovych stressed that interest is the first step to knowledge, and it is interest that helps to build effective diplomacy and international partnership.
The ambassador said that Botswana is now in a state of economic stagnation. After independence, the country had only 12 km of roads and about 20 university graduates, but seven months after that, significant diamond deposits were found. This made it possible to quickly meet the basic needs of the population in water, food, and medicine. However, such a rapid stabilization has led to a loss of entrepreneurial spirit: many people are used to relying on the state and external financial revenues. As the diplomat noted, "you follow the textbook of Ukrainian mistakes," hinting at the importance of self-interest and initiative.
One of the most pressing problems of Botswana, the ambassador called food security, because the Gini coefficient (a coefficient as a measure of household income inequality in a country or region) is as much as 57%, which indicates a significant dependence on food imports. In this context, the diplomat noted the trend towards mutual integration of African countries — they are moving towards creating an analog of the European Union, a common economic space that will promote trade and innovation.
Another problem, according to Oleksiy SYVAK — Botswana has an energy dependence on the Republic of South Africa, which provides two-thirds of its electricity. Which often acts as a lever of political influence, is an analogy to Russia's gas manipulations at one time. Therefore, the country is actively looking for partners to develop its own energy infrastructure. In this context, he stressed that Ukraine is a country of expertise, especially in the fields of agricultural technologies, pipeline construction and energy.
The ambassador also shared concrete examples of cooperation. In particular, Botswana has signed a contract with China for the supply of veal in the amount of 8 80 million, and Ukrainian agricultural holdings are already considering investing in the African agricultural sector. «Botswana is a prospect,» the diplomat said, emphasizing the country's stability and favorable business conditions.
He added that Botswana is unique in that it has never experienced internal conflicts. This makes it attractive for foreign investors: businesses can safely operate and withdraw funds without the risk of political instability. That is why Mr. SYVAK urged Ukrainian students to look at the world more broadly and not limit their vision only to the European direction.
For us, this meeting was a vivid example of modern, active diplomacy that goes far beyond formal statements. Ukraine confidently assumes the role of a conductor of East-Central Europe in Africa, demonstrating openness, professionalism and readiness to build the future through real actions. As Oleksiy SYVAK emphasized — we develop together with the Republic of Botswana not just official contacts, but real partnerships — based on trust, practical cooperation and common interests, Ukraine's cooperation with Botswana is not just about beautiful words or symbolic gestures. The main thing is practical interaction: developing economic ties, educational opportunities and creating strong partnerships. So, on the Independence Day of Ukraine, a joint prayer for our country was held. Everyone was particularly inspired by the ambassador's words that Ukraine acts not out of compulsion, but out of sincere interest and faith in the importance of this direction.
Besides, Oleksiy SYVAK shared his personal motives and professional inspiration, «In our diplomatic career, we are fighting for the opportunity to realize ourselves in the country and get the honorary right to represent Ukraine.» He also gave us, the students, an important piece of advice: knowing the language and traditions of the country in which you work opens the door to trust, mutual understanding and effective communication. These words have become a hint for those who dream of a career in the international sphere.
After a story about the diplomatic mission in Botswana, students had the opportunity to put questions to Oleksiy SYVAK. The answers so captured the audience that the questions followed one after another. The time of the meeting passed unnoticed so the students are looking forward to the next visit of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine to learn even more about the prospects of Ukrainian-African cooperation.
The open meeting was not just a lecture for us, but a source of motivation. We had an unforgettable experience, full of sincerity, openness and faith in great opportunities. Everyone was particularly struck by how inspiringly and confidently Oleksiy SYVAK was speaking. His words were not just diplomatic phrases — they touched the hearts, inspired us to act, dream boldly and believe in our own strength. He showed that diplomacy is not only about politics, but also about people, trust, knowledge and great ideas that change the world. We left the meeting with a desire to contribute to the development of international relations in Ukraine.