The Republic of Botswana has become the sixth African country to sign the Artemis Accords, joining a growing group of nations on the continent formalising their participation in the United States-led framework for lunar governance.
Hon David Tshere, Botswana’s minister of communications and innovation, signed the Accords on behalf of the country during a ceremony hosted by NASA at the agency’s headquarters in Washington on 25 June.
Botswana is the 68th country to sign the Accords since their introduction in 2020, and the ninth to do so this year alone.
“It is my privilege to welcome Botswana as the newest signatory of the Artemis Accords,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Mr Matt Anderson.
“Today marks an important milestone in our international partnership and in the continued growth of the Artemis community.” U.S. Department of State Senior Advisor for Space Mr Gregory Autry and Ms Mabedi Ngwenya, acting ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the United States, also took part in the ceremony.
“Botswana, like many countries, who have interest in space exploration, found it important to become a signatory to the Artemis Accords to promote safe, transparent and sustainable civil space exploration and to advance international cooperation under a shared framework for responsible activities in space,” Hon Tshere said at the event.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2026/06/25/botswana-becomes-sixth-african-nation-to-sign-the-artemis-accords/