Historical leaders of Botswana and other associated countries

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The following list shows all historical leaders of Botswana starting with the most recent. The definition of leader differs across countries, usually referring to a head of state or head of government. This list shows the person who is publicly recognized as the leader, i.e., the person representing the country internationally and being in charge of running the day-to-day domestic political agenda.

In case the country has seen one or multiple political transformations over time, former governance structures are also listed below.

Leaders of Botswana

Botswana

Duma Boko

President

Since Nov 1st, 2024

Botswana

Mokgweetsi Masisi

President

Apr 1st, 2018 to Nov 1st, 2024

Botswana

Ian Khama

President

Apr 1st, 2008 to Apr 1st, 2018

Botswana

Festus Mogae

President

Apr 1st, 1998 to Apr 1st, 2008

Botswana

Quett Masire

President

Jul 18th, 1980 to Mar 31st, 1998

Botswana

Seretse Khama

President

Sep 30th, 1966 to Jul 13th, 1980

Leaders of Bechuanaland Protectorate

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Hugh Selby Norman-Walker

Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1965 to Sep 30th, 1966

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Peter Fawcus

Commissioner

Oct 3rd, 1963 to Dec 31st, 1964

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Peter Fawcus

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1960 to Oct 3rd, 1963

Bechuanaland Protectorate

John Redcliffe Maud

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1959 to Dec 31st, 1959

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Martin Osterfield Wray

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1955 to Dec 31st, 1958

Bechuanaland Protectorate

William Forbes Mackenzie

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1953 to Dec 31st, 1954

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Edward Betham Beetham

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1950 to Dec 31st, 1952

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Anthony Sillery

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1946 to Dec 31st, 1949

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Aubrey Denzil Forsyth-Thompson

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1942 to Dec 31st, 1945

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Charles Noble Arden-Clarke

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1937 to Dec 31st, 1941

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Charles Fernand Rey

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1930 to Dec 31st, 1936

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Rowland Mortimer Daniel

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1928 to Dec 31st, 1929

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Jules Ellenberger

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1923 to Dec 31st, 1927

Bechuanaland Protectorate

James Comyn Macgregor

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1917 to Dec 31st, 1922

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Edward Charles Frederick Garraway

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1916 to Dec 31st, 1916

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Francis William Panzera

Resident Commissioner

Jan 1st, 1906 to Dec 31st, 1915

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Ralph Champneys Williams

Resident Commissioner

Sep 30th, 1901 to Dec 31st, 1905

Bechuanaland Protectorate

Hamilton John Goold-Adams

Resident Commissioner

Sep 30th, 1897 to Dec 31st, 1900