A Call for Faith, Unity, and Renewal – Botswana National Prayer Day 2025

Gaborone, 14 September 2025

On Sunday the 14th of September, Botswana witnessed a historic moment as leaders from government, the private sector, and the Church gathered under one roof for the National Leadership Prayer Service in Gaborone. The event was convened under the leadership of the President of the Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana (EFB), Pastor David Seithamo, alongside other Christian leaders.

A Continental Voice for Faith and Governance

Delivering one of the keynote messages, Dr. Master Matlhaope, Secretary General of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA), emphasized the central role of spirituality in democratic governance and national development. Representing a continental body that spans 51 countries, he called on Botswana to recognize that true freedom must be anchored in virtue and faith, forming what he referred to as the “golden triangle” of freedom, virtue, and faith.

“This is how critical faith is in a democratic governance. It is in understanding of this golden triangle that you will begin to appreciate the value in true sense of the Church. You begin to appreciate fully the value of pastoral work, when you fully appreciate the critical need of faith in a democratic dispensation. That is when you can answer the question about the value of a pastor,” Dr. Matlhaope said.

He further reflected on Botswana’s economic challenges, particularly inequality and reliance on diamonds, calling this a pivotal season for renewal, justice, and diversification. “As much as the opportunity is cumbersome and heavy, it is a good challenge. If we can apply our minds and get it right, nobody will ever stop us. We will be unstoppable as a country,” he said.

As part of his visit, Dr. Matlhaope also presented a souvenir gift to President Boko from Africa International University (AIU), where he serves as Chancellor.

President Boko’s Message of Hope and Unity

President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko delivered a heartfelt address, beginning not with political promises but with a message of hope rooted in God’s Word. Acknowledging the pressing issues facing many Batswana — unemployment, rising costs of living, and challenges in the health sector — he struck an empathetic tone:

“These are painful realities, and as your leader, I carry this burden with you,” he said.

Drawing from his own journey of adversity, President Boko shared that his strength and perseverance had come from God. Quoting the book of Habakkuk, he reminded the congregation:

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines… yet I will rejoice in the Lord.”

He urged Batswana to remain united and compassionate, saying: “Botswana has overcome trials before, and we will rise again. But we must do it together, as one people who trust in God.”

A Nation in Prayer

“It is very necessary that when a nation is under siege the only supreme being to consult is God because in Him we live and move and have our being, “said Pst. Seithamo, the president of EFB.

Pastor David Seithamo also encouraged that prayer must be escalated even to the highest levels of leadership, especially in a time when the nation is facing deep social and moral challenges such as corruption, economic hardship, unemployment, poverty, gender-based violence and accidents.

The day concluded with collective prayers for Botswana’s future — petitions for unity, righteous leadership, economic renewal, and God’s continued guidance.

The National Leadership Prayer Service 2025 marked a new chapter in Botswana’s spiritual and democratic journey, reminding the nation that faith, when placed at the heart of governance, can anchor both hope and transformation.