Sir Seretse Khama Day in Botswana Date in the current year: July 1, 2024

Seretse Khama was born on July 1, 1921. He was the son of Sekgoma II and Queen Tebogo, the chief of the Bamangwato people. He ascended the throne at the age of four after the death of his father, and his uncle Tshekedi Khama became his regent and guardian.

Before Seretse Khama's presidency Botswana was among the world's poorest countries in the world. Khama introduced and followed a vigorous economic program, that enabled Botswana's economy growth to be the fastest in the world. The base of the economy was export of beef, copper and diamonds, the money the country received was reinvested into education, health and infrastructure of Botswana. Khama instituted strong measures against corruption, set low and stable taxes to mining companies and liberalized trade.

Khama's contribution into the development of Botswana will never be forgotten. People of Botswana annually celebrate the birthday of their first president and pay tribute to him.