The European Union has signed a €60 million aid bill meant to support Botswana's human resource development, education, training and HIV/AIDS programs.

The EU has also allocated extra funds – €10.5 million – specifically to compensate for some of the export losses suffered in Botswana's diamond industry.

The bill was signed following a visit by President Ian Khama to the EU and a visit by the European Parliament team to Botswana.

Paul Malin, who headed the EU's mission to Botswana, said Gaborone signed an interim economic partnership agreement, adding he hoped it would be implemented without difficulty.

According to a Botswana Government press release, the EU was preparing a new support program for non-state actors both non-governmental and the private sector.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Phandu Skelemani said that the European Union's assistance, both to the diamond industry and other sectors was said "critical during the uncertain economic times. Botswana (wants) to stimulate private sector activity by introducing several infrastructure projects as an economic stimulus."

Skelemani stressed that the bill demonstrated the EU's substantial confidence in the country's system of governance by extending the sectorial budget support.