List of Presidents of Botswana: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Botswana from 1966 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Botswana, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Botswana: Duma Boko (in office since 2024).

Presidents of Botswana in order, with years in office

Seretse Khama

Served: 1966–1980

Prime minister from 1965 and first president of independent Botswana; died in office on 13 July 1980.

Quett Masire

Served: 1980–1998

Vice president who succeeded Khama and served until his retirement in March 1998.

Festus Mogae

Served: 1998–2008

Served two terms after succeeding Masire.

Ian Khama

Served: 2008–2018

Son of Seretse Khama; served from April 2008 to April 2018.

Mokgweetsi Masisi

Served: 2018–2024

Succeeded Ian Khama and lost power after the 2024 election.

Duma Boko

Served: 2024–present

Lawyer and opposition leader who was sworn in on 1 November 2024, becoming the first president from outside the Botswana Democratic Party.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Botswana

Who is the current president of Botswana?

The current head of state of Botswana is Duma Boko, in office since 2024.

Who were the previous presidents of Botswana?

The presidents and heads of state of Botswana listed on this page, in order, are: Seretse Khama, Quett Masire, Festus Mogae, Ian Khama, Mokgweetsi Masisi, Duma Boko.

Who was the first president of Botswana?

Seretse Khama was the first president of Botswana, in office 1966–1980.

Sources: Archontology.org, Botswana: Heads of State; Wikipedia, President of Botswana; news reports from October 2026 confirming the incumbent (checked Nov 2026). Botswana has had six presidents since 1966.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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