List of ambassadors of the United States to Botswana
| Ambassador of the United States to Botswana | |
|---|---|
Seal of the United States Department of State | |
Flag of a United States ambassador | |
since 24 May 2023 | |
| Nominator | The president of the United States |
| Appointer | The president with Senate advice and consent |
| Inaugural holder | Charles H. Pletcher as Chargé d'Affaires |
| Formation | September 1966 |
| Website | U.S. Embassy - Gaborone |
From 1885 until 1966 the area of Southern Africa that is now Botswana was part of the Bechuanaland Protectorate of Great Britain.
In June 1964, Britain accepted proposals for democratic self-government in Botswana. The seat of government was moved from Mahikeng in South Africa, to newly established in Gaberones (now Gaborone) in 1965. The 1965 constitution led to the first general elections and to independence on 30 September 1966.
The United States immediately recognized the new nation and moved to establish diplomatic relations. An embassy in Gaberones was established on 30 September 1966—independence day for Botswana. Charles H. Pletcher was appointed as Chargé d'affaires ad interim pending the appointment of an ambassador. He served June 1970–September 1971.