After signing the agreement with the Government of Botswana in 1974, priorities of cooperation were placed on strengthening political institutions in order to enhance the democratic development of Botswana despite an adverse political environment in the neighbourhood. Early projects targeted political partners, small businesses, trade unions, radio journalists, and academic research.
Up to the end of the 1990s, the foundation concentrated on broad political education programs, especially in rural areas, and on developing strategic individual projects, which provided important impetus for the political, economic and social environment.
From the 1990s onwards, the focus on co-operation shifted. The scope of activities comprised issues such as institutional reforms, economic and social policy, local democracy and policy dialogue with civil society. The FES played an increasing role in promoting regional integration with different programmes in the SADC Region.
Since the beginning of 2000, works in the area of youth and youth politics have been intensified. Every year, the FES brings together young graduates and professionals active in politics and society for several workshops and skills trainings.
In preparation for the elections in 2004, FES Botswana, with the support of the British Embassy and the Department for International Development, launches a workshop programme called "Positioning Women Politicians for 2004 and Beyond", implemented with the "CAUCUS for Women in Politicians" as main partner.
In 2005, FES memorises "40 Years of Democracy in Botswana" with a high level Symposium looking back at 40 years of successful and stable democracy. 2nd Top Table on Civil Society: Resident Representative Marc Meinardus, Director of DITSHWANELO – Botswana Centre for Human Rights Alice Mogwe and Clara Olson, publication editor.
In 2016, the Centre for Conflict Resolution (CCR), Cape Town, South Africa, and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) office in Gaborone hosted a two-day policy advisory group seminar in Gaborone on "Region-Building and Peace-building in Southern Africa". The Botswana seminar assessed key issues on region-building and peace-building in Southern Africa while analysing South Africa’s leadership role in the sub-region.
In August 2017, FES Botswana in cooperation with BOCONGO hosts a panel discussing under topic "Funding of Political Parties. Who pays for Politics?". The panellists were Dr Kaboyakgosi (left), Prof Molomo (second left), Hon Dumelang Selashando (UDC) (second right) and Dr Batlang Serema (BDP) (right).