When did Seretse Khama become Botswana’s first president?

Sir Seretse Khama became the first president of Botswana in 1966, the same year the country gained independence from Great Britain and became the Republic of Botswana.12

Prior to his presidency, Khama had served as the prime minister of the territory—then known as the Bechuanaland protectorate—following its transition to self-governance in 1965. He led the country until his death in 1980, during which time he promoted a multiracial democracy and worked to strengthen the nation's economy.12