Why does Botswana’s national flag use light blue, black, and white?

The national flag of Botswana, adopted upon the country's independence in 1966, utilizes specific colors to represent its environment and social values:1

• Light Blue: This background color represents the sky and the vital importance of water, which is a scarce and precious resource within the Kalahari Desert.1
• Black and White: The central black stripe, bordered by white stripes, serves as a symbolic contrast to the policies of apartheid that were prevalent in neighboring South Africa at the time. These colors represent the nation's fundamental commitment to racial cooperation and equality.1

The significance of water is further emphasized by the national motto, "Pula," which means rain and signifies hope and confidence in the future.1