President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko has left Botswana yesterday for his first State Visit to the People’s Republic of China from October 12 to 17, 2026, in a move expected to strengthen Botswana’s economic partnership with one of the world’s largest economies.
The visit, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, comes as Botswana and China seek to translate five decades of diplomatic relations into tangible economic opportunities, following the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties celebrated in January 2025.
During the visit, President Boko will hold official talks with President Xi Jinping, focusing on trade and economic cooperation, investment, agriculture, health, education, digitalisation, defence, tourism and infrastructure development.
The discussions are expected to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two countries, with several bilateral agreements anticipated to expand cooperation across key sectors of their economies.
A significant focus will be on strengthening trade relations and identifying opportunities for Botswana to diversify its exports to the Chinese market. The two countries are also expected to build on existing arrangements, including the Beef Protocol and the Tourism Cooperation Agreement.
President Boko’s programme will include participation in the Botswana–China Business Forum, a platform designed to deepen commercial relations, promote investment and strengthen business-to-business partnerships.
The forum will explore how Botswana can leverage China’s vast consumer market and the new zero-tariff arrangement to increase and diversify exports. It will also provide an opportunity for businesses from both countries to identify investment prospects, develop commercial partnerships and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The engagement builds on the outcomes of the Botswana–China Business Forum held in June 2025 in China’s Hunan Province, reflecting continued efforts to move bilateral economic cooperation from dialogue to implementation.
Beyond trade, the visit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on global peace and security, sustainable development and other international issues of mutual interest.
President Boko is also scheduled to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the People’s Heroes and visit key sites showcasing China’s economic and technological advancement, including the Huawei Beijing Institute.
These engagements could offer Botswana valuable insights into technological innovation and industrial development as the country seeks to strengthen economic diversification and expand opportunities beyond its traditional economic sectors.
The State Visit comes at a time when Botswana is seeking new avenues for investment, export growth and economic transformation. Strengthened cooperation with China could create opportunities for local businesses, support market diversification and encourage collaboration in infrastructure, agriculture and technology.
However, the success of the visit will ultimately depend on how effectively the agreements and commitments reached are translated into projects that deliver measurable benefits for Botswana’s economy and its people.
President Boko will be accompanied by First Lady Mrs Kaone Boko, Minister of International Relations Dr Phenyo Butale, Minister for State President, Defence and Security Moeti Caesar Mohwasa, senior government officials and a business delegation.
The President and his delegation are expected to return to Gaborone on October 18, 2026. During his absence, Vice-President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe will assume the role of Acting President of the Republic of Botswana.
