Driven by trade, the mining sector, agriculture, and technology transfer, economic cooperation between China and Botswana is reaching a new level. Having recorded $1.01 billion in trade in 2024, both nations are now looking to accelerate industrialization and attract further investment. For Botswana, the primary objective remains the local processing of resources, with the aim of fostering value addition and creating sustainable jobs.
Cooperation between China and Botswana is rooted in a shared desire to strengthen economic relations and accelerate development. Elevated to the status of a « comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, » this engagement is driven by a clear ambition: to consolidate political ties, attract investment, and multiply economic opportunities. For Botswana—a nation in Southern Africa—the goal is to leverage this partnership to help diversify its economy.
Excerpt 1 (Translation)
DUMA BOKO
President of the Republic
Botswana
“This excellent Chinese initiative opens up a market of 1.4 billion consumers to African products and provides a boost to our economies. For Botswana, specific agreements will allow our citrus fruits to enter the Chinese market duty-free—a major advantage.”
Trade is a cornerstone of this cooperation. In 2024, the volume of trade reached $1.01 billion, an increase of 42.1% year-on-year. Access to the Chinese market offers promising prospects for Botswana’s agricultural exports, particularly beef and citrus fruits. Exports of the latter, for instance, grew from 2,790.7 tonnes in 2024 to 13,721.2 tonnes in 2025—a clear illustration of the agricultural sector’s potential for expanding trade.
Excerpt 2 (TRANS)
XI JINPING
President of the People’s Republic of China
China
“As early as the 1970s, Botswana supported the restoration of China’s seat at the UN. Today, our two countries are joining forces to realize their ambitions for modernization. Building on this history of mutual support, we must strengthen our ties in this new era to contribute to global progress. That is why I propose elevating our bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.”
Beyond the mining sector, the partnership encompasses industry, the digital sector, and infrastructure, with a priority placed on clean technologies and skills development. Through this initiative, Botswana aims to process its raw resources locally, thereby increasing value-added, creating sustainable jobs, and diversifying its economic landscape.
Excerpt 3 (TRANS)
DUMA BOKO
President of the Republic
Botswana
“This cooperation also extends to health, education, and vocational training. Through investments and technology transfers, Botswana intends to develop its industrial capabilities, generate value-added, and foster employment. The challenge now is to translate this partnership into tangible economic benefits for businesses and the population.”
Beyond natural resources and trade, this collaboration spans the fields of health, education, and vocational training—areas essential for strengthening skills and modernizing Botswana’s economy. Chinese expertise, direct investment, and technology transfers serve as key drivers for development. The primary objective now is to turn these strategic goals into concrete outcomes that benefit businesses, the workforce, and the population as a whole.
