Botswana and China Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Elevate Botswana-China Ties
On 13 October 2026, Botswana and China signed several memoranda of understanding to elevate bilateral ties to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The signing ceremony took place in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing right after the bilateral meeting between Botswana’s President Duma Boko and China’s President XI Jinping.
Trade and Investment Dominated by Copper
In 2025, the Botswana-China bilateral trade volume exceeded USD 1.2 billion, with Botswana enjoying a trade surplus of about USD 622 million. Actually, the bulk of Botswana exports to China can attributed to a single mineral, #copper.
It is worth recalling that in 2023, China Minmetals (CMMG) acquired the #Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana for the price of nearly USD 1.9 billion. Then, China Minmetals invested another USD 900 million in February 2026 to expand the mining operations. In September 2026, another Chinese firm, Sinomie, sgined an agreement to acquire a 70% stake in the Okavango Copper Project.
Financial Grant
China reportedly provided a grant of RMB 100 million (BWP 200 million, USD 15 million) to cushion Botswana’s national budget deficit. Part of the money will go to finance the delivery of some social projects. Later on, President Boko officially announced that Botswana will receive a grant totaling BWP 400 million from China.
Global Security Initiative (GSI)
By signing the #GSI, Botswana aligns itself with China’s vision of global governance and an alternative security framework. China will provide training for the Botswana police force. The two sides will share intelligence and collaborate on cybersecurity or other technologies to fight crime.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
The upgraded #BRI agreement builds upon the previous MoU and basically integrates Botswana’s infrastructure development into China’s global supply chain network. Thus, it will unlock China’s more funding and expertise to implement projects in Botswana.
Green Mining
The accord focuses on #CriticalMinerals needed for the #EnergyTransition such as Copper, Lithium, and Manganese. Botswana is keen to diversify from diamond mining and to monetize its other resources under its soil.
Health
China has been dispatching medical teams to Botswana for the past 50 years. The new Agreement builds upon this legacy to reinforce disease surveillance and diagnostic capabilities. China is eager to promote the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine (#TCM).
Human Resources
China shall provide training to Botswana civil servants, educators and technical experts. As part of the Smart Education Program, China will integrate AI and other advanced technologies to augment capacity building.
Zero-Tariff for Botswana’s Citrus
Since the 1st of May 2026, the zero-tariff policy of China for the benefit of African countries has become effective. Botswana plans to take advantage of the zero-tariff treatment to bolster the export of citrus fruits to China, once the #SPS requirements are met.
Corporate Tours
At the invitation of Xi, Boko is undertaking a state visit to China from 12 to 17 October 2026. After Beijing, the Botswana delegation plans to visit Chinese Jeweler Chow Tai Fook and tech giant Huawei. Actually, President Boko kickstarted his official visit to China with a tour of CATL — the world’s largest battery maker — as Botswana ambitions to build an #EV manufacturing base in Serorome Valley.