27 Sep 2025

Botswana has lauded China as a constant and trusted partner in economic and social development, and intends to draw valuable lessons from the extraordinary success story of the Asian country. 

Speaking at the 76th anniversary celebrations of the National Day of China on Wednesday in Gaborone, Minister for State President Mr Moeti Mohwasa expressed appreciation for China’s long-standing support to Botswana in key areas such as health, infrastructure and capacity building.

“Botswana remains grateful for the many contributions China has made to economic and social development,” said Mr Mohwasa, who was acting for the Minister of International Relations Dr Phenyo Butale.

Projects such as Mosetse-Kazungula railway line, the construction of Ramaeba Primary School, and the invaluable work of Chinese medical teams, are some of the fruits of the cooperation, he said.

Mr Mohwasa pointed that Botswana had continued to receive support from China in recent years, including financial grants aimed at advancing critical sectors within Botswana’s development agenda. He said the government was inspired by China’s economic achievements and would draw valuable lessons from its extraordinary story of success. 

“Since the 1970s, China has sustained over nine per cent annual GDP growth for three decades and lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty,” he said.

“Today, we also celebrate a country that has stood firmly with Africa,” he added, referencing China’s recent move to exempt tariffs on a wide range of products from 53 African nations. 

“Botswana is optimistic about the opportunities this presents, particularly following the signing of the Beef Protocol, which will open the Chinese market to our premium beef exports.”

Mr Mohwasa also commended President Xi Jinping for his initiatives on sustainable development and equitable global governance, pointing that the initiatives promoted inclusive growth and long-term prosperity for developing nations, including Botswana.

He also extended appreciation to China Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Fan Yong, for his efforts in deepening bilateral ties and underscoring a shared commitment to continued cooperation, with both nations reaffirming their vision of mutual development and global solidarity.

Ambassador Fan on the other hand reaffirmed China’s steadfast commitment to Africa’s development through trade, investment and global governance reforms, citing deepening economic ties, enhanced cooperation under the Global Governance Initiative, and historic progress under China’s 14th Five-Year Plan.

Mr Fan noted that the country’s ongoing economic strength and international leadership continued to serve as an engine for global development. He also reiterated on President Xi’s Global Governance Initiative, a framework designed to close existing gaps in international governance, saying they aligned.closely with the core interests of African countries.

Mr Fan called for Botswana’s active participation in President Xi’s Global Governance Initiative, advocating for stronger cooperation to build a more inclusive and equitable global order.

“I hope that Botswana would soon capitalise on the zero-tariff policy, enabling its high-quality products to reach China’s vast consumer market,” he said, adding that China would support Botswana’s national goals of economic diversification and sustainable development.

“China is ready to partner with all sectors in Botswana to deepen political trust, align development strategies, and deliver mutual benefits. Together, we can build a strategic partnership marked by shared prosperity and a brighter future,” he said. ENDS