21 Apr 2026

Botswana and Angola must move beyond their shared liberation history and deliver economic benefits for citizens through stronger bilateral cooperation, Minister for State President, Defence and Security Mr Moeti Mohwasa said Monday.

Speaking during a courtesy call by Angola Ambassador to Botswana Sandro de Oliveira in Gaborone, Mr Mohwasa said the two countries’ long-standing relationship, forged during Southern Africa’s liberation struggles, should translate into tangible development outcomes.

He noted that Botswana and Angola had enjoyed cordial relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1975, a partnership he called pivotal in the wider regional struggle for independence.

Mr Mohwasa said Angola’s liberation played a significant role in advancing freedom in the region, contributing to the eventual independence of Namibia and the end of apartheid in South Africa.

While those achievements marked the first phase of liberation, the region has now entered a second phase focused on improving the socio-economic well-being of citizens, he said. 

“We are now in the phase where we must deliver for our people and ensure a better quality of life. That is why partnerships, such as the one between Botswana and Angola, are critical,” Mr Mohwasa said.

The minister called for enhanced cooperation in key sectors, including energy. He noted that Botswana could benefit from Angola’s oil resources through strengthened bilateral arrangements.

He also reflected on Botswana’s historical role in hosting refugees during the Angolan conflict, saying such shared experiences cemented strong ties between the peoples of the two nations.

The minister further acknowledged that language differences, stemming from differing colonial histories, remain a challenge, with Angola being Portuguese-speaking and Botswana English-speaking.

However, he said such barriers should not hinder cooperation, instead it should encourage deeper cultural exchange and regional integration.

Furthermore, Minister Mohwasa highlighted the importance of consolidating relations within Southern African, stressing that countries such as Namibia and Zimbabwe shared common historical and developmental goals.

He assured that the Botswana government remain committed to exploring avenues to strengthen diplomatic, economic and social ties with Angola, adding that continued engagement at both political and technical levels was key to unlocking mutual benefits.

For his part, Ambassador de Oliveira expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Botswana, particularly in areas of mutual interest.

He reaffirmed Angola's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Botswana, with a focus on defence cooperation, peacekeeping collaboration and cross-border tourism initiatives.

Ambassador de Oliveira, who was leading the Angolan delegation that is in the country for a high-level working visit, said the visit formed part of ongoing engagements with key government stakeholders.

He noted that the Office of the President was among the most important institutions that the delegation sought to engage with, following their arrival in Botswana.

The Ambassador also emphasised Angola’s interest in learning from Botswana’s experience in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, describing the country as a valuable partner in promoting regional stability.

Mr de Oliveira further commended Botswana’s leadership in advancing negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of defence.

Additionally, he expressed optimism that the agreement will be finalised during the upcoming Joint Permanent Commission (JMC) session and signed on the margins of a planned state visit by President Advocate Duma Boko to Angola.

Mr de Oliveira also revealed that Angola’s Minister of National Defence was also planning a working visit to Botswana, expected to take place in May 2026, with dates to be confirmed through diplomatic channels.

On wildlife cooperation, the Angolan Ambassador confirmed that Botswana had offered Angola 1 000 elephants, 'an initiative that has been positively received by the Angolan government'.

He said preparations were underway in Angola’s Cuando Province to receive the animals, including efforts to clear landmines and establish safe migration corridors.

Ambassador de Oliveira explained that the initiative will allow elephants to move freely between the two countries in search of food, while also boosting tourism along the shared border.

Regarding oil sector cooperation, he said a bilateral commission was currently working on the matter, adding that further details will be provided by the respective ministers in due course.

He expressed confidence that ongoing engagements will yield positive outcomes for both countries. ENDS