06 May 2026

President Advocate Duma Boko has highlighted ongoing efforts to remove barriers and allow citizens of Botswana and Rwanda to travel more freely without obstacles. 

Speaking during official talks in Gaborone yesterday, President Boko commended Rwanda for its policy allowing Batswana to stay in the country for up to six months, up from the previous 90-day limit. 

“It is time for Botswana to reciprocate by extending similar provisions to Rwanda citizens.  

There will be no pre-existing structures that delay or hold back progress,” President Boko said, adding that both countries must embrace new approaches to cooperation and development. 

The President underscored the importance of enhancing people-to-people connections, noting that easing travel restrictions would not only strengthen diplomatic relations but also promoted tourism, trade and cultural exchange. 

He added that both nations stood to benefit from increased collaboration in key sectors such as education, technology and infrastructure development, hence the need for practical implementation of agreements. 

He further highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and exchange of ideas, saying such engagement would enable Botswana and Rwanda to learn from each other and accelerate shared development goals. President Boko also praised Rwanda for its resilience and remarkable recovery from a painful past, describing it as a nation committed to unity, healing and rebuilding. 

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Rwanda people, noting that despite the trauma they endured, they had emerged stronger and more determined to build a cohesive society. 

He reiterated that Botswana was ready to deepen cooperation with Rwanda, emphasising the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and fostering partnerships that deliver tangible results. 

On the African Continental Free Trade Area, President Boko underscored the need for African countries to invest in infrastructure that connects the continent, facilitating trade and the free movement of people and goods. Meanwhile, Rwanda President, Mr Paul Kagame emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying strong bilateral relations between Botswana and Rwanda would significantly contribute to regional integration and economic growth. 

“Partnerships are essential for Africa’s collective progress, by working together, Rwanda and Botswana can unlock new opportunities for our people and contribute to regional integration,” he said. 

President Kagame  is in Botswana on a two-day official state visit, signaling a renewed commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic and security cooperation between the two nations. 

The visit marked a significant milestone in relations between the two countries, which had maintained cordial ties since establishing diplomatic relations decades ago. Ends