18 Jun 2026

Botswana is looking up to the proposed water transfer project with Lesotho as a sustainable solution to its water scarcity challenges and growing energy needs.

The proposed water transfer involves construction of Magaleng Dam to specifically supply water to Botswana across a distance of approximately 700km.

The remarks were made by President Advocate Duma Boko during the inaugural opening ceremony of the Botswana-Lesotho Bi- National Commission in Gaborone on June 18.

“We continue as Botswana to confront challenges of water scarcity and we seek sustainable solutions to our energy needs," he said.

He added that once the water reaches Botswana, the country would be able to build a hydro power station of five megawatts to enhance energy security.

President Boko also announced the donation of 100 000 doses of Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine to Lesotho, saying it was a demonstration of the enduring friendship and solidarity between the two countries.

Further, he said the donation reflected the spirit of brotherhood that continued to define relations between Botswana and Lesotho.

Speaking at the same event, Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Matekane said the two countries could unlock greater economic opportunities by combining their strengths in industrialisation, agriculture, trade and investment.

He said Lesotho’s manufacturing capabilities in textiles, agro-processing and diamond beneficiation, together with Botswana’s strengths in mining and livestock, provided a foundation for building integrated value chains.

“By working together, we can move beyond exporting raw materials and instead build integrated value chains that create jobs and open new markets across the region and beyond,” Mr Matekane said. ENDS