12 Aug 2026

Business Botswana Chief Executive Officer, Ms Tumi Mbaakanyi has called on stakeholders to pursue targeted, result-oriented policy measures aimed at creating a more efficient and conducive trading environment between Botswana and Nigeria. 

Officially opening Botswana and Nigeria high-level business forum in Gaborone recently, Ms Mbaakanyi highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two nation, founded on mutual respect and cooperation, noting that opportunities remained for expanding bilateral trade, investment and private sector collaboration. Held under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the forum sought to facilitate direct business-to-business engagements between private-sector companies and business-support organisations from the two countries. 

“May today’s session be more than just a discussion, but a reflection of a belief that meaningful economic transformation happens when governments create enabling environments for businesses to invest, innovate and collaborate,” she said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre export promotion manager, Mr Calvin Ketshabetswe underscored the substantial opportunities available to businesses in both countries.

He said leveraging the comparative strengths of Botswana and Nigeria could enable entrepreneurs to establish new value chains, unlock investment opportunities, facilitate knowledge and skills transfer, and ultimately contribute to the creation of sustainable and decent employment.

The two countries are seeking to expand bilateral trade and investment through the AfCFTA framework, with potential opportunities identified in sectors including agribusiness, mining services, manufacturing, logistics, financial services, digital technologies and the creative industries.

High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Botswana, Mr John Shama Shaga, reiterated that the primary objective of the AfCFTA was to establish a single continental market for goods and services, encompassing more than 1.2 billion people, while deepening economic integration and promoting intra-African trade.

“This forum will deepen trade between the two countries if both capitalise on Nigeria’s population as a substantial market, while Botswana, with its stable resource management, can build resilient supply chains that can yield economic prosperity of immense propensity,” he said.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlighted its commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across Africa, particularly by ensuring that women, youth and small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) benefit from market opportunities arising from the implementation of the AfCFTA.

Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Botswana, Ms Josephine Lewis, said it was important for SMMEs to develop a sound understanding of AfCFTA trade protocols, including rules of origin, goods classification, certification requirements and market-access procedures.

“We stand ready to support governments and private-sector entities in realising the AfCFTA vision and encourage them to use platforms such as these for tangible outcomes in building lasting connections that drive prosperity across Africa,” she said.

The successful implementation of AfCFTA trade opportunities between Botswana and Nigeria has the potential to strengthen bilateral economic relations, promote private-sector collaboration and contribute to broader continental economic integration. 

Available trade statistics indicate considerable volatility in trade flows between the two countries. Botswana’s exports to Nigeria declined from approximately US$1.4 million in 2023 to US$147,000 in 2024, while imports from Nigeria decreased from US$376,000 in 2023 to approximately US$161,000 in 2024. ends