17 Sep 2026

Oman remains a reliable and committed partner in Botswana’s development drive, as the two countries move to formalise cooperation in several sectors.

Speaking at official talks in Gaborone yesterday during the inaugural state visit by the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, President Advocate Duma Boko said the visit reflected the depth of relations between the two countries and presented an opportunity to strengthen them further.

He said the relations had culminated in the operationalisation of a visa-free travel arrangement with Oman to facilitate the movement of people.

President Boko appreciated the speed and agility with which Oman responded to Botswana’s initiatives and demonstrated readiness to implement agreements in the shortest possible time.

He said the relationship was already bearing fruit within two years of the initial discussions, citing the launch of the Maun 500-megawatt solar-plus-storage project as a testament.

“The 500-megawatt project in particular is by far the highlight of the excellent relations between the two countries, as it was launched in about 10 months from the first engagement,” he said.

President Boko said other areas of cooperation to be pursued included tourism and environmental conservation, health, agriculture and food security, mining, trade and sustainable energy.

“We would like to cooperate in health. We have faced a crisis in the health sector with shortages of essential medicines, and we know Oman is well placed to support and assist our efforts in resolving this problem,” he said.

He said the two countries were also exploring cooperation in investment promotion and would conclude a memorandum on the elimination of double taxation and reciprocal protection of investments.

President Boko said Botswana had begun concrete steps towards operationalising cooperation in exploration and mining, expressing hope that Omani investors would come on board.

He assured Omani investors that Botswana offered a conducive investment environment and was ready to host like-minded partners for the betterment of its citizens.

“Botswana offers a safe and stable environment for investment, cemented by the seamless and peaceful democratic transition in 2024,” he said.

President Boko also commended Oman for its role in international affairs, particularly its efforts to promote peace and security in relation to the Strait of Hormuz.

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik said the signing of several memoranda of understanding between Botswana and Oman was just the beginning of greater things to come.

He said although the two countries had already begun cooperation in green energy, there were many more areas to explore.

The Sultan said despite the distance between the two countries, they could become close friends and partners, adding that there was a great opportunity and a long way to go towards achieving a shared vision. ENDS