24 Sep 2026

Botswana is positioning beef, citrus and other locally produced goods for a bigger share of the Chinese market as new zero-tariff measures open fresh opportunities for exports.

Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa said the trade initiative could help Botswana expand its export base, strengthen economic cooperation with China and support economic transformation.

Speaking at a reception marking China’s 77th National Day in Gaborone on Wednesday, Minister Mohwasa said Botswana was also pursuing investment and partnerships with China under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP).

He said Botswana welcome China’s current implementation of zero-tariff measures for African countries, describing the initiative as an important opportunity to increase exports, deepen trade relations and create jobs.

Mr Mohwasa said Botswana was particularly optimistic about the prospects for beef and citrus following the signing of the Beef Protocol and the imminent conclusion of the Citrus Protocol.

“Not only will this allow us to export our world renowned high quality beef to the Chinese market, but it will also serve to expand the market for more of our products,” he said. The move comes as Botswana seeks to diversify its economy and increase the range of products it sells to international markets.

Beyond trade, the minister highlighted China’s contribution to Botswana’s development through infrastructure, health and capacity building. He cited projects including the Mosetse-Kazungula railway line, major road works like the Mmopane-Block 8 road and Ramaeba Primary School in Kazungula.

“China has also supported Botswana’s health sector through medical teams and the provision of medical equipment and supplies,” he said. Minister Mohwasa said Chinese scholarships enabled young Batswana to pursue education in China, contributing to the country’s ambition of developing a knowledge-based economy.

He said Botswana would continue engaging China on investment opportunities and partnerships capable of expanding economic cooperation and supporting national development. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Fan Yong said the China-

Botswana cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation framework has in the first half of 2026, bilateral trade volume reaching US$852 million.

He said the development represented a 58.6 per cent year-on-year increase, adding that the economic cooperation between the two countries continue to gain momentum. Mr Fan highlighted China’s decision to extend zero tariff treatment to all 53 African countries, saying the measure could create new opportunities for Botswana’s exports and economic diversification.

“Almost all Botswana’s products entering China are eligible for duty free treatment,” he said, adding that China was looking forward to Botswana benefiting from access to its large consumer market.

Ambassador Fan also cited the Khoemacau Copper Mine expansion project, which he said had created approximately 4 500 local jobs, and the commencement of operations at the Jwaneng 100MW Solar Power Plant.  He said the two countries were also expected to sign a protocol paving way for Botswana’s citrus exports to China. ENDS