28 Sep 2026

Botswana and Mozambique have signed an agreement establishing a Bi-National Commission to elevate their 51-year bilateral relations to create a high-level joint meeting to manage all cooperation issues between the two countries.

Welcoming President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique yesterday, President Advocate Duma Boko said Botswana was looking to forge strategic ties to enhance trade relations.

President Boko noted that the two nations were looking to strengthen relations and deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including the livestock industry, where Botswana produces Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines and supply Mozambique.

He added that the country would continue to provide Mozambique and the region with ongoing support against the virus.

President Boko further highlighted the energy sector, noting that Mozambique was upscaling its hydropower project and that Botswana was eyeing further cooperation.

Also, the President said Mozambique was accelerating the expansion of Matola Port, an essential oil storage hub for fuel arriving by sea, which would be core to regional oil importation.

The leaders also agreed to collaborate in transport, logistics, regional connectivity, tourism, defense, security, law and minerals.

On shared security challenges, President Boko stated that both nations faced cross-border crime, thus work together on law enforcement.

He expressed enthusiasm for the return of peace and stability to Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado region following past extremist insurgencies, adding that Botswana deployed forces under the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) and looked forward to continued cooperation on regional and continental issues.

For his part, President Chapo appreciated Botswana’s role in SAMIM, which contributed to peace in Cabo Delgado, as well as for its solidarity during sporadic floods and ongoing FMD vaccine supplies.

He noted that Mozambique was currently reforming its public sector and wished to implement the digitalisation model seen in Botswana.

Furthermore, he emphasised Mozambique’s commitment to maintaining an excellent relationship rooted in the legacy of their liberation leaders.

Meanwhile, the two countries signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) in health, transfer of sentenced prisoners, correctional and penitentiary services, double taxation avoidance, tourism, science, technology and innovation as well as arts and culture.

President Chapo, who arrived yesterday accompanied by First Lady Gueta Chapo, ministers and senior government officials, is in Botswana until tomorrow. ENDS