12 Oct 2026

Minister of Higher Education, Mr Prince Maele, has been appointed acting President from October 10 to 18, following the absence of President Advocate Duma Boko and Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe from the country.

According to a press release from the Office of the President, President Boko is in China for a state visit from October 12 to 17, 2026, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During the visit, President Boko is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation between Botswana and China in key sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, health, education, digitalisation, tourism and infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, Mr Gaolathe has travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, to attend the 2026 International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Annual Meetings.

President Boko and Mr Gaolathe are expected to return to Gaborone on October 18 and 20, respectively. ENDS