12 Oct 2026

As part of his maiden state visit to China, President Advocate Duma Boko is expected to officiate at the Botswana-China Business Forum, a platform that will explore ways in which Botswana can leverage China’s huge consumer market and the new zero-tariff arrangement to increase and diversify its exports to China.

Speaking to BOPA ahead of the high-level engagement that will bring together representatives of Chinese companies and their Botswana counterparts, International Business in India and Asia at the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) director, Mr Dipopego Tsheko, said preparations for the forum were at an advanced stage.

"Thirty companies from Botswana will attend the Botswana-China Business Forum on Thursday in Beijing. We are seeing continued efforts to mobilise more Chinese companies to participate in this initiative," said Mr Tsheko.

He said the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and Mr Miles Nan, a Chinese national who had been doing business in Botswana for 30 years, were among organisations involved in mobilising Chinese companies, with a target of attracting 300 businesses.

“Mr Nan has registered 38 Botswana companies ahead of the anticipated participation in an effort to broaden business representation and strengthen prospects for commercial partnerships,” he said.

Mr Tsheko explained that the forum was designed to produce tangible outcomes.

“This is not just about dialogue, it is about deals. The matchmaking session is a key component of the engagement. It is where we connect Botswana and Chinese companies directly to explore joint ventures, trade opportunities, investment prospects and other mutually beneficial business arrangements” said Mr Tsheko.

Botswana is positioning itself as a gateway for Chinese investment into Africa and Mr Tsheko said, “through continued engagement, both countries have an opportunity to expand market access, promote knowledge sharing and encourage partnerships that support economic diversification and sustainable growth.

“Botswana offers stability, a conducive business environment and access to regional markets, and we want Chinese partners to see that potential,” said Mr Tsheko. BOPA

Meanwhile, President Boko is also expected to hold official talks with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping, to discuss trade and economic cooperation, including ways to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

According to a press release from the Office of the President discussions will focus on key areas such as trade and investment, agriculture, health, education, digitalisation, defence, tourism and infrastructure development among others.

President Boko and President Xi will also exchange views on global peace and security, sustainable development and other international issues of mutual interest.

During the visit, President Boko will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument to the People’s Heroes and officiate

President Boko who is accompanied by First Lady Ms Kaone Boko, ministers Dr Phenyo Butale and Mr Moeti Mohwasa, for International Relations, and State President, Defence and Security, respectively, senior government officials and a business delegation will return to Gaborone October 18. ENDS