20 Oct 2026

Botswana is seeking to accelerate economic diversification, improve healthcare delivery and attract foreign direct investment following a six-day state visit to China, which secured a P400m grant and medical equipment and consumables valued at approximately P40m.

Addressing the nation at a press conference in Gaborone on October 19, President Advocate Duma Boko said the engagements had identified opportunities for cooperation in infrastructure, industrialisation, digitalisation, education, skills development and trade.

He said the grant would support agreed national development priorities and strengthen bilateral cooperation. Botswana and China established diplomatic relations in 1975.

During the recent visit, the two countries elevated the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, strengthening cooperation in economic development, security and other areas of mutual interest.

President Boko said Botswana aimed to use the partnership to create employment, attract investment, facilitate technology transfer and improve public services, with an emphasis on commercially and technically viable projects.

On healthcare, President Boko acknowledged the challenges facing the sector and said an instrument had been signed to facilitate cooperation under the Bright Journey cataract-surgery project, through which Chinese medical personnel were expected to assist eligible patients.

President Boko said medical cooperation between the two countries dated back to 1981, with 46 Chinese medical specialists already working in Botswana.
He also talked about the anticipated medicine supplies from Oman, reportedly worth US$10 million (over P130m), which were expected to arrive soon.

With regard to infrastructure development, President Boko said China confirmed that preparations were under way for the Mmopane, Block 8 road project, with implementation envisaged to begin in early 2027 through a grant assistance.

The visit also focused on expanding beneficiation, manufacturing and Botswana’s participation in global value chains.

In Fujian Province, President Boko visited Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), a global leader in electric-vehicle batteries and energy-storage technologies.

He said the engagement provided insights into battery manufacturing and cleaner-energy technologies that could inform Botswana’s industrial diversification and technical skills development.

President Boko also engaged with Chow Tai Fook, a major Chinese jewellery group, to explore opportunities to expand diamond sales in China while promoting local value addition, jewellery manufacturing and specialised skills.

Digitalisation is another priority, with the President identifying technology as a driver of economic transformation, innovation and improved public service delivery.
He said it could help modernise services such as institutional development and security matters to strengthen economic competitiveness. ENDS