03 Nov 2026

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Botswana in digital transformation, agriculture, livestock industry, healthcare and education to implement the consensus reached by the two countries. 

Speaking during the 2026 Botswana-China Friendship Evening Dinner in Gaborone on Saturday, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Fan Yong described President Advocate Duma Boko’s recent state visit to China as a milestone in the journey of mutual support and cooperation. 

He said the visit had opened opportunities for stronger cooperation in areas of shared interest. 

For Mr Fan, however, said the relationship between the two countries was not only about economic cooperation but also bringing people together and creating opportunities for them to understand and appreciate one another. This year’s China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange, coincided with Botswana’s 60th independence anniversary, providing an opportunity to strengthen connections.

 Mr Fan said the Chinese Embassy in Gaborone had organised events in Botswana as part of the celebrations, including a spectacular show successfully staged September in Gaborone, which he believed would remain an evening many would remember.

 The Friendship Evening is another expression of the commitment to strengthening relations between Botswana and China, by creating an opportunity for people to interact and celebrate friendship. Business Botswana chief executive officer, Ms Tumi Mbaakanyi, said Botswana and China relations presented opportunities that went beyond trade and investment. 

“Successful business partnerships begins with relationships and an understanding of one another, and such friendship and cultural exchange are important in building lasting commercial relationships,” she said Ms Mbaakanyi said Business Botswana and the Botswana China Friendship Association (BOCFA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide a framework for collaboration in promoting friendship, cultural exchange, business connections and stronger people-to-people relations.

 The partnership, recognises the opportunity to bring the two communities closer, build greater cultural awareness and develop friendships that extends across generations. Culture has a unique way of bringing people together, because it tells stories, reflects values and gives others an opportunity to understand who they are.

 “Through cultural exchange, people learn about each other’s traditions, languages, arts and ways of life. They also begin to appreciate their differences, while recognising the values they share,” said Ms Mbaakanyi and explained that when people understood one another, they were better positioned to work together, support one another and build lasting relationships. 

Ms Mbaakanyi also recalled the recent state visit to China, during which Business Botswana led a delegation of over 40 businesses and participated in a business forum organised by the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre and the Botswana Embassy in China. The delegation also attended the launch of the Botswana Pavilion - a showcase of Botswana products and services that continues beyond seasonal exhibitions. ENDS