Botswana, China deepen trade cooperation
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday November 17, 2025 06:00
Some of the key areas the Minister mentioned are technology, digitalisation and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“In fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and deep tech, the pace of global innovation is rapid. Botswana stands ready to partner with Chinese universities, research institutions and technology firms to build talent-development platforms, joint innovation labs and start-up incubators,” Ntsima said on Tuesday when addressing both Chinese and Batswana businesspeople.
He extended a formal invitation to the Chinese government by requesting scholarships, training programmes and exchange opportunities for staff of the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship and related institutions.
“Through these programmes our team and young entrepreneurs can learn the latest technologies, engage in innovation practices in China, and return to drive Botswana’s digital-entrepreneurship wave,” he revealed.
While on manufacturing and value-chain upgrading, he said Botswana enjoys abundant resources, a stable governance environment and strong regional export potential.
Furthermore, he said they welcome collaboration with Chinese manufacturing firms to introduce advanced manufacturing processes, smart production systems and green industrial technologies into Botswana. “Together, we can establish export-oriented manufacturing hubs, shifting from raw output to processed, branded goods, and strengthening our value chains,” he said.
As for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) development, the Minister said they recognise that true economic transformation is driven by local entrepreneurs and SMEs. Therefore, he said they seek Chinese investors, mentors and incubators to partner with Botswana’s SMEs—facilitating technology transfer, supply-chain integration and market access.
“Through this connection, Botswana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem can access Chinese capital, technology and markets, while Chinese companies gain local insight and regional reach,” he pointed out.
In regard to talent development and scholarship mechanisms, Ntsima said talent is the foundation of sustainable growth. Accordingly, they propose the following collaborative actions, such as scholarships for key personnel of the Ministry and related institutions, enabling study in China of artificial intelligence, blockchain, deep-tech entrepreneurship, innovation management, international trade and investment promotion.
“Launch of capacity-building programmes such as workshops, internships and joint research between Botswana and Chinese institutions,” he highlighted.
As for Botswana entrepreneurs, the Minister asked them to engage with Chinese firms, embrace learning, be bold in partnership, and bring their local expertise, passion and innovation to the table.
“To government and public sector partners: Let us ensure the conditions are right, clear policy frameworks, streamlined processes, transparent governance, and strong localisation mechanisms,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Fan Yong, said as a major contributor to global economic growth and an anchor of stability, China will continue to expand institutional opening-up, upholding multilateralism, and facilitating broader international economic flows.
“By taking the initiative to open up even further, China will promote innovation in trade, create more space for two-way investment cooperation, and pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China’s 15th Five-Year Plan will bring new opportunities and significant benefits for deepening cooperation between China and Botswana,” he said.
Economic and commercial counsellor Lan Yuqiang said, “We understand that Botswana's finances are not currently in a good position. We are willing and able to provide financial support. At the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation Summit, that is FOCAC, China announced a total support package of RMB 360 billion for African countries.”
He said that includes grants, concessional loans, investment and trade promotion funds, commercial loans, inter-bank credit lines, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, among many other forms of assistance. He also encouraged the Government of Botswana to actively engage in utilising these resources to advance the implementation of NDP12 and BETP. “At the upcoming China–Africa Cooperation Forum Ministerial Conference in June 2025, President Xi Jinping announced that all African countries will be granted zero-tariff treatment for eligible products exported to China. Both sides are now actively consulting on the relevant agreements. In the near future, Botswana’s diamonds, copper, beef, and citrus products will enjoy zero-tariff access to the vast Chinese market,” he revealed.