China partnership opens new opportunities for Botswana
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Monday October 26, 2026 06:00
Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Fan Yong says the new partnership presents opportunities to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors, including mining, healthcare, agriculture, technology and skills development. Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Yong described President Duma Boko’s October 12 to 17 visit to China as a historic milestone in the 51-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
The visit also saw China award Botswana a P400 million grant, according to Boko, who recently announced that the government was committed to strengthening medical services, expanding scholarship opportunities, providing professional training and building local capacity.
“During the visit, President Xi Jinping held warm, friendly, and fruitful talks with President Boko,” Yong said.
He added that the two leaders had agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, reflecting their determination to deepen political trust and expand practical cooperation. He said during the visit, Boko also met Chinese Premier Li Qiang, National People’s Congress Standing Committee chairman Zhao Leji and International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee minister Liu Haixing. Yong said China remains committed to supporting Botswana’s development aspirations, including efforts to promote inclusive growth and implement the country’s 12th National Development Plan.
“Mining is expected to remain central to the relationship, particularly as Botswana seeks to extract greater economic value from its mineral resources,” he revealed. Yong said Chinese President Xi Jinping had outlined four principles to guide mining cooperation with African countries, including Botswana. These include ensuring that African resources benefit Africans, promoting mutual benefits, pursuing high-quality development and maintaining a fair and open environment for cooperation.
“Botswana is rich in mineral resources, and mining cooperation is a top priority of practical cooperation,” Yong said. He added that China was ready to support the stable and efficient operation of key projects, including the Khoemacau Copper Mine. Furthermore, he said the two countries also intend to promote local mineral processing and higher-value industries, a move that could support Botswana’s ambitions to diversify its economy and create more opportunities beyond the export of raw materials.
Also, indicating that cooperation in the diamond industry will also continue through the Kimberley Process. Yong said Chinese companies would be encouraged to explore investment opportunities in these sectors, while the two countries would strengthen business exchanges through trade missions and fora. Meanwhile, he said the healthcare and skills development have emerged as important pillars of the renewed relationship. Boko recently said Botswana is committed to strengthening medical services, expanding professional training and increasing scholarship opportunities under the new partnership. Yong said China would continue sending medical teams to Botswana, building on 45 years of cooperation in healthcare.
On trade, he said China is expected to use its zero-tariff policy covering 100% of tariff lines, alongside its “Green Channel” for African agricultural exports, to facilitate access for Botswana products. Yong said the measures could help accelerate the entry of Botswana’s beef and citrus products into the Chinese market.
Moreover, Yong noted that Botswana had supported the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s lawful seat at the United Nations before the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“The partnership will also facilitate exchanges between political parties and legislative institutions, including cooperation in governance, the rule of law and personnel training,” he said. He said Boko’s visit to Fujian Province before travelling to Beijing also exposed the Botswana delegation to China’s poverty alleviation, rural revitalisation and industrialisation initiatives.
According to Yong, Boko expressed admiration for China’s development experience and a desire to learn from its approach.
The ambassador added that the Chinese Embassy stood ready to work with Botswana to implement the agreements reached during the visit and advance the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership for the benefit of both countries.