Botswana President Duma Boko Visits China, Boosting Trade and Mining Ties

Botswana – Beijing – President Duma Boko arrived in Beijing for a two‑day visit that culminated in a memorandum of cooperation with China’s Vice Premier Li Qiang. The pact focuses on copper mining, renewable energy and infrastructure development, signalling a deepening of economic ties between the two nations.

Trade Agreements

The memorandum of cooperation, signed on October 13, outlines joint ventures in copper extraction and processing. Botswana’s copper output reached 1.2 million tonnes in 2025, with China accounting for 35% of its export market. The agreement includes a clause for technology transfer and capacity building for Botswana’s mining workforce.

Mining and Energy Cooperation

Under the pact, China’s state‑owned mining firm China Minmetals will invest $500 million in a new copper smelter in Gaborone. The project is projected to create 3,000 jobs and increase copper output by 15% by 2030. Additionally, a joint venture between Botswana Power Corporation and China Three Gorges will develop 200 MW of solar capacity, targeting the 2028 national grid expansion.

Economic Impact

Analysts estimate that the new cooperation could lift bilateral trade from $3.8 billion in 2025 to $4.1 billion by 2030, an 8% increase. Botswana’s GDP growth is projected to rise from 4.2% in 2026 to 4.5% in 2028, partly driven by the mining and energy sectors.

Regional Implications

The partnership may influence other Southern African economies to seek similar ties with China. Namibia and Zambia have already expressed interest in joint mining projects, citing Botswana’s successful model. The deal also aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, potentially opening new trade corridors across the African continent.