Gaborone – President Cyril Ramaphosa has wrapped up a two-day state visit to Botswana, where he co-chaired the 6th Session of the Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside his Motswana counterpart, President Duma Gideon Boko.
The visit, held from May 20 to 21, 2026, underscored the deepening of political, economic, and social cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
The talks were marked by cordiality and solidarity, with President Ramaphosa expressing gratitude for Botswana’s hospitality and extending condolences on the passing of former President Festus Mogae.
Both leaders paid tribute to Mogae’s legacy of peace and democracy.
The BNC reaffirmed the longstanding fraternal relations between South Africa and Botswana, emphasising shared cultural ties and common aspirations for regional stability and prosperity.
“Botswana and South Africa are bound by shared culture, strong economic ties, and a common vision for regional growth and unity,” President Boko said.
The leaders highlighted the importance of the commission as a platform for advancing sustainable growth, integration, and mutual prosperity.
Key Agreements Signed
During the session, four new bilateral instruments were concluded, adding to the 28 already in force:
- Water management: Memorandum of Agreement on joint management of water quality and aquatic invasive species in the Upper Limpopo River Basin.
- Search and rescue: Agreement on coordination of aeronautical search and rescue services.
- Energy cooperation: Agreement to strengthen collaboration in the energy sector.
- Correctional services: Memorandum of Agreement on cooperation in correctional and prison services.
The leaders directed ministers to establish a Coordination and Implementation Committee to accelerate execution of these agreements.
High Impact Priority Projects
The two countries also committed to advancing strategic projects, including:
- North-South Corridor development.
- Mmamabula-Lephalale Railway line construction.
- LESABO Water Transfer initiative under ORASECOM.
- Joint fuel storage and petroleum infrastructure development.
- Cooperation on prevention and management of Foot and Mouth Disease.
- Establishment of One Stop Border Posts and 24-hour operations at key commercial crossings.
- Expansion of the Martin’s Drift/Groblersbrug border post.
- SACU industrialisation and cross-border agricultural value chains.
Broader Cooperation
The visit also spotlighted collaboration in sports, education, tourism, health, and youth development.
President Ramaphosa congratulated Botswana for hosting the 2026 World Athletics Relays, the first time the event was staged in Africa.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional integration under SADC and continental frameworks such as Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA.
The Botswana-South Africa Business Forum, held on Thursday, 21 May 2026, was hailed as a vital platform for public-private partnerships and investment cooperation.
President Ramaphosa said: “President Boko, we commend the vision with which you are leading Botswana on a path of modernisation.
“You can always count on South Africa as a reliable neighbour, friend, and partner as you continue along the path of this journey.
“Together we are part of SADC, a community of nations that played a pivotal role in the liberation of South Africa from the yoke of the crime of apartheid.”
President Ramaphosa also toured the Botswana Vaccine Institute to review joint efforts against Foot and Mouth Disease.
The heads of state expressed concern about the recent outbreak of the Ebola virus in some parts of the continent and recognised it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as declared by the World Health Organisation and the Africa Centre for Disease Control.
More than 130 deaths have been linked to the deadly virus, and over 500 suspected cases have been reported.
In conclusion, both leaders pledged continued high-level consultations and cooperation on regional and global issues, with South Africa set to host the next mid-term review in May 2027 and the 7th BNC session in 2028.
This visit reinforced the strategic partnership between Botswana and South Africa, positioning both nations as key drivers of regional integration and sustainable development.
President Ramaphosa extended an invitation to President Boko to visit South Africa for the 7th Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC), to be held in South Africa in 2028, on a date to be mutually agreed through diplomatic channels.
