South Africa and Botswana are seeking to strengthen bilateral ties through enhanced cooperation in trade, energy and other strategic sectors.
Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Duma Boko wrapped up talks at the Bi-National Commission in Gaborone, as Ramaphosa concluded his two-day state visit to Botswana.
Immigration on the continent was also topical.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a collective continental effort to address migration challenges across Africa.
His remarks come amid recent protests in South Africa over undocumented immigrants.
He, however, condemns those who take the law into their own hands.
“Since the dawn of democracy in our country, we have sought to welcome and integrate immigrants from other parts of the continent and beyond our continent as well. Most people who have come have integrated into the South African society, who have experienced a high influx of immigrants”, he says.
Ramaphosa has welcomed broader dialogue on migration management. “We welcome the call for regional and continental discussion on the issue of migration. We should consider all the factors that drive migration, including the responsibilities of all our countries and countries of origin and transit as well.”
On the economic front, Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s openness to Botswana investments. He also commended Botswana for its vaccine manufacturing capacity in the agricultural sector.
Ramaphosa says the two countries must also strengthen energy cooperation, particularly in expanding access to electricity.
“Continued cooperation between South Africa and Botswana in energy is paramount if we are to meet the needs of our people and to develop our productive sectors. We must cooperate on issues of electricity access as well as the petroleum process.”
[JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ]: State Visit to the Republic of Botswana by the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency President Matamela @CyrilRamaphosa and the 6th Session of the Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC)
Gaborone, Botswana #SAinBotswana… pic.twitter.com/N8VgQnm9M5
— The Presidency
(@PresidencyZA) May 21, 2026
Botswana President Duma Boko echoed the call for closer collaboration across strategic sectors.
“Botswana and South Africa have to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of sectors that include trade and investment, energy, mining, agriculture, education, health, infrastructure development, transport and logistics, as well as defence and security. As we convene for the sixth session, we are encouraged by progress achieved by our partnership.”
He also stressed the importance of safeguarding the two countries’ natural mineral wealth.
“Our countries are two of Africa’s leading diamond-producing countries, and so we share strategic interest in ensuring that our mineral resources contribute meaningfully to industrialisation, employment creation and broad-based economic transformation.”
Ramaphosa wraps up his state visit to Gaborone with both countries committing to boost trade and improve the cross-border movement.
VIDEO | SA-Botswana’s sixth Bi-National Commission in Gaborone:
