• South Africa and Botswana signed four agreements covering water management, energy, aviation rescue and correctional services cooperation

  • Both countries promised close coordination on trade, infrastructure, agriculture and border security projects

  • South Africa exported goods worth $4.33 billion to Botswana in 2024, while Botswana exported $487 million to South Africa.

South Africa and Botswana signed four agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in a number of strategic areas during the sixth meeting of the Botswana-South Africa Binational Commission (BNC), according to a statement issued by the South African Presidential Office on Thursday.

The agreements include a Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Management of Water Quality and Invasive Aquatic Species in the Upper Limpopo River Basin, an Agreement on the Coordination of Aeronautical Search and Rescue Services, an Energy Cooperation Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding on Correctional Services.

In a joint statement, Botswana's President Duma Boko and South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of BNC decisions. He directed ministers and senior officials to set up a coordination mechanism to ensure speedy implementation of agreed projects and agreements.

The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in fuel storage, petroleum infrastructure, industrialization and agricultural value chains. Prevention and management of foot-and-mouth disease was a major focus of discussion due to its impact on regional health and food security. The two sides also promised to improve coordination on migration, consular matters, security and border management.

The talks also discussed High Impact Priority Projects (HIPPs), which are considered essential to support regional economic growth, upgrade infrastructure and facilitate cross-border trade. Major projects discussed include the North-South Corridor, the Mmabula-Lephalele railway line, the Lesotho-South Africa-Botswana Water Transfer Project (LESABO), and the modernization of key commercial border posts.

Investment, trade and regional outlook

During the state visit, Ramaphosa visited the Botswana Vaccine Institute (BVI), where he praised joint efforts to tackle cross-border animal diseases.

Relations between the two countries span several decades and are built on cooperation in areas such as special economic zones, livestock disease management, critical minerals processing, mining sector development, education and skill development.

According to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), South Africa will export goods worth $4.33 billion to Botswana in 2024, making Pretoria Botswana's eighth largest export market. The largest share in exports was of refined petroleum products.

Botswana exported goods worth $487 million to South Africa in 2024, making South Africa its fourth largest export destination. Insulated wire was Botswana's top product exported to its neighboring country, valued at $144 million.

At the end of the meeting, Ramaphosa invited Boko to participate in the seventh session of the binational commission to be held in South Africa in 2028.

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