GABORONE, October 10, 2026 — Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko will begin a state visit to China on Monday at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking another significant chapter in diplomatic relations that have developed over more than five decades.
The visit, scheduled for October 12 to 17, comes as Botswana seeks to strengthen economic cooperation with China, attract investment, expand exports and accelerate efforts to diversify its economy beyond diamonds.
However, the relationship between the two countries stretches back long before the current focus on trade, infrastructure and industrial development.
In 1971, Botswana supported the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s seat at the United Nations. Formal diplomatic relations were established on January 6, 1975.
In 1976, Botswana’s founding President, Sir Seretse Khama, undertook a state visit to China, helping consolidate the newly established diplomatic relationship.
In 2010, Xi Jinping, then serving as China’s Vice-President, visited Botswana, further strengthening political ties. The relationship reached another milestone in September 2024 when the two countries elevated their ties to a strategic partnership during the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing.
Boko’s upcoming visit builds on this diplomatic history, with discussions expected to focus on translating longstanding political relations into stronger economic partnerships.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Xi will hold talks with Boko, while Premier Li Qiang and National People’s Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji will meet the Botswana leader separately. Boko is also expected to visit Fujian Province.
According to the Botswana Presidency, the visit will include a Botswana–China Business Forum aimed at promoting investment opportunities and strengthening commercial ties. The forum is expected to explore opportunities arising from China’s zero-tariff arrangements.
Several bilateral cooperation agreements are anticipated in areas including agriculture, infrastructure, digitalisation, healthcare, education, tourism and investment.
Trade between Botswana and China reached US$852 million during the first half of 2026, representing a 58.6 percent increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
China’s economic engagement presents opportunities for manufacturing, agricultural modernisation, renewable energy, technology and infrastructure development. Attention will turn to the outcomes of Boko’s meetings and any agreements concluded during the visit.
Fifty-one years of diplomatic friendship have established the foundation. The coming days will offer an opportunity to examine what the next chapter could bring.