President Duma Boko has signed two SADC agreements aimed at advancing regional integration.

By signing the Agreement on the Operationalisation of the SADC Development Fund and the Agreement Amending the SADC Protocol on Finance and Investment, Botswana has strengthened the region's finance and investment framework.

Botswana becomes the 10th signatory to the agreements, which aim to operationalise a regional fund targeting an annual infrastructure financing gap of more than US$100 billion.

Speaking shortly after signing the agreements, President Boko said Botswana's move reflects its commitment to strengthening regional mechanisms and urged remaining member states to follow suit.

"We sign these two agreements with enthusiasm and trust that our fellow Member States who have not yet signed will do so."

Established in 2016, the Regional Development Fund aims to mobilise financing for infrastructure and industrialisation in the region, which, according to SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi, faces an annual funding gap of over $100 billion.