Botswana President Duma Boko says China is the only economy in the world that has both the desire, appetite and the capability to participate in infrastructure and other types of development in SADC.

President Duma Boko made this observation when addressing journalists just before embarking on a first ever six-day state visit to China since ascending to the presidential throne in 2024 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping earlier this week.

Boko said he is looking forward, for Botswana and the rest of the Southern African Development Community - SADC region, to benefit from the Chinese expertise in a number of areas.

He said SADC countries should increase their cooperation with China since the Asian giant has the ability, strength and capability to participate in regional economic development.

“As a very advanced economy especially in the digital space to deploy those capabilities in Botswana for the benefit of the economy of Botswana and the broader economy of the SADC region and the African continent. So, my going to China is going to as a matter of fact conclude, and deepening, and broadening of some of the existing arrangements and we will now also cooperate in the area of security including cyber-security.”

In July this year, Namibia and China signed eight cooperation agreements spanning mining, energy, infrastructure and agriculture, as both countries seek closer collaboration on trade, investment and critical minerals.