Botswana and China have committed to strengthening economic cooperation to boost trade and investment, thereby improving the prosperity of the southern African country.

President Duma Boko made this revelation this week while addressing a press conference in Gaborone following his first-ever state visit to the Asian giant since ascending to the presidency in 2024.

Boko and President Xi Jinping announced the elevation of the 50-year-old Botswana-China bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership during their talks.  

He told the press conference that both countries deepened cooperation in infrastructure, technology, renewable energy and industrial development with Botswana being the main benefactor.

"I have no doubt; I can confirm on evidence of things that are unfolding in real time that within the three-year time frame, Botswana will be spectacularly different. And the bulk of that difference made to our economy, to our country, will be from our partnership, our cooperation with the People's Republic of China, with which our relations are firm, strong and unshakeable. Chinese companies are now also fully mobilised. They are ready. Some of them have begun. In my conservation with some, I am expecting a few of them, as early as next week in the country."

 Noting that Africa's resources should not become a tool for geopolitical rivalry, China has welcomed genuine contributions to Africa's development and stands ready to work with Africa to create a more enabling environment for investment and business operations.