President Duma Gideon Boko has made Botswana's political stability a central selling point for Chinese investors as his administration seeks capital for the P514 billion Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP).
Speaking during a fireside chat at the Botswana–China Business Forum in Beijing on 14 October 2026, Boko presented the country as a secure investment destination and a gateway to African markets.
The forum brought together businesses from both countries for discussions on investment, trade and partnerships. The Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) had targeted participation by approximately 300 Chinese companies.
Boko said the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Co-operative Partnership had created a stronger foundation for commercial cooperation and would make it easier for Chinese companies to establish operations in Botswana.
He highlighted the country's democratic record, citing the peaceful transfer of power after the October 2024 general election, which ended nearly six decades of Botswana Democratic Party rule.
"Botswana has a record that speaks for itself, the uninterrupted, undisturbed record of political stability is there for all to see and this is evidence that Botswana is safe and therefore, Botswana is an example not just for Africa, but for the world," he said.
Boko also cited Botswana's sovereign credit standing as part of his investment pitch.
His administration is seeking substantial private capital through the BETP to accelerate diversification, expand productive industries and reduce dependence on diamond revenues.
His remarks followed the Botswana–China Joint Statement of 13 October, issued after bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The statement identifies National Development Plan 12 and the BETP among Botswana's development priorities to be supported through closer cooperation. It provides for expanded engagement in mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and digital technology.
It also encourages businesses from both countries to identify commercially viable projects. However, it does not specify how much financing China intends to provide towards the BETP or identify projects for which funding has been secured.
Minister of International Relations Dr Phenyo Butale has said Xi announced financial support for Botswana's transformation agenda during the presidential engagements. The amount, financing instruments and intended beneficiaries have not been publicly detailed in the announcements examined.
Ahead of the forum, BITC Director for International Business in India and Asia Dipopego Tsheko said business matchmaking sessions were intended to generate joint ventures, trade and investment partnerships.
"This is not just about dialogue, it is about deals," Tsheko said.
Boko similarly presented Botswana's opportunities as capable of delivering commercial returns while contributing to Africa's development.
"You will do very well, while doing very good," he told the Chinese business community.
Diamonds featured prominently in the discussions. Shanghai Diamond Exchange Vice President Yan Jin said China's natural diamond market had undergone a sharp adjustment since 2022 but was showing signs of recovery.
Yan identified opportunities linking Botswana's diamond production with China's manufacturing, retail and consumer markets.
The joint statement also identifies opportunities to expand Botswana's beef, citrus and other agricultural exports through improved market access and trade facilitation. China's zero-tariff initiative for eligible African exports forms part of that agenda, although exporters must satisfy applicable technical and market-entry requirements.
