Botswana, Mozambique Pair Strengths for Trade Growth & Integrated Tourism Push
Bilateral leaders and business executives explore opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and joint travel packages during the Botswana–Mozambique Business Forum.
Gaborone — Botswana and Mozambique have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral economic relations, with tourism, trade, and investment taking center stage during the Botswana–Mozambique Business Forum held on Monday 28 September 2026. Hosted by the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) in collaboration with the Mozambique Investment Promotion Agency (APIEX), the event coincided with the official visit to Botswana by the President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Daniel Francisco Chapo.
The forum convened government officials and private sector representatives from both nations to identify pathways for closer economic integration.
Complementary Strengths
In his keynote address, the President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two nations. He emphasized that strengthening economic ties is essential for advancing shared prosperity, pointing to vast potential across agriculture, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, transport, and logistics.
Hon. Tiroaone Ntsima, Botswana’s Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, framed the relationship as a meeting of complementary strengths. He noted that Mozambique provides a strategic gateway to the Indian Ocean through its ports and transport corridors, while Botswana offers a stable investment climate and access to broader regional markets.
According to the Minister, the two countries are well-positioned to increase cross-border trade, develop joint ventures, and foster value-chain development driven by private-sector investment.
Unlocking Tourism Potential
Tourism emerged as a focal point of the dialogue. Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Tourism Organisation, Mr. Justice Ofentse, argued that the natural offerings of the two countries are uniquely suited for collaboration.
With Mozambique boasting an extensive Indian Ocean coastline and Botswana home to the pristine Okavango Delta and vast wildlife reserves, Mr. Ofentse noted that the pair represents a powerful combined destination. He outlined plans for joint marketing initiatives and integrated tourism packages that would allow visitors to experience both the coast and the delta in a single trip.
Connectivity and the Future
Mr. Ofentse underscored that physical connectivity is key to realizing these tourism ambitions. He confirmed that the Botswana Tourism Organisation is engaging with the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) and Air Botswana to explore strengthening air routes between the two countries.
Enhanced connectivity, coupled with multi-destination marketing, could significantly boost visitor flows and extend tourist stays, creating a more cohesive regional tourism product. As both nations move forward, the business forum signals a renewed era of cooperation aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the Botswana–Mozambique corridor.
