On Thursday, May 21, 2026, South Africa and Botswana have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening political, economic and social cooperation following the successful conclusion of the sixth Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Gaborone.
The Commission, held on the final day of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s two-day State Visit to Botswana, was co-chaired by C. Ramaphosa and Botswana’s President, Duma Boko.
The two leaders oversaw the signing of four new bilateral agreements covering water resource management, aeronautical search and rescue services, energy cooperation, and correctional and prison services. The agreements add to 28 existing legal instruments already being implemented between the two countries.
Speaking at the closing session, Cyril Ramaphosa said the agreements would provide practical and legal backing for enhanced cooperation and help expand bilateral trade and investment.
Both countries also agreed to accelerate several high-impact projects aimed at strengthening regional integration and economic growth. These include the North-South Corridor Development, the Mmamabula-Lephalale Railway Project, the Lesotho-South Africa-Botswana water transfer initiative, joint fuel storage infrastructure, measures to combat Foot and Mouth Disease, and the establishment of One Stop Border Posts with 24-hour operations at key crossings.
To improve implementation, the two heads of state directed the immediate establishment of a Coordination and Implementation Committee to oversee the timely execution of projects agreed under the BNC framework.
The leaders further pledged to strengthen cooperation in vaccine production, particularly for animal diseases, and committed to resolving immigration-related challenges affecting students and businesspeople by September 2026.
President Ramaphosa said South Africa and Botswana would continue working together through the Southern African Development Community to promote regional integration, infrastructure development, peace, security and respect for international law.
He concluded by highlighting the historical ties between the two nations, saying their longstanding friendship and cooperation should continue to guide efforts towards a more prosperous future for both countries and the wider Southern African region.