Honourable Tiroeaone Ntsima, Botswana’s Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, delivered a compelling address at the Botswana-China Business Forum held on June 12, 2025, in Changsha, China, underscoring Botswana’s unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations with China.
The forum took place on the sidelines of the 3rd China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), a key platform fostering economic cooperation between African nations and China. Minister Ntsima used the opportunity to highlight Botswana’s strategic goals to expand trade, attract investment, and transition toward a knowledge-based economy by the year 2036.
In his remarks, Ntsima emphasized Botswana’s intention to scale up exports of premium beef and agricultural products to the Chinese market, pointing to the country’s reputation for high-quality, disease-free produce. He also noted that Botswana is keen to welcome increased Chinese investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure development, digital innovation, and clean energy.
“China has been a steadfast partner in our development journey,” Ntsima stated. “Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, we’ve seen transformative infrastructure projects and promising digital partnerships that are helping us build a resilient, inclusive economy.”
Minister Ntsima also acknowledged the growing relevance of forums like CAETE in creating impactful trade connections, stating that such platforms are instrumental in unlocking business potential and creating lasting partnerships.
He invited Chinese investors to explore Botswana’s dynamic and emerging sectors, including diamond trading, energy, agriculture, and technology. With a stable political environment, investor-friendly policies, and a clear national development roadmap, Botswana presents a compelling destination for global investment.
As Botswana works towards Vision 2036, aiming to position itself as a high-income, knowledge-based economy, collaborations with China are expected to play a pivotal role in realising this ambition. The Minister’s address marks a renewed chapter in Botswana-China economic relations, with a strong focus on innovation, mutual growth, and sustainable development.
