In 2025, the Botswana market absorbed only 0.1% of Mozambican exports, while Between 2021 and 2025, Mozambique exported approximately US$79 million in goods to Botswana, and imports from Botswana totaled roughly US$13 million, according to figures presented during a business forum in Gaborone. Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo argued that these statistics fall short of the economic potential shared by the two nations, emphasizing a desire to transition from a predominantly political and diplomatic relationship to an economic and strategic partnership centered on trade, investment, production, industrialization, and job creation. The economic pivot arrives as Botswana’s economy works to overcome structural dependence on the diamond sector, which continues to account for more than 90% of the country’s export revenues. According to World Bank estimates, Botswana’s GDP contracted 2.8% in 2024 and declined another 0.7% in 2025 due to diamond market weakness and fiscal pressures, though a 3.1% recovery is projected for 2026.
Nations Seal Eight Agreements at Commission
During a state visit from September 28 to October 1 hosted by Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko, the two governments signed eight agreements and memoranda of understanding during the 9th Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation. The nations agreed to elevate their diplomatic cooperation to a Bi-National Commission to strengthen high-level coordination and follow-up. The newly signed instruments include:
- Agreement establishing the Bi-National Commission (CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE)
- Memorandum of Understanding in Science, Technology and Innovation (CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE)
- Memorandum of Understanding in Health (CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE)
- Memorandum of Understanding in Arts and Culture (CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE)
- Memorandum of Understanding in Correctional and Penitentiary Services (CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE)
- Memorandum of Understanding in Tourism (CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE)
- Memorandum of Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE)
- Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation (CLUB OF MOZAMBIQUE)
To track implementation, the governments developed a decision-tracking matrix monitored through presidential meetings, with the next session anticipated in 2028. In addition to the trade and administrative deals, Chapo attended Botswana’s 60th independence celebrations as guest of honor and visited the Samora Machel Museum in Lobatse on September 29—coinciding with the 93rd anniversary of the birth of Mozambique’s first president—to honor historic liberation solidarity.
Officials Revive Ponta Techobanine Project
Because Botswana is landlocked and relies on international routes, transport and logistics formed a core pillar of the bilateral discussions. Chapo highlighted Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coastline, promoting the ports of Maputo, Beira, and Nacala, alongside associated development corridors and fuel-storage infrastructure, as gateways to help reduce logistics costs for landlocked economies. Discussions also returned to the long-term Ponta Techobanine project in the Matutuíne district, which involves Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The enterprise envisions a deep-water port on the Mozambican coast linked by a railway spanning approximately 1,700 kilometers, with estimated investments projected at roughly US$6.5 billion. While officials position Techobanine as a future alternative to routes through South Africa and Namibia, observers note the railway and port remain a long-term prospect dependent on distinct investment decisions rather than immediate construction.
