Harare – Botswana President Duma Boko has arrived in Harare for a three-day state visit to Zimbabwe, with the two countries looking to strengthen economic, political and social cooperation.
President Boko was accorded a ceremonial welcome in Harare, including a 21-gun salute and an inspection of the Guard of Honour. He is hosted by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The visit is expected to focus on deepening bilateral trade, infrastructure development and regional integration under the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The two leaders are also set to deliberate on cross-border cooperation, energy security, migration management and industrialisation.
Welcoming President Boko, Mnangagwa spoke warmly of the ties between the two nations.
“The deep-rooted historical ties and shared vision for a prosperous future underscore the relationship between our nations. I anticipate fruitful discussions that will further strengthen bilateral cooperation and the fraternal bonds between our two nations,” he said.
Zimbabwe and Botswana share long-standing historical ties rooted in the liberation struggle and decades of diplomatic cooperation, with their relationship having evolved into a strategic partnership anchored on trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. Botswana remains one of Zimbabwe’s key regional trading partners, with collaboration spanning mining, agriculture, tourism and financial services.
At the centre of discussions is the need to unlock economic opportunities through improved border efficiency, particularly at the Plumtree–Ramokgwebana crossing, which serves as a vital trade corridor between the two countries. Enhancing transport and logistics systems is expected to boost intra-regional trade and reduce the cost of doing business.
Energy cooperation is also expected to feature prominently, with both countries seeking sustainable solutions to power shortages affecting industrial productivity. Opportunities in renewable energy, including solar power, are set to be explored alongside broader climate resilience strategies.
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