Presdent Kagame and Botswana’s President Duma Boko Sign Key Agreements to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

H.E Paul Kagame of Republic of Rwanda and Presdent Duma Boko of Botswana held high-level bilateral talks in Gaborone on Wednesday as Rwanda and Botswana moved to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, aviation, healthcare, and regional economic integration.

President Kagame arrived in Botswana for a two-day State Visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between the two African nations. He was officially welcomed by President Duma Boko at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport before the two leaders proceeded to the State House for private discussions and wider bilateral meetings involving delegations from both countries.

According to information shared by the Office of the President of Rwanda, the talks focused on expanding cooperation in strategic sectors and accelerating implementation of existing partnerships between Kigali and Gaborone.

Following the meetings, the two Heads of State witnessed the signing of several bilateral agreements and Memorandums of Understanding designed to boost economic cooperation and facilitate movement between the two countries.

The agreements signed include measures on the avoidance of double taxation, visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic, official, and national passports, air services cooperation, healthcare collaboration, economic and trade partnerships, as well as investment promotion initiatives between the Rwanda Development Board and the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre.

The visit comes amid growing efforts by both governments to transform strong political relations into more practical economic partnerships. In recent days, officials and business leaders from Rwanda and Botswana gathered in Gaborone for the Rwanda-Botswana Business Forum, where discussions centered on trade opportunities, investment flows, and private sector cooperation.

President Kagame’s visit also follows the Second Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between the two countries, a platform established to monitor bilateral agreements and identify new areas of collaboration.

Rwanda and Botswana have in recent years expanded cooperation in sectors including diplomacy, security, agriculture, mining, tourism, and investment promotion. Analysts say the latest agreements could further strengthen economic integration and improve connectivity between East and Southern Africa.

As part of his official programme in Botswana, President Kagame is also expected to tour the Botswana Diamond Trading Company and participate in a state banquet hosted in his honour by President Duma Boko.