Ramaphosa Pushes Deeper SA-Botswana Trade, Mining and Energy Ties At BNC Summit

BOTSWANA – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for deeper economic cooperation with Botswana across agriculture, mining, energy and industrial development, as both countries seek to strengthen bilateral trade and regional value chains amid growing pressure for economic diversification in Southern Africa.

Speaking during the sixth session of the Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Gaborone, Ramaphosa said the partnership between the two neighbouring economies should move beyond traditional trade ties and focus on expanding investment, mineral beneficiation, food security cooperation and energy integration.

Ramaphosa, accompanied by a delegation of South African ministers, met with Botswana President Duma Boko and senior government officials to review existing agreements and identify new opportunities for economic collaboration.

The South African president said the commission remained a critical platform for strengthening cooperation between the two countries while supporting broader regional industrialisation goals under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Agriculture And Food Trade Under Spotlight

Agricultural trade emerged as one of the key discussion points during the summit, particularly Botswana’s restrictions on selected fresh vegetable imports from South Africa.

Botswana introduced the import ban in 2022 as part of efforts to stimulate domestic agricultural production, reduce food import dependence and improve national food security. However, the restrictions have also contributed to higher prices for some fresh produce products as local supply struggled to meet consumer demand.

The measures affect a wide range of horticultural products, including potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, lettuce, beetroot, butternut, carrots, garlic, ginger and sweet red peppers.

Ramaphosa said South Africa respected Botswana’s ambition to strengthen local food production but stressed the need for renewed engagement to resolve trade barriers affecting agricultural exports and regional food supply chains.

“Among other things, we need to address the challenges which led to the imposition of import restrictions on agricultural products from South Africa,” Ramaphosa said.

He proposed that both countries direct their agriculture and trade ministries to develop recommendations aimed at resolving the issue before the end of 2026.

The discussions come at a time when African governments are increasingly balancing food security objectives with regional trade integration goals under AfCFTA.

Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors for both economies. South Africa is a major regional exporter of fresh produce, grains, processed foods and agricultural inputs, while Botswana continues investing heavily in domestic food production, irrigation projects and agri-processing infrastructure to reduce import dependency.

Analysts say improved coordination between the two countries could help strengthen regional agricultural value chains, stabilise food supplies and reduce trade disruptions within Southern Africa.

Focus On Mineral Beneficiation And Industrialisation

Mining and mineral beneficiation also featured prominently during the BNC discussions, with Ramaphosa urging African countries to process more strategic minerals locally instead of exporting raw materials.

Southern Africa holds significant reserves of platinum group metals, diamonds, manganese, nickel, copper and other critical minerals increasingly needed for electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy systems and digital technologies.

“As owners of these minerals, we should beneficiate these products ourselves, creating opportunities for our peoples,” Ramaphosa said.

He praised Botswana’s efforts to expand local diamond cutting, polishing and refining activities as part of the country’s broader industrialisation strategy.

Botswana remains one of the world’s leading diamond producers through its long-standing partnership with De Beers, but the country is also accelerating investment into copper, manganese and nickel development as global diamond demand faces increasing pressure.

The push for beneficiation reflects a wider continental trend as African governments seek to capture more value from mineral resources through local processing, manufacturing and downstream industrial development.

South Africa and Botswana are both positioning themselves to benefit from rising global demand for battery minerals and green energy technologies.

Energy Cooperation Seen as Strategic Priority

Energy security and industrial power supply were also identified as major priorities during the summit.

Ramaphosa said stronger cooperation in electricity generation, coal resources, petroleum development and renewable energy investment would be essential to supporting economic growth and industrial expansion in both countries.

Southern Africa continues to face electricity shortages, grid instability and rising energy demand as governments pursue industrialisation and infrastructure development.

Regional cooperation on energy projects is increasingly viewed as critical to improving supply security and reducing vulnerability to global fuel market disruptions.

Botswana has been investing in solar energy projects and coal-based generation expansion, while South Africa is accelerating renewable energy procurement and regional power integration initiatives.

Analysts say cross-border electricity cooperation could also support mining development, manufacturing investment and agri-processing growth throughout the region.

Special Economic Zones and Investment Expansion

Ramaphosa also highlighted Botswana’s efforts to diversify its economy through Special Economic Zones (SEZs) aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and boosting export-oriented industrial growth.

Botswana’s 12th National Development Plan prioritises economic diversification, private sector expansion and industrial competitiveness as the country seeks to reduce reliance on diamonds.

Ramaphosa said South African businesses were well positioned to participate in Botswana’s industrial expansion strategy through investment partnerships, skills development and technology transfer.

“You will find ready and reliable partners from South Africa as these zones gain traction,” he said.

South African firms already maintain a strong presence in Botswana across retail, financial services, construction, mining support services, logistics and manufacturing sectors.

Migration Pressures Reflect Wider Economic Challenges

The South African president also addressed migration-related tensions and recent anti-immigration protests in parts of South Africa, describing them as symptoms of broader economic and social pressures affecting many African countries.

“This phenomenon has intersected with economic hardship and unemployment experienced by many of our people,” Ramaphosa said.

He called for greater regional dialogue on migration management, employment creation and economic inclusion.

President Boko said the BNC summit reaffirmed the close historical and economic relationship between the two countries.

“Botswana and South Africa share far more than a common border. We are bound by a shared history, deep cultural affinity, intertwined economy, and a collective aspiration for prosperity and dignity for our people,” Boko said.

The summit comes as African economies increasingly prioritise regional trade integration, industrialisation and supply chain resilience amid rising global geopolitical uncertainty and shifting commodity markets.