China and Botswana Strengthen Mining Cooperation with Focus on Green Technology and Local Value Addition

China and Botswana have agreed to deepen cooperation in mining, green technology and industrial development, with Chinese President Xi Jinping calling for Africa’s mineral wealth to deliver greater economic benefits for African countries.

The discussions took place on 13 October 2026 during talks between Xi and Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two leaders announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership as Botswana seeks to expand investment, diversify its economy and strengthen its industrial capabilities.

Xi said China was willing to share its mining expertise with African countries and help them develop strategies suited to their national circumstances. He emphasised that Africa’s mineral resources belong to its people and should contribute to the continent’s modernisation rather than become instruments of geopolitical competition.

Four Priorities for China-Africa Mining Cooperation

Xi outlined four priorities for advancing mining cooperation between China and African countries, focusing on resource ownership, mutually beneficial partnerships, sustainable development and an open investment environment.

The Chinese president said cooperation should be based on fairness and mutual benefit. China would encourage its companies operating in Africa to improve their capabilities, transfer green technologies adapted to local conditions and strengthen cooperation between developing countries.

He also called for greater value addition within African mining industries. Rather than concentrating solely on mineral extraction and exports, the partnership should explore opportunities to expand processing and other activities that can generate additional economic value.

Xi further highlighted the need for innovative financing arrangements that are affordable and sustainable, helping African countries fund development while managing financial risks.

On investment conditions, he said Africa’s mineral resources should not be used as tools of geopolitical rivalry. China was prepared to work with African countries and other parties to create a favourable environment for business investment and operations.

Botswana Seeks Chinese Investment and Industrial Development

For Botswana, the discussions provide an opportunity to strengthen economic ties with one of its major international partners while pursuing broader industrial development.

President Boko welcomed greater Chinese investment in Botswana and expressed readiness to expand cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative. He identified industry, agriculture, mining, innovation and digital transformation as areas where closer collaboration could deliver practical results.

Boko also highlighted China’s development experience as a potential source of lessons for Botswana as it pursues its own economic objectives.

The two countries witnessed the signing of several cooperation documents covering areas including green minerals, health, human resources, the Global Security Initiative and Belt and Road cooperation.

Beyond mining, Xi said China was ready to expand cooperation with Botswana in the digital economy, agriculture and animal husbandry, as well as implement smart education projects to support economic and social development.

China also encouraged Botswana to make use of opportunities associated with its zero-tariff treatment for African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.

Trade Ties Continue to Expand

China and Botswana established diplomatic relations in January 1975 and upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership in September 2024.

According to China’s Foreign Ministry, bilateral trade reached $1.22 billion in 2025, representing a 21.3% increase from the previous year.

The latest agreement to elevate relations signals an intention to build on those commercial ties and broaden cooperation across additional sectors.

Mining remains particularly significant because of Botswana’s mineral resources and China’s industrial capacity, technology and investment networks. Greater cooperation in processing, technology transfer and sustainable financing could create opportunities to develop more activities around mineral production within Botswana.

However, the discussions and cooperation documents do not, by themselves, confirm specific new mining investments or project commitments. The commercial impact will depend on how the agreements are implemented and whether they translate into investment, technology deployment and expanded local processing.

Image: President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, pose for a photo with Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko and his wife, Kaone Tumalano Boko, during a welcoming ceremony held for the visiting Botswanan president in Beijing on Tuesday. Boko is on a state visit to China from Monday to Saturday. FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY