Boko, Lourenço Call for Stronger Botswana-Angola Trade Connectivity
Botswana and Angola are seeking to strengthen trade and transport links between the two countries, with Presidents Duma Boko and João Lourenço highlighting the need to address existing constraints on the movement of goods.
The issue was raised during President Boko’s three-day state visit to Angola in September, where the two countries discussed measures to deepen economic and commercial cooperation.
Lourenço said the potential for stronger bilateral trade would depend on overcoming the transport constraints that currently affect the movement of goods between the two countries.
The Angolan President said the two countries needed to move beyond longstanding diplomatic relations and translate their cooperation into concrete economic outcomes. Angola and Botswana have maintained diplomatic relations since 1976.
Boko similarly called for practical measures to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of goods and people, arguing that stronger economic relations require effective transport links and the removal of barriers to trade.
The two countries have identified transport, energy, mining, oil and gas, agriculture and tourism among the areas with potential for expanded cooperation.
During Boko’s visit, the two governments also signed agreements covering defence, the establishment of a bilateral commission and livestock cooperation.
Improved transport connectivity could provide Botswana with greater access to Angolan markets and infrastructure while creating additional opportunities for trade between the two economies.
For Angola, stronger links with Botswana could support expanded commercial ties with a landlocked market and contribute to wider regional connectivity across the Southern African Development Community.
Lourenço also highlighted the potential for Botswana to participate in the Lobito Refinery project, which Angola views as a strategically important regional infrastructure development.
The push for stronger connectivity comes as Botswana continues to position itself as a regional logistics and investment hub.
The country has also been promoting the Trans-Kalahari Corridor as an important trade route linking businesses and markets across Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.
Both governments are now looking to translate their recent diplomatic engagements into practical projects capable of expanding trade, investment and regional economic integration.
