Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has described his state visit to Botswana as opening a new chapter in relations between the two countries, marked by the transformation of the existing joint cooperation commission into a binational commission co-chaired by both heads of state.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, 30 September, to review the outcomes of the visit — undertaken at the invitation of Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko — Chapo said the new mechanism should strengthen coordination, oversight, and political direction of bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and commercial spheres.
The visit included participation in celebrations marking Botswana’s 60th anniversary of independence, as well as meetings with strategic institutions and companies in the country.
Nacala Port among the opportunities
In the transport and logistics sector, Mozambique and Botswana examined the possibility of using the Port of Nacala for the import and export of goods, as an alternative route to facilitate market access.
“In our meeting, we explored the possibility of Botswana using the Port of Nacala as one of the routes for the import and export of goods and, in this way, establishing more effective links with markets,” Chapo stated.
Botswana currently uses the Port of Maputo via the Limpopo Corridor.
The two countries also discussed the creation of integrated tourism packages involving destinations across Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Business and resource value addition
The economic component of the visit included the Mozambique-Botswana Business Forum, which brought together entrepreneurs from both countries to identify investment opportunities, partnerships, and trade prospects.
Chapo highlighted the role of the private sector in transforming the national economy, advocating for greater in-country processing of resources, job creation, and increased state revenues.
“In our meeting, we explored the possibility of Botswana using the Port of Nacala as one of the routes for the import and export of goods and, in this way, establishing more effective links with markets” — Daniel Chapo
During visits to the Botswana Meat Commission and the Okavango Diamond Company, the President was briefed on practices relating to resource processing and value addition.
“We are undertaking deep reforms and Botswana’s experience is extremely important for Mozambique’s mineral resources, which must generate wealth for the Mozambican people,” he declared.
The visit also included a stop at the Samora Machel Museum in Lobatse and a meeting with the Mozambican community resident in Botswana, where concerns relating to civil registration services were raised.
Chapo also acknowledged the support provided by Botswana during Mozambique’s national liberation struggle, and recalled Botswana’s participation in the celebrations marking Mozambique’s 50th anniversary of independence in 2025.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/10/01/economia/desenvolvimento/mocambique-e-botsuana-reforcam-relacoes-com-comissao-binacional/
