Gaborone: Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Alexandra Abrahams, is set to participate in the 6th Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) and will address attendees at the Botswana-South Africa Business Forum in Gaborone from 20 to 21 May 2026.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Business Forum will be held alongside the 6th session of the South Africa-Botswana BNC, which serves as a platform to enhance bilateral relations and foster cooperation between the neighboring countries. The commission will focus on boosting collaboration in key sectors such as agriculture, transport, infrastructure, water, mining, energy, science and technology, finance, tourism, trade, and investment.
Abrahams indicated that the BNC would allow the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) to evaluate progress on Economic Cluster commitments established during the previous BNC session. She emphasized that the deliberations are anticipated to bolster bilateral trade and investment ties between South Africa and Botswana.
The discussions will also cover the implementation plan for the Memorandum of Understanding on Trade and Industrial Cooperation. This aims to address market access barriers, enhance customs cooperation, and support investment partnerships within Southern African Customs Union (SACU) value chains. Abrahams noted that the session would provide both countries with an opportunity to address ongoing market access challenges, specifically trade restrictions impacting key sectors.
Abrahams highlighted the growing investment relationship between the two nations, pointing out that 30 South African companies have invested in Botswana between January 2003 and March 2026. These investments span a range of sectors, including financial services, mining, communications, hospitality and tourism, consumer products, software and information technology services, food and beverages, building materials, and business services.
The Deputy Minister underscored that the investment relationship between South Africa and Botswana illustrates the significance of strategic cooperation in addressing economic challenges and promoting regional trade and investment growth. South Africa stands as Botswana's second-largest trading partner, accounting for about 15% of Botswana's total exports, with exports worth R73.6 billion in 2025. Conversely, Botswana contributes approximately 60% of South Africa's total imports, with South Africa importing goods valued at an estimated R7.6 billion from Botswana during the same period.
The 6th Botswana-South Africa BNC is anticipated to further solidify economic cooperation and reinforce the long-standing diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries.
