Botswana President Duma Boko has emphasized the need for stronger intra-African trade ties, highlighting it as a key driver of economic transformation across the continent.
In a recent interview, Boko pointed to the lack of infrastructure and trade corridors between African countries as a major hurdle that is now being addressed.
He noted that initiatives such as the Lobito and Nacala corridors aim to improve the movement of goods across borders, making trade more efficient and cost-effective.
The Lobito Corridor links Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Angola’s Atlantic port of Lobito, while the Nacala Corridor connects Malawi and inland Mozambique to the Indian Ocean port of Nacala.
The Lobito Corridor links Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Angola’s Atlantic port of Lobito, while the Nacala Corridor connects Malawi and inland Mozambique to the Indian Ocean port of Nacala.
The president also stressed the importance of digital platforms to enable seamless, borderless trade among African producers.
The goal is to foster collaboration, aggregate regional production, and create a self-sustaining economic network within the continent.
Turning to domestic matters, Boko reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to reducing its long-standing dependence on diamonds.
While the country intends to maintain a strong presence in the diamond sector, he said there is a shift toward broadening the mining base to include rare-earth and other underutilized minerals.
The president outlined plans to process and add value to these resources locally, creating jobs and strengthening the economy.
He also emphasized the importance of differentiating natural diamonds from synthetic ones by promoting their rarity and provenance to attract discerning buyers.
Boko’s administration is also exploring citizenship-by-investment programs to attract foreign capital and support private sector-led growth.
Having taken office a year ago, he said he remains confident in the path ahead and in the support of the people of Botswana.
“We are doing everything we can to turn around the economy,” he said, “and so far, it’s going reasonably well.”
Gaborone, Botswana – Bantu Gazette
