Gaborone: International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has advocated for more practical collaboration between South Africa and Botswana, as both nations gathered for the Ministerial Session of the Sixth Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Gaborone on Wednesday. Lamola stressed the importance of identifying new areas of cooperation that can have a meaningful impact on both countries.

According to South African Government News Agency, Lamola highlighted the necessity for both countries to explore further opportunities and establish practical avenues for joint development. He underlined the significance of stronger implementation of agreements and improved coordination to ensure the success of the bilateral relationship. Lamola praised the historic and fraternal ties between South Africa and Botswana, expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended by Botswana.

The Minister emphasized the importance of moving beyond commitments to accelerating the implementation of existing agreements, highlighting the people's expectation for closer collaboration. Lamola noted the strong economic relationship, with South Africa being Botswana's largest trading partner. In 2025, total bilateral trade reached approximately R82 billion, with South Africa exporting R73.5 billion worth of goods to Botswana.

Lamola pointed out that over 100 South African companies operate in Botswana across various sectors, but stressed the need for expanded cooperation in industrialisation and value chains to create more jobs. Energy security, mining, and infrastructure development were identified as key pillars of cooperation, with a focus on critical minerals and the importance of collaboration in telecommunications, digital technology, and more.

South African development finance institutions are already engaging Botswana on infrastructure projects, and Lamola welcomed plans to establish a One-Stop Border Post to improve trade efficiency. On migration, Lamola called for regional solutions to address irregular migration and security concerns, aligning with SADC and African Union protocols.

The BNC is set to conclude several agreements, including those on water management, biodiversity, and energy cooperation. Efforts are being made to improve trade facilitation measures, aiming to ease agricultural trade between the two countries. The Ministerial Session is part of the Sixth Session of the BNC, which will culminate in a Summit co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Gideon Duma Boko in Gaborone.