Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame will visit Botswana next week for a state visit during which the two countries are expected to sign a series of new cooperation agreements across key economic sectors.
The visit, scheduled for 6–7 May at the invitation of President Gideon Boko, will follow the Second Session of the Botswana–Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC), which convenes on 4–5 May.
The state visit marks a further strengthening of bilateral ties that have grown steadily since Kagame’s 2019 visit, when the two nations agreed to establish the JPCC as a framework for deepening collaboration.
Relations between Botswana and Rwanda have increasingly focused on economic diversification, digital innovation and skills exchange, with both governments positioning the partnership as a model for intra‑African cooperation.
During next week’s talks, the two leaders are expected to discuss cooperation in digital trade, tourism, animal vaccine development, transport connectivity and the diamond value chain.
Kagame is also scheduled to tour the Diamond Trading Company Botswana as part of efforts to expand collaboration in beneficiation and value‑addition industries.
Several agreements are expected to be signed, including frameworks on trade and investment, institutional cooperation between the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre and the Rwanda Development Board, and a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement aimed at easing business and investment flows.
A Botswana–Rwanda business forum will take place on 5 May to connect private‑sector players from both countries.
Kagame will be accompanied by cabinet ministers, senior officials and a business delegation, underscoring the economic focus of the visit.
Both governments say the engagements will build on momentum generated in recent years as they seek to unlock new opportunities for trade, innovation and cross‑border investment.
JN/APA