Gaborone, Botswana – Oman and Botswana have moved to deepen a rapidly developing relationship, with the two countries agreeing to expand cooperation in energy, mining, agriculture, tourism, pharmaceuticals and trade during His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit.

The September 16-17 visit marked an important milestone in ties between the two countries, which established diplomatic relations only in October last year.

His Majesty the Sultan and Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko held official talks in Gaborone and affirmed their commitment to strengthening political, economic and cultural cooperation, while seeking to harness the comparative advantages of both countries.

The two leaders identified food security and agriculture, oil and energy, financial services, mining and mineral processing, health, tourism, transport and logistics, education and skills development, trade and investment as priority areas.

The two leaders also exchanged views on developments in Africa and the Middle East and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, mediation and a rules-based international order.

Both sides expressed determination to elevate relations towards strategic cooperation, signaling that the rapidly expanding partnership could become an important component of Oman’s engagement with southern Africa.

The wide-ranging agenda reflects the rapid pace at which relations have developed since the establishment of diplomatic ties. President Boko has already visited Oman twice – in October 2025 and April 2026 – with the two sides agreeing to maintain regular high-level exchanges and political consultations.

His Majesty visited the Botswana Diamond Trading Company, gaining first-hand insight into the country’s diamond industry. The two leaders agreed to encourage greater cooperation between institutions and private companies in mineral processing, value addition, technology, investment and skills development.

Nine agreements signed

Nine bilateral documents were signed during His Majesty’s visit, covering general cooperation, political consultations, visa arrangements for diplomatic and special passport holders, air services, investment promotion, energy security, pharmaceuticals and mining exploration.

The agreements also include cooperation between Business Botswana and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, opening another channel for private-sector engagement.

Energy and minerals emerged as particularly significant areas of cooperation.

Botswana officials highlighted a mega solar power project in the Maun area as a tangible outcome of the relationship, while Oman’s O-Green signed an agreement on energy security and regional energy development.

The project could have implications beyond Botswana. Botswana Power Corporation said the country could have a significant electricity surplus once planned projects are operational, creating opportunities to export power to neighbouring countries. According to O-Green, the cooperation would allow electricity generated by its projects in Botswana to be transmitted to surrounding states.

The pharmaceutical sector is another emerging area, with a new partnership covering medicines security, regulatory cooperation, pharmaceutical supply and investment.

Botswana’s International Relations Minister Phenyo Butale described His Majesty the Sultan’s visit as historic and said the agreements would support investment in priority sectors including mining, energy, tourism and agriculture.