President says China’s development model offers practical insights for Botswana’s economic transformation, diversification drive and industrial ambitions.

Beijing – President Duma Gideon Boko has hailed China’s rapid transformation from poverty to prosperity as a model from which Botswana can draw critical lessons as it seeks to diversify its economy and accelerate industrialisation.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with CGTN’s Leaders’ Talk during his state visit to China, Boko said his visit to Fujian Province provided first-hand insight into how long-term planning, self-belief and effective governance can drive economic development.

Boko described Fujian’s rise from an underdeveloped region to an industrialised and affluent province as “remarkable”, noting that China’s experience offers practical lessons for Botswana as it pursues higher income status and economic modernisation.

“The critical one is to industrialise,” Boko said, stressing the need for Botswana to harness domestic capabilities, strengthen confidence in its own potential and pursue development driven by local strengths.

The President’s visit comes as Botswana and China elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, a move Boko said would deepen opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

He said discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding avenues for economic collaboration, trade and investment.

Boko also emphasised the historical foundations of Botswana-China relations, recalling Botswana’s support for China’s readmission to the United Nations in 1971. He said the relationship has been built on mutual respect and shared principles that continue to guide cooperation.

During the visit, Botswana and Chinese businesses participated in a trade and investment summit, with Boko revealing that several Chinese companies had expressed interest in projects in Botswana and would visit the country to pursue implementation discussions.

On economic cooperation, Boko said Africa and China possess complementary strengths. He noted that China brings technological expertise and financial resources, while Africa offers abundant natural resources and opportunities for industrial development.

He argued that technology transfer and industrial partnerships could help African nations unlock greater value from their resources and build sustainable industries.

Boko also welcomed China’s zero-tariff arrangements for certain African exports, saying they create opportunities for Botswana products such as beef and citrus while easing pressures created by uncertainty in global markets. He described the initiative as an important pillar of South-South cooperation.

Turning to Botswana’s economy, Boko acknowledged the country’s long-standing dependence on diamonds, noting that the sector has historically generated more than 80 percent of national revenue and funded major investments in infrastructure, healthcare and education.

However, he warned that the recent downturn in the diamond market had exposed the risks of relying on a single commodity, reinforcing the urgency of economic diversification.

“When you have 80 percent of your total revenue reliant on a single commodity, and that commodity is facing challenges, then it means your economy has been severely affected,” he said. “Botswana has no choice but to diversify.”

Boko said Botswana’s development strategy must focus not only on defining its goals, but on identifying practical pathways to achieve them, adding that China’s development experience offers valuable lessons on implementation, efficiency and results-driven planning.

The President further voiced support for closer China-Africa cooperation, saying both sides stand to benefit from deeper economic partnerships, stronger trade links and collaborative development initiatives that promote stability and shared prosperity.

(C) Adapted from YouTube