Sello Lentsoane, NNA News | Gaborone, Botswana

Rwanda and Botswana signed six bilateral agreements on Thursday, including a visa-free travel arrangement, as Rwandan President Paul Kagame concluded a two-day state visit aimed at boosting trade, investment, and regional cooperation between the two countries.

The agreements, signed by ministers and senior government officials in Gaborone, cover visa abolition, avoidance of double taxation, health cooperation, agriculture, and air services. 

These deals are expected to ease the movement of people, improve commercial connectivity, and support broader efforts toward African integration. 

The visit comes amid growing efforts by African governments to expand intra-African trade and reduce barriers to travel, investment, and economic cooperation under initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Botswana President Duma Boko addresses delegates during a joint media briefing with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Gaborone, Botswana, 8 May 2026. (Photo: Government of Botswana)

Speaking at a joint media briefing, Botswana President Duma Boko said the talks focused on building a stronger long-term partnership based on shared economic and development goals between the two countries.

We did not meet today merely for the gracious exchange of flattery… we met for strategic realignment or a reaffirmation of our shared vision,” Boko explained.

He went onto described the agreements as an important step toward removing restrictions that have historically limited economic activity and investment flows between the two countries.

“We want to increase the volume of trade, the flows of investment between our two countries,” he added.

Boko also stressed the growing importance of stronger cooperation among African states as countries seek to build resilient economies and reduce dependence on external markets.

President Paul Kagame speaks during a joint media briefing in Gaborone, Botswana, during his two-day state visit, 8 May 2026. (Photo: Government of Botswana)

From the Rwandan side, President Paul Kagame emphasised that Rwanda and Botswana should focus on practical co-operations. That delivers measurable economic benefits to businesses and ordinary citizens.

“Air connectivity, visa facilitation, and double taxation,” Kagame said, “are among the areas requiring closer cooperation.”

He added, “The objective is to remove barriers and create a predictable environment for investment and collaboration.”

Kagame went on to explain to the press that improving transport links and simplifying travel procedures would help unlock investment opportunities and encourage stronger private sector participation between the two countries.

Alongside the official engagements, investors and business leaders from Rwanda and Botswana held discussions aimed at expanding partnerships in sectors including agriculture, logistics, health, tourism, and infrastructure.

Officials from both governments said private sector collaboration would be key to ensuring the agreements translate into tangible economic outcomes.

“What we agree on here must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens,” Kagame said.

The deal comes at a time when African countries are increasingly pursuing bilateral and regional agreements designed to reduce administrative barriers, improve connectivity, and encourage cross-border investment as governments seek to accelerate economic growth across the continent.

In his closing remarks, Kagame congratulated Botswana on hosting the 2026 relay and praised the country’s performance, describing it as “a moment of pride” not only for Botswana but for the African continent.