Botswana and Rwanda Sign Trade Pact to Boost Cooperation

Botswana and Rwanda have signed an agreement aimed at easing trade and enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations. This pact includes provisions to eliminate double taxation and abolish visa requirements, with the visa-free travel agreement taking immediate effect.

Rwanda has already applied the agreement, and Botswana is expected to follow suit. The signing ceremony was part of Rwandan President Paul Kagame's visit to Botswana, which began earlier in the week and included a tour of diamond trade companies.

The agreement is designed to eliminate obstacles that slow cooperation and is seen as a significant step toward deepening economic integration. Kagame praised Botswana's management of its natural resources, particularly diamonds, and emphasized the importance of the agreement in benefiting citizens.

The visit also aimed to build and grow partnerships, anchored by a joint permanent commission established in Kigali in 2019, focusing on coordinated collaboration in trade, governance, education, technology, and investment.