President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana has arrived in Lesotho for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening the good relationship between the two southern African nations. His visit began on Tuesday, packed with important meetings and activities designed to boost cooperation in trade, infrastructure, water projects, and diplomatic ties.
President Boko, who became the President of Botswana in 2024, touched down at Moshoeshoe I International Airport in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. He was warmly received by senior government officials before heading to the Royal Palace for an audience with the King of Lesotho, His Majesty King Letsie III.
From there, President Boko proceeded to State House, where he met with Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane. The highlight of the day was the signing of a new agreement known as the Bi-National Commission of Cooperation. This agreement is expected to serve as a structured platform for the two nations to meet regularly, share ideas, solve common challenges, and deepen their cooperation across several sectors.
The Bi-National Commission is one of the highest forms of bilateral cooperation, and its signing marks a major milestone in the diplomatic history between Botswana and Lesotho. With this new deal, both countries are expected to collaborate more closely in areas such as trade, energy, agriculture, water management, education, and regional security.
After the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Matekane hosted an official lunch in honour of President Boko and his delegation. The event brought together top government officials, diplomats, and stakeholders from both countries. During his speech at the lunch, Prime Minister Matekane expressed his gratitude for the growing relationship between the two nations and described President Boko’s visit as timely and significant.
President Boko, in his remarks, thanked the government and people of Lesotho for the warm reception. He said the partnership between Botswana and Lesotho is based on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for development. He promised that Botswana would continue to work with Lesotho to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Later in the day, the visiting president toured the Ha Tikoe Industrial Park in Maseru. The industrial park is one of Lesotho’s major economic zones and houses several textile factories, manufacturing companies, and logistics centres. President Boko was shown around the park by local officials and expressed interest in possible partnerships between Batswana and Basotho businesses.
On Wednesday, the second day of the visit, President Boko is expected to visit the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project site. This is a major cross-border infrastructure initiative that will allow Lesotho to supply fresh water to Botswana through pipelines. The project, which is being developed in partnership with international donors, is seen as a long-term solution to water shortages in parts of Botswana.
Also on the agenda for President Boko is participation in King Letsie III’s birthday celebrations. The king, who is highly respected across southern Africa, turns 61 this week. President Boko will join other regional leaders and dignitaries to celebrate the monarch’s birthday, further strengthening cultural and traditional bonds between the two nations.
Officials from both countries say the three-day visit reflects the commitment of President Boko to deepen ties with Lesotho, especially as both countries are members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). They also say that the new Bi-National Commission will open doors for more trade, better border management, and joint responses to issues like climate change, youth unemployment, and infrastructure development.
President Boko’s visit is expected to end on Thursday, July 18, after a final round of technical meetings between the two countries’ officials.
