Across the vast grasslands of Jwaneng, Botswana, rows of solar panels gleam in the sunlight.

The Jwaneng solar power plant, the country's first large-scale, centralized photovoltaic facility with a capacity of 100 megawatts, was built by China Harbor Engineering Company as part of a Chinese-Botswana consortium. 

The project stands as a tangible example of how Chinese investment and technological expertise are supporting Botswana's energy transition under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

In 2025, trade between China and Botswana reached $1.222 billion, up 21.3% year on year. The two countries are now expanding collaboration in trade, investment and technology, with practical projects delivering mutual benefits and injecting fresh impetus into economic and social development.

Improving local livelihoods

Chinese-invested companies have maintained steady cooperation with Botswana for years, covering areas such as infrastructure, energy and mining, bringing tangible benefits to local communities.

The Jwaneng solar power plant project officially commenced operations at the end of April 2026. The facility is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 240,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to planting two million trees, helping to ease electricity shortages and strengthen the country's energy security.

Beyond its contribution to clean energy, the project team has recruited 20 recent electrical engineering graduates from Jwaneng Technical College for training, and created local employment opportunities in civil engineering, solar panel installation and electrical commissioning during construction.

Meanwhile, water infrastructure projects have played an important role in improving access to essential services across Botswana. Built by Chinese companies, the Thune Dam provides water for both domestic and agricultural use, with its water resources feeding into the country's North-South Water Carrier system. 

Other Chinese-supported initiatives, including water supply and sanitation projects in Maun and the Boteti region, are also strengthening local water services and improving residents' access to clean water.

New frontiers for partnership

Nowadays, cooperation between China and Botswana is increasingly extending into scientific and technological innovation and emerging industries, opening up new areas for bilateral engagement.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) identifies achieving notable progress in high-quality development as its top priority, with an emphasis on fostering new quality productive forces. This agenda resonates with Botswana's 12th National Development Plan and Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, which seek to move the economy beyond its traditional reliance on diamonds toward diversification and a knowledge-based, innovation-driven model.

The Digital Delta Data Center, built by China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd., is a vivid example of the two countries' growing partnership. As Botswana's first national-level data center, it provides infrastructure for large-scale data storage, processing and transmission, serving both government agencies and businesses.

Previously, much of Botswana's government and business data was stored overseas, resulting in slower and less efficient data transfers. With the center now operational, more data can be stored and processed locally, enabling faster and more cost-effective data exchange and improving the online experience for users. The facility is also helping strengthen the country's information and communications technology ecosystem and lay the groundwork for the expansion of cloud services and other digital industries.

Unlocking new growth opportunities

Economic and trade ties between China and Botswana are mutually beneficial and enjoy broad prospects. Bilateral business trips and engagements have become increasingly frequent, with continued exchange between the two sides.

From May 1 this year, China extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties, bringing significant benefits to Botswana's premium products, such as beef and citrus. "This important initiative opens new opportunities for Botswana to expand its exports, strengthen trade and deepen our economic cooperation with China," said Botswana's Minister for State President, Defense and Security Moeti Mohwasa.

Trade between China and Botswana rose by 58.6% to $852 million in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, official statistics showed.

In January 2021, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation on the BRI, making Botswana the 46th African partner country to join the initiative.

In 2025, the two countries signed a MoU on promoting the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, and Botswana joined the Initiative on International Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework for Digital Economy and Green Development. These agreements provide new opportunities and open up new prospects for China-Botswana collaboration.

(With input from Xinhua)