Lusaka, Zambia – July 2025
The Republics of Zambia and Botswana have taken a landmark step towards deeper regional cooperation by officially launching a Bi-National Commission (BNC), a strategic framework designed to strengthen bilateral ties, enhance economic integration, and advance continental unity under the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
The agreement was formalized during a two-day state visit by the President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, to Lusaka, where he held high-level bilateral talks with his Zambian counterpart, President Hakainde Hichilema.
This marks the first-ever Bi-National Commission between the two Southern African nations. The BNC replaces the previous Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) and elevates collaboration to the highest political and diplomatic levels. The agreement aims to promote coordinated action across key sectors including infrastructure development, trade, agriculture, energy, tourism, education, defense, and security.
Key Highlights of the Bi-National Commission:
- Cross-border Infrastructure Development:
Enhanced collaboration on transport corridors, including the Kazungula Bridge, which links the two nations and serves as a vital logistics artery for Southern Africa. - Trade and Economic Growth:
Streamlined customs and trade facilitation to boost intra-African commerce, aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives. - Energy and Power Pool Integration:
Joint investments in sustainable power generation and grid interconnection projects to improve energy security. - Youth, Education and Skills Development:
Commitment to improving educational exchange and vocational training to empower the next generation of Africans. - Peace and Regional Security:
Closer military and security cooperation to address transnational threats and support regional peace initiatives under SADC protocols.
In his remarks, President Masisi emphasized the significance of unity beyond national borders:
“We may live in different countries, but that should never divide us as Africans. We must integrate our economies, harmonize our policies, and work together to secure the prosperity of future generations.”
President Hichilema echoed the sentiment, calling the BNC “a new chapter in Zambia-Botswana relations” and “a practical expression of Africa’s shared destiny.”
Why This Matters for Africa:
- Promotes free movement of goods and people between Zambia and Botswana
- Enhances regional supply chains and economic resilience
- Strengthens political cooperation for stability and development
- Serves as a model for cross-border unity across Africa
The establishment of the Bi-National Commission aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated continent.
As Africa continues to confront challenges of development, governance, and economic disparity, initiatives like the Zambia-Botswana BNC represent practical solutions driven by African leadership and solidarity.
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