Muscat: With firm steps and a steadfast vision, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik continues to strengthen partnership with various world countries and to broaden the horizons of cooperation in a manner that boosts the path of economic diversification in the Sultanate of Oman.
His Majesty’s state-visit to the Republic of Botswana this Wednesday represents a translation of the Royal vision to enhance investment opportunities in promising markets, including those in the African continent, in a manner that serves Oman and its people as well as the peoples of these countries.
The visit constitutes an important milestone in the course of Oman-Botswana relations, and an opportunity to exchange views on a number of issues of common interest and to explore ways to develop cooperation in the economic and investment fields. This enhances communication between the business communities of the two countries and opens wider horizons for the private sector.
The two countries have worked to strengthen this cooperation and drive it towards broader horizons. The two visits made by President Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana to the Sultanate of Oman constituted an important impetus in the course of relations between the two countries. The first was a private visit from October 18 to 20, 2025, and the second was an official visit from April 12 to 15, 2026. A number of agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed in the fields of mining, energy, petroleum product storage, solar energy, and medical cooperation, in coordination with Botswana's needs.
Botswana's announcement on July 28, 2026 exempting holders of Omani passports from entry visas for stays of up to 90 days reflects a shared keenness to strengthen ties between the two peoples, facilitate commercial and economic exchange, and accelerate joint work between the two sides. It comes amid growing interest in reinforcing economic and commercial cooperation and exploring new opportunities in areas of common interest. Such efforts help activate channels of communication between the relevant authorities and the private sector in both countries, expand the base of commercial exchange, and open new horizons for partnerships and investments.
In November 2025, the two countries signed strategic agreements in Gaborone to implement renewable energy projects with a total capacity of up to 3,000 megawatts and to cooperate in mineral exploration across roughly 70 per cent of Botswana's unexplored territory. The agreements also cover the development of petroleum product storage facilities, strengthening both energy security and regional trade.
In Muscat on April 13, 2026, executive agreements and a power purchase agreement were signed for the Maun solar energy project, with a capacity of 500 megawatts. The foundation stone was then laid on April 16, 2026, making Maun the first project under the joint renewable energy cooperation programme — which has a total planned capacity of 3,000 megawatts — to advance from agreement to implementation. Further agreements covered the exploration and geological assessment of mineral resources in Botswana, the evaluation of prospects for strategic cooperation to strengthen fuel security, and a partnership to explore minerals including gold and diamonds.
Abdulsalam Mohammed al Murshidi, President of Oman Investment Authority pointed out to Oman News Agency (ONA) that the visit aims to build on the cooperation already achieved between the two countries. "We stand on solid ground of joint investments and renewed prospects for cooperation — ground that fulfils the visions and aspirations of the leaderships of both countries and serves the interests of the two peoples," he said.
He explained that the relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and Botswana represents a model of mutual trust. It has advanced at an accelerating pace from preliminary meetings to reciprocal visits, translating into investment agreements and projects, some of which have already had their foundation stones laid.
On his turn, Faisal Abdullah al Rowas, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) told ONA that the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Botswana possess the economic fundamentals needed to expand their partnership. This partnership, he said, is built on a shared commitment to sustainable development, openness to markets, and a greater role for the private sector, serving the interests of both countries and their peoples.
He added that mining, agriculture, livestock, food security, tourism, and logistics offer important avenues for investment and the exchange of expertise. He noted that raising awareness of both countries' potential and providing information on the business environment would encourage investors to establish high-quality projects with added value.
He affirmed that strengthening economic relations requires intensifying reciprocal visits, organizing specialized meetings and forums, and building direct links between private sector institutions. He noted OCCI's keenness to support these efforts and to bring Omani businesspeople closer to their counterparts in Botswana, thereby helping to stimulate trade and investment and to tap into regional and African markets.
The Republic of Botswana is known for its political stability and democratic traditions, holding general elections every five years. Its economy relies on the diamond sector, which accounts for more than 90 per cent of export revenues. The country has sustained steady growth over several decades, and its foreign policy is founded on strengthening friendly relations with the international community.
The Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of His Majesty the Sultan, continues to harness economic diplomacy to enhance trade and investment, diversify the economy and expand international partnerships.
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