Duma Boko Says Botswana Won’t Let China Ties Shut Out US Investment

President Duma Boko has pushed back against concerns that Botswana’s closer relationship with China could damage its ties with the United States, saying the country will make its choices according to its own interests. Speaking to journalists in Gaborone after a state visit to China, he argued that Botswana should not be forced to choose sides in disputes between powerful countries. Boko said even nations divided by international conflicts continue to cooperate when doing so serves their interests. He questioned why Botswana should rule out the same flexibility, adding that his government is prepared to engage any country willing to take the country’s economic challenges seriously. The comments follow the elevation of Botswana-China relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, covering areas including trade, investment and development. Boko insisted the closer relationship should not be interpreted as Botswana turning its back on Washington. He said the government would consider its partnerships based on what is beneficial to Botswana. “We look at what is best for us and we deal with everybody,” Boko said, according to the report, pointing to the way the United States continues to work with countries such as China and Russia where it sees a strategic reason to do so. He argued that Botswana should not give up possible investment opportunities merely to avoid upsetting competing global powers. Boko also hinted that major American investment could be announced in his upcoming State of the Nation Address. He did not identify the likely sectors, disclose the expected value or give a timetable, leaving the scale of the proposed investment uncertain. His position is a balancing act: Botswana is pursuing closer cooperation with China while signalling that it remains open to American involvement. Boko’s message was that the country’s economic interests, rather than outside pressure, would guide its dealings with either power.