29 December 2025
Botswana President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko has started a private external visit to South Africa, running from 28 December 2025 to 7 January 2026.
During this time, Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe will step in as Acting President of Botswana. The trip, announced in an official press release from the President’s office, marks Boko’s first known journey to South Africa since he took office after a landmark election win in October 2024. For South Africans, this visit highlights the close links between the two nations, built on shared goals in trade, security, and growth across the region.
While no public plans or reasons for the trip have been shared, it fits with Boko’s focus on building ties in Southern Africa, especially as both countries play big roles in groups such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC). As the festive season winds down, many hope such engagements lead to stronger partnerships that help everyday people through better jobs and stability.
Details of the private visit
The press release from the Office of the President keeps things simple, calling the trip a “private external visit” with no extra details on what Boko will do or where he will go in South Africa. The trip started on the 28th December 2025, and ends on 7 January 2026, covering the New Year period. While Boko is away, Vice President Gaolathe will hold the fort and carry out Acting President duties, ensuring the smooth running of government back home.
This kind of private trip by a leader often means time for rest or personal matters, but it can also open doors for quiet talks on shared issues. Botswana’s government stressed that this is not an official state visit, so no public events or meetings are planned. Still, with Boko’s fresh start in office, any chats during the visit could touch on ways to boost ties between the two countries.
Boko’s rise to power: An historic election win
President Boko came to power after a big election victory in October 2024, where his Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition won in a landslide. This ended the long rule of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which had been in charge since Botswana gained independence from Britain in 1966. Boko, a lawyer by trade, promised to fight corruption, fix the economy, and make life better for ordinary people.
His win was seen as a fresh start for Botswana, a country known for its steady growth from diamonds and tourism. Boko has pushed for changes including better jobs for the youth and more robust anti-corruption practices. Before becoming president, he went to the SADC summit in Zimbabwe in August 2025 as president-elect, showing his early focus on regional teamwork.
This visit to South Africa fits that pattern, even if private. It comes soon after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called to congratulate Boko in November 2024, showing warm ties between the leaders.
Strong links between South Africa and Botswana
South Africa and Botswana share a long border and deep bonds in many areas. Trade is a big part, with goods such as food, machines, and minerals moving between them. Botswana buys a lot from South Africa, and both work together on energy and water projects.
In security, the two countries team up against crime including smuggling and poaching, both of which hits Botswana’s wildlife hard. As key members of SADC, they help with peace efforts in countries including Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Boko’s government wants to grow the economy through reforms, which could mean more deals with South Africa in mining and tourism.
The two countries also share cultural ties, with many Batswana living or working in South Africa. This visit, though private, could quietly strengthen these links, especially as Botswana looks to draw more investment for jobs and growth.
Source: https://shorturl.at/LeMTB
