Zambia, Botswana Sign Three Key MoUs at First Bi-National Summit
Zambia and Botswana have officially signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the historic Inaugural Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC), held at State House in Lusaka. The agreements signal a deepening of bilateral cooperation and a bold step forward in regional collaboration.
The high-level meeting, co-chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia and President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, marked the formal transition from the Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation to the elevated Bi-National Commission. The session culminated in the signing of three critical MoUs designed to strengthen institutional governance, disaster risk response, and health sector collaboration.
The first MoU establishes Rules of Procedure to Govern the Meetings of the Bi-National Commission, providing a clear framework for how the BNC and its sub-committees or working groups will operate and engage in implementation processes.
The second MoU focuses on Cooperation in Disaster Risk Management, aimed at fostering joint strategies for disaster preparedness, transboundary response, and information exchange. This agreement is particularly vital given the increasing frequency of climate-related emergencies affecting both countries.
The third MoU emphasizes Cooperation in the Field of Health, aligning with the SADC Protocol on Health. It includes collaboration on medical education, HIV and AIDS response, patient referrals, and specialist care, particularly between Livingstone General Hospital in Zambia and Kasane Primary Hospital in Botswana.
Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, and Minister of Health, Hon. Elijah Muchima, signed on behalf of the Zambian government.
Their Botswana counterparts, Hon. Dr. Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations, and Hon. Moeti Ceasar Mohwasa, Minister for State President, represented the Republic of Botswana.
The Inaugural BNC was preceded by Ministerial and Senior Officials Meetings held from July 28 to 31, setting the foundation for the comprehensive agreements signed today.
