# Botswana international economic and diplomatic expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/botswana-international-economic-and-diplomatic-expansion > Updated: 2026-10-12T13:21:49.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Botswana has initiated efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and economic cooperation with Madagascar and China. Following discussions between President Duma Boko of Botswana and Madagascar’s Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, the two nations began working to renew a 2006 framework agreement. Technical teams were tasked with defining priority sectors such as mining, tourism, agriculture, and energy. As part of this effort to facilitate mobility, Botswana removed visa requirements for Malagasy citizens to support investors, students, and tourists. In a parallel development, Botswana and China upgraded their relationship to a ‘comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership’ following meetings between President Boko and President Xi Jinping. This partnership focuses on increasing trade, specifically seeking improved Chinese market access for Botswana’s beef and citrus exports. The cooperation also encompasses industrial development in areas including digital technologies, renewable energy, mining, and infrastructure. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-12: Botswana expands economic ties with China and Madagascar Botswana is strengthening economic ties through a new strategic partnership with China and visa-free travel for Malagasy nationals to boost trade, tourism, and industrial development. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/botswana-expands-economic-ties-with-china-and-madagascar ### 2026-10-05: Botswana and Madagascar to strengthen economic and mining ties Botswana and Madagascar are renewing their 2006 cooperation framework, focusing on mining, tourism, and trade, while Botswana implements visa-free travel for Malagasy citizens. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/botswana-and-madagascar-to-strengthen-economic-and-mining-ties --- Cite as: Botswana international economic and diplomatic expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/botswana-international-economic-and-diplomatic-expansion