Oman and Botswana have formalized a new framework for cooperation in mineral exploration through a Memorandum of Agreement on Co-Development and Heads of Terms Cooperation on Mining Exploration. The agreement was signed during the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to Botswana on September 17, 2026, and forms part of a broader package of nine bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding concluded between the two nations.
The mineral exploration agreement establishes structured terms under which the two countries will collaborate on resource assessment and the potential co-development of mineral resources. The framework builds on existing ties in mining development between Oman and Botswana. In April 2026, Minerals Development Oman and Botswana’s Exploration Investment Company had already signed a cooperation agreement covering geological evaluation and the joint development of mineral resources. The September agreement advances that relationship by setting out formal heads of terms for future cooperation in mineral exploration activities.
Mining Agreement Builds on Earlier Geological Evaluation Partnership
Eng Matar bin Salim al Badi, CEO of Minerals Development Oman, signed the agreement on the Omani side. Sisco Mashabele, CEO of Botswana Mining Investment Company, signed on behalf of Botswana. The involvement of both mining-focused entities signals that the framework is designed to facilitate practical cooperation in resource assessment and mining development rather than serve as a purely diplomatic instrument.
Botswana’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, was among the senior officials present at the signing. On the Omani side, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, said Oman was determined to advance relations with Botswana and expressed hope that the agreements would be fully implemented at the earliest to deliver tangible benefits to both countries.
Abdulsalam bin Mohammed al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority, said relations with Botswana were among the fastest-developing in terms of the number of projects and investments implemented and the speed of their execution. He noted that leaders of both countries have directed their teams to accelerate work to expand cooperation into additional sectors.
Nine Agreements Cover Mining, Energy and Investment Sectors
The mineral exploration framework was one of nine documents signed during the visit. Other agreements covered energy security, regional energy development, investment promotion, air services, pharmaceutical cooperation and the abolition of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and special passports. The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Business Botswana also signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen commercial ties.
Dr Phenyo Butale, Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, said the agreements would support investment in priority sectors including mining, energy, tourism and agriculture. He acknowledged the rapid development of bilateral relations and tangible results already achieved between the two countries.
The co-development framework on mineral exploration positions both nations to deepen their engagement in geological evaluation and resource assessment. With formal heads of terms now in place, the agreement provides a structured basis for future cooperation between Omani and Botswanan mining entities on mineral resources development.