Lesotho and Botswana are looking to establish direct air connectivity between the two countries as their aviation authorities move to deepen cooperation.
The two countries have commenced negotiations for a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), while Lesotho’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) is also benchmarking Botswana’s aviation systems and practices.
The engagements took place in Gaborone and could pave the way for direct flights between Maseru and Botswana, potentially boosting travel, trade, tourism and investment.
According to a statement by the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), head of the Lesotho delegation, Nnopi Linkonyane, expressed optimism about the BASA negotiations, highlighting the potential for direct air connectivity between Botswana and Lesotho and the opportunities this could unlock for business, trade and investment.
The BASA talks were held alongside a benchmarking engagement between the DCA and CAAB.
CAAB said the engagement provides an opportunity for the two countries to examine systems, structures and practices underpinning effective civil aviation administration.
“The BASA negotiations taking place alongside the benchmarking engagement add another important dimension to the relationship,” CAAB said in a statement.
“An effective aviation sector is ultimately about more than aircraft and airports. Air connectivity is an economic enabler.Improved connectivity can facilitate tourism, trade, investment, business travel and people-to-people connections, while creating opportunities for airlines and other aviation-related businesses,” it added.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Botswana’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Johannes Tsimako, described the engagement as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between Botswana and Lesotho.
Tsimako noted that the anticipated agreement has the potential to enhance air connectivity, stimulate economic growth, support the revitalisation of airline operations and create opportunities for increased trade and investment.
“For the Lesotho delegation, the potential benefits are equally significant. Head of Delegation, Ms Nnopi Linkonyane, expressed optimism about the BASA negotiations, highlighting the potential for direct air connectivity between Botswana and Lesotho and the opportunities this could unlock for business, trade and investment,” CAAB said.
It indicated that the convergence of the two engagements, benchmarking and BASA negotiations, therefore illustrates the broader role that aviation institutions play in national and regional development.
“Building a safer and more connected region As African countries seek to strengthen intra-African connectivity and unlock the economic potential of greater movement across borders, the capacity of civil aviation authorities becomes increasingly important.”
The benchmarking exercise was the second regional engagement hosted by CAAB this year.
Earlier in 2026, CAAB hosted a delegation from the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) for a two-day benchmarking exercise covering regulatory systems, organisational arrangements, technical oversight and other aspects of aviation administration.
Botswana’s aviation sector has attracted regional attention following its performance in the 2024 International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit, where the country achieved an Effective Implementation score of 85.78 percent.
Botswana was subsequently recognised at the 42nd ICAO Assembly in 2025, receiving the ICAO Council President Certificate for its achievement in establishing an effective safety oversight system and improving implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.
The latest engagement gives Lesotho an opportunity to study Botswana’s transition from a government-led civil aviation model to an autonomous aviation authority.
The areas of interest include regulatory oversight, safety standards, air navigation services, airport management, personnel competency and stakeholder coordination.
The two countries are also looking at aviation as a potential driver of economic activity.
For Lesotho, direct air connectivity with Botswana could provide another regional travel option while strengthening links between the two economies.
The negotiations come as African countries seek to improve intra-African air connectivity and increase the contribution of aviation to trade, tourism and investment.
CAAB said the growing interest from regional aviation authorities also demonstrates increasing confidence in Botswana’s aviation systems and expertise.
Summary
- According to a statement by the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), head of the Lesotho delegation, Nnopi Linkonyane, expressed optimism about the BASA negotiations, highlighting the potential for direct air connectivity between Botswana and Lesotho and the opportunities this could unlock for business, trade and investment.
- Head of Delegation, Ms Nnopi Linkonyane, expressed optimism about the BASA negotiations, highlighting the potential for direct air connectivity between Botswana and Lesotho and the opportunities this could unlock for business, trade and investment,” CAAB said.
- “Building a safer and more connected region As African countries seek to strengthen intra-African connectivity and unlock the economic potential of greater movement across borders, the capacity of civil aviation authorities becomes increasingly important.
Authored by our expert team of writers and editors, with thorough research.
