“Key to our agreement is that it will enhance regional integration as well as economic development. It will also enhance the free movement of people across our two countries,” Transport Minister Dipuo Peters said on Monday, before signing the MoA.

“We are very excited about this because it shows that our engagement over the years has started to bear fruits.”

Part of the MoA includes the Upgrade of the Road and Bridges Infrastructure Development Initiatives between South Africa and Botswana, which entails cooperation in all designs, construction, financing, rehabilitation and maintenance.

In March 2007, the Regional Action Agenda Report was developed with the intention of identifying gaps, prioritising projects and thereby promoting regional integration and development.

The document is a practical action agenda, which identifies projects that should be undertaken to ensure regional economic development and integration.

Available: http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sa-botswana-boost-regional-development