The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) and Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening sporting ties between the two nations. The agreement was formalized during a recent meeting in Lusaka, with NOCZ President Alfred Foloko and BNOC President Col. Botsang Tshenyego signing on behalf of their respective organizations.
The cooperation agreement, which will run for the Olympic Quadrennial Cycle from January 2025 to December 2028, represents a significant step forward in promoting regional sporting excellence and Olympic values. This partnership follows a similar agreement between NOCZ and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, aligning with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa's (ANOCA) vision for enhanced regional collaboration.
Founded on principles of mutual respect and sovereign equality, the agreement encompasses several key areas of cooperation. Both parties have committed to developing amicable relationships in sports for the benefit of their nations while supporting the Olympic Movement's broader objectives of promoting peace and Olympic education.
A central focus of the partnership is the joint commitment to combat doping in sports. The agreement emphasizes the development of policies and instruments that promote athlete education, welfare, and development while firmly opposing any form of racial discrimination.
The comprehensive cooperation framework includes several strategic areas:
Education and training programs for coaches, administrators, technical officials, and athletes
High-performance sport development and athlete empowerment initiatives
Resource mobilization, marketing, and event management collaboration
Human resources capacity development and volunteer management
Sports science advancement
Information and Communication Technology integration
Research and development projects
To facilitate practical implementation, both Olympic committees will encourage planned athlete exchanges between their national sports federations. This will enable participation in bilateral and multilateral competitions and training programs.
Additionally, the agreement provides for the exchange of officials, coaches, trainers, judges, experts, and scientists to participate in seminars, courses, and discussions on subjects of mutual interest.
The agreement will remain in force until amended or formally terminated by mutual consent of both parties, with a provision for termination through a two-month written notice by either party through designated officials.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in regional Olympic cooperation and demonstrates both countries' commitment to advancing sports development and Olympic ideals in Southern Africa. Through this partnership, both nations aim to create new opportunities for their athletes and sports professionals while contributing to the broader goals of the Olympic Movement.
