Botswana’s drive to diversify its economy is beginning to yield concrete results, with the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) in its first six months prioritising the removal of obstacles that have stalled investment projects between approval and execution.
The BETP Mid-Year Review, presented by Naledi Madala, Senior Policy Adviser at the Ministry of Finance and BETP Secretariat, reveals a marked change in government strategy. The focus has shifted from project conception to addressing practical challenges relating to land access, financing, regulation, infrastructure, and inter-agency coordination.
The programme has identified 186 priority projects spanning nine sectors, targeting cumulative investments of around P514 billion and the creation of 512,000 jobs by 2036. These ambitious figures underscore Botswana’s commitment to economic diversification, although the review makes clear that much remains a work in progress.
Financial services have emerged as a notable area of progress, with reforms accelerating the flow of capital within the economy. Madala highlighted that 40 per cent of the projects are public-sector initiatives aligned with the National Development Plan 12, while 60 per cent are private-sector led, reflecting BETP’s emphasis on private investment as the engine of growth.
Since February 1, the Bank of Botswana has introduced an additional weekday clearing window at 5pm, requiring banks to credit beneficiaries within 60 minutes of settlement. Between February and April, this new session facilitated the clearance of over P23 billion. The central bank has also implemented Simplified Due Diligence guidelines, easing compliance for lower-risk customers while maintaining rigorous checks for higher-risk cases.
In parallel, Botswana’s fintech sector is opening up to innovation. The Bank of Botswana’s regulatory sandbox, launched in December 2025, received 50 applications in its inaugural intake, offering fintech firms a controlled environment to pilot new products under regulatory oversight.
Land remains a substantial bottleneck for investment. The government’s newly established Land Labs are addressing this by facilitating 18 projects across tourism, education, infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. So far, three projects – including the SSKIA SEZ East, Boitekanelo College, and Xinii Resort – have resolved land issues, unlocking potential investments estimated at P510 million.
The Land Labs aim to transform how land-related delays are managed, convening ministries and agencies weekly to identify, escalate, and resolve issues around land allocation and acquisition.
Agriculture and manufacturing sectors are also starting to deliver tangible outcomes. Several agricultural enterprises have reached commercial or operational milestones, including product launches, abattoir licensing, and the first cattle deliveries linked to farm expansions. Export preparations and buyer engagements are underway for other ventures.
Manufacturing projects are advancing through land allocation, design approvals, financing, and construction readiness. The Botswana Dairy Processing Hub in Selebi-Phikwe, led by Mikel Investments, exemplifies potential import substitution. The facility has secured land title, environmental clearance, and warehouse design approval, though finalising its funding package remains a priority.
The opportunity here is significant. Botswana consumes about 65 million litres of milk annually but produces only around eight million litres, leaving a sizeable gap largely filled by imports.
Tourism development is another focus area, with government efforts aimed at unlocking private investment. At the Shashe, Thune, and Letsibogo dams, inter-ministerial collaboration is resolving lease and tenure issues that, once cleared, could revive a tourism investment pipeline valued at up to P1 billion across the North East and Central regions.
At Mababe, the proposed Xinii Resort – a 26-unit eco-safari lodge and wellness retreat—has secured key land-use approvals and is progressing towards implementation, though regulatory and pre-construction hurdles remain.
In energy and industrial development, NuCarbon’s containerised pyrolysis project has completed feasibility studies and launched its proof of concept. The initiative aims to convert biomass, plastic, and rubber waste into biochar, bio-oil, and synthesis gas. The project is now navigating regulatory approvals, capital raising, feedstock supply, and offtake agreements ahead of commercial production.
Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are also making headway. Titles for the flagship SSKIA zone have been transferred, and the first investor leases signed; including one with a pharmaceutical manufacturer.
These developments signify that BETP is moving beyond policy frameworks toward practical implementation. Yet the review underscores the challenges ahead: financing shortfalls, land access issues, regulatory bottlenecks, and infrastructure deficits continue to obstruct the path from project approval to operational business.
For Botswana, the critical test is no longer the ambition of the transformation plan, but the government’s ability to maintain reform momentum and transform a growing project pipeline into factories, farms, tourism facilities, exports, private investment, and jobs.
