*Botswana aims high as new P25.5 billion city rises from the sand
*Govt owns 5% equity stake in the New Botswana City project
Botswana is headed for a transformation of global proportions after breaking ground on a landmark development that promises to reshape its economic future.
Dubbed the New Botswana City, the ambitious project estimated to cost a staggering US$1.9 billion, (approximately P25.5 billion), is expected to propel the country beyond its traditional dependence on diamonds and into a new era driven by trade, tourism, investment, innovation and enterprise.
Developed in collaboration with global infrastructure giant Albaddad Group and the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) as government partner, the private-sector-led project is a strategic move by Botswana to position itself as a competitive regional gateway for trade, investment, enterprise and innovation.
“New Botswana City represents far more than physical infrastructure,” Trade and Entrepreneurship Minister Tiroeaone Ntsima said, noting that the project is a strategic economic platform designed to unlock opportunity, facilitate trade, attract investment, and strengthen Botswana’s role within regional and international value chains.
In its bid to pursue economic diversification, the mega-project signals Botswana’s major statement of intent.
In the face of evolving global economies, Botswana seeks to position itself as a competitive gateway for business, trade and innovation in Southern Africa.
“The future of economies will increasingly be shaped by their ability to connect ideas, markets, investors, entrepreneurs and people. Therefore, New Botswana City is a statement that Botswana is open for business, ready to compete and prepared to build boldly for the future,” Ntsima added.
Spread across 126 hectares within the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport Special Economic Zone, the city will house a convention and exhibition center, four global hotels and retail spaces.
The development is positioned around trade, business events, investment, tourism, hospitality and enterprise activity.
Positioned as Botswana’s first international-standard exhibition and convention centre, the first phase of the project is anchored by the ALBADDAD Botswana Global Exhibition and Convention Centre which is planned as a 124,000 square metre integrated events facility.
In his remarks Albaddad Group Chairman Dr Alfateen Albaddad explained that the project is about people and small and medium-sized business owners.
“It is about young professionals. Our goal is to help create jobs, support local businesses, attract investment, and contribute to Botswana’s continued growth and success,” he said.
The ALBADDAD Botswana Global Exhibition & Convention Centre, according to the Chairman, will position Botswana as a regional hub for trade, investment and international business engagement by attracting exhibitions, conferences, business leaders and visitors from around the world. “We believe New Botswana City will become an important destination for business and tourism in Southern Africa. A place where opportunities grow, businesses succeed, and where future generations can prosper,” he said.
BDC’s contribution to the partnership will be in the form of land valued at approximately P198 million, equivalent to about US$14.6 million.
Therefore, BDC will hold a ring-fenced 5% golden equity shareholding from the development.
At this scale, New Botswana City represents a macro-level infrastructure commitment roughly equivalent to 10% of Botswana’s 2024 nominal GDP.
It is also expected to accelerate Botswana’s diversification agenda while strengthening the country’s role as a SADC trade, business tourism and investment platform, with supporting demand for transport, logistics and local supply chains.
President Duma Boko noted that the project is a testament of government’s commitment to transition from heavy reliance on diamond revenue to a diversified economy driven by services, tourism and digital innovation.
“Diversification is only possible when anchored on good facilities because it requires serviced land, capital and investors who are capable. The real success of this project will be the level of impact it will bring such as tourism spending, investors and tax receipts and levies. National broader returns come from employment opportunities and tax that will be paid to the government,” he said.
The project is expected to become a major employment platform. Current projections indicate that the project will support approximately 14,000 to 21,000 jobs during construction. This includes approximately 6,000 to 9,000 direct roles and 8,000 to 12,000 indirect opportunities across areas such as building materials, transport and logistics, food supply, catering, equipment rental, security, cleaning and facility support.
Once fully operational, the project is expected to support 25,000 to 37,500 total direct and indirect jobs, including approximately 8,000 to 12,500 permanent direct jobs across the exhibition centre, business district, office towers, residential communities, hotels, retail, restaurants, cafes, lifestyle facilities, the diamond museum, security, maintenance, facility management and support service.
Founded in 1971, Albaddad Group operates across more than 50 markets.
New Botswana City is ALBADDAD Group’s first development of this kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, placing Botswana at the centre of the group’s next phase of continental growth and strengthening the country’s position as a destination for investment, conferences, tourism and regional business activity.
