Kutlo Motseta
22nd September 2026
Botswana Investment and Trade Cooperation (BITC) released public and unveiled rebranded trademark, ‘Re Godisa Botswana’ (we grow Botswana) and its national ‘Green Mark’, a cooperate governance initiative which promotes environmental protection alongside national economic growth.
The Chief Executive Officer of BITC, Keletsosise Olebile, outlined the five key initiatives in the second year of the 2025-30BITC’scorporate strategy.
It endeavours to attract P100 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and 500 000 local jobs by 2030. Secondly, channel investment promotion through the Botswana Economic Tranformation Plan (BETP) program and National Development Plan 12 priority sectors.
Thirdly, to sharpen Botswana’s competitiveness as an investment destination of choice, against fierce and growing global competition.
Fourthly, build Botswana’s national brand, including progress toward establishing a Nation Brand Council, alongside the #PushaBW and ‘Re Godisa Botswana’ initiatives. Fifthly, expand export opportunities, advance financial sustainability and to strengthen institutional resilience through a still-constrained fiscal environment.
Olebile reported that since the 2013/2014 financial year, BITC has facilitated with a total of P29,106 billion in FDI’s, P32.541 billion in domestic and investments, P48.267 billion in national exports and the creation of 51 855 jobs. In the 2025/26 financial year, BITC has attracted P5.52 billion in FDI against a target of P5.0 billion, achieving a 110% success rate.
Projected economic growth is down from 3.4% to 3.1% because of global economic subdued IMF exports a pattern expected to continue into next year.
Petroleum supply disruptions stemming from the Strait closure have translated into real strain for African economies, raising costs across energy-intensive sectors.
He revealed BITC delivered its results against a backdrop of subdued global investment flows, geopolitical uncertainty and tight fiscal budgets.
Olebile reported that BITC facilitated P5.52 billion worth of FDI against a target of P5 billion and P9.062 billion worth of domestic investment against a target of P8.6 billion achieving a success rate of 105%.
It also generated P7.325 billion of export revenue against a target of P6.5 billion, achieving a success rate of 113% and facilitated the creation of 4,918 jobs against a target of 13,600 jobs.
He said the factors that contributed to the challenged employment market are the global economic downturn – amongst which the Russia/Ukraine war – investors holding back amidst the foregoing certainty, large scale expanders increasingly automating as opposed to adding headcount, which results in investment value outpacing job creation.
BITC’s strategic investments which are driving investment include the Pula Investment Conference, which ran its inaugural edition under Global Expo 2025. Secondly, the Botswana International Financial Services Centre (BIFSC), which produced a redevelopment of strategic white paper institutional blueprint delivered with governance creed.
Thirdly, the local economic development (LED) through community investor partnerships rolled out in towns and villages across the country, namely, Chobe, Charleshill, Mahalapye, Tshabong Hukuntsi, Tlokweng and Lobatse.
Global business services also contributed, after being operationalized this year, for example, CCI Botswana, a subsidiary of CCI global, began operations from Digital Innovation Hub in October 2025.
Olebile urged Botswana to get involved in the growth of the economy as its participants and stake holders in BITC.
“For Batswana: It is not just a campaign, but an invitation to every Motswana to help shape the nation’s next chapter … Growth that is shared between Government, investors, entrepreneurs and citizens. This is Re Godisa Botswana in practice — not just a slogan, but a mandate delivered,” said Olebile.
He said Botswana’s export totaled P5.503 billion dollars.
Its economy contracted 0.7% in 2025, an improvement from 2.8% contraction the year before. The non-mining sector and smaller decline in diamond mining, enabled the economy to stay afloat.
He noted that the Ministry of Finance has forecast a 3.1% growth for 2026, driven by diversification initiatives under National Development Plan 12 and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme.
Olebile further reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has overtaken Belgium as Botswana’s largest diamond market, whilst India is a significant importer and that China and Australia are emerging as important buyers of copper ore. He warned that heavy reliance on machinery, fuel, food and chemical imports have left Botswana exposed to supply and price shocks.
He discussed the opportunities created by the country’s imports bill in 2025, which totals P86.9 billion. The energy investment import bill is at P16.941.4 million and opportunities existing include solar generation, battery storage, energy efficiency solutions and fuel distribution infrastructure (powering a cleaner more energy efficient Botswana).
The machinery and electrical equipment import bill totaled P14,874 million, the food beverages and tobacco (Agrobusiness) import bill 14,241.9 million and the chemicals and totals rubber import bill P9,135.3 million.
The vehicles and transport equipment import bill totaled P7,411.6 million and the mineral beneficiation (diamond) import bill, which covers cutting and polishing; jewelry manufacturing and specialized diamond services totaled P9.432.3 million.
BITC facilitation of jobs per sector were described as follows: Mining 177; energy: 592; manufacturing: 61; services: 472; tourism: 943 and energy: 592.
