Botswana has officially launched construction of the Botswana World Trade Centre at Airport City, a landmark development valued at approximately P26.6bn ($2bn) that authorities hope will strengthen the country’s position as a regional hub for trade, investment and business tourism.
President Duma Boko presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the project, which is being developed near Sir Seretse Khama International Airport as part of Botswana’s long-term strategy to diversify its economy beyond diamond mining.
The Botswana World Trade Centre is one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects in recent years. Located within the Airport City Special Economic Zone, the development is designed to attract international investors, conference organisers and businesses while supporting Botswana’s efforts to expand sectors such as tourism, logistics, financial services and trade.
Landmark development takes shape
The World Trade Centre project will occupy approximately 126 hectares within Airport City, a mixed-use commercial and investment district being developed adjacent to Botswana’s main international airport.
The project is being undertaken through a partnership involving the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), Botswana’s state-owned investment and development agency, and UAE-based AlBaddad Group. Officials describe the development as a flagship component of the broader New Botswana City vision, which aims to create a modern business and commercial district capable of attracting regional and international investment.
Project information released during the launch indicates that the development will feature convention and exhibition facilities, commercial office space, hospitality infrastructure, retail outlets and supporting business services designed to attract international investors, multinational companies and major business events.
Airport City has already benefited from substantial public investment in roads, telecommunications, utilities and supporting infrastructure as Botswana seeks to establish the area as a strategic gateway for commerce and investment.
Diversification drive gathers pace
The launch comes as Botswana intensifies efforts to reduce its dependence on diamond revenues, which remain a cornerstone of the national economy. Diamonds account for roughly 80 percent of Botswana’s export earnings and continue to provide a significant share of government revenue, making economic diversification a long-standing policy priority.
Authorities have increasingly identified tourism, logistics, manufacturing, technology and financial services as sectors capable of driving future economic growth.
Speaking during the launch, President Boko described the World Trade Centre project as a transformative investment that could help position Botswana as a destination for international conferences, exhibitions and trade events while creating new opportunities for local businesses.
The development aligns with broader government plans to attract foreign direct investment and strengthen Botswana’s role within regional and continental trade networks.
Economic impact expected
Officials believe the project will generate substantial economic benefits during both construction and operational phases.
Project promoters have said the development could create thousands of jobs across construction, hospitality, retail, logistics and professional services, although final employment figures will depend on the pace and scale of implementation.
Beyond direct employment, economists note that major convention and exhibition facilities often generate wider benefits for airlines, hotels, restaurants, transport operators and small businesses that serve visiting delegates and investors.
The project’s location next to Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is expected to provide a significant advantage by offering direct access to regional and international air connections.
Strategic location for investment
Airport City has been promoted by Botswana authorities as a key economic zone capable of attracting international businesses seeking a stable operating environment in Southern Africa.
Botswana consistently ranks among Africa’s most politically stable countries and has built a reputation for sound governance and prudent economic management. Officials hope those strengths, combined with the World Trade Centre development, will encourage greater investment activity in sectors beyond mining.
The project comes as Southern African governments compete to attract new investment in logistics, business services and trade infrastructure. Policymakers across the region are increasingly seeking to position their countries as gateways to regional and continental markets amid growing intra-African trade opportunities.
Analysts say the project aligns with broader efforts across Africa to improve trade, logistics and investment infrastructure as countries position themselves to benefit from opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Credit: Africabriefing
