Botswana Plans Major Shift in Infrastructure Development Approach
Botswana is on the cusp of a transformative shift in its approach to infrastructure development, with the government preparing to introduce a comprehensive Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Bill within the next 12 months. This legislative move is part of a broader national strategy to deploy PPP functions, strengthen the PPP Unit, and establish a robust governance framework to guide future projects—steps that are expected to reshape the country’s economic landscape and position it as a key player in Southern Africa’s trade and transport corridor.
President Duma Boko, in his recent State of the Nation Address, outlined the government’s vision for leveraging PPPs to deliver value, efficiency, and tangible impact. With fiscal constraints limiting the scope for public spending, the PPP model has become a critical tool for advancing infrastructure development without overburdening government resources. This approach is not new to Botswana; the country adopted a PPP Policy and Implementation Framework in 2009 and established a dedicated PPP Unit within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development in 2016. However, the upcoming bill and renewed focus signal a significant scaling up of ambition and capacity.
Infrastructure remains central to Botswana’s long-term economic and social aspirations. As a land-linked nation, Botswana serves as a vital transit hub in Southern Africa, connecting Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, and South Africa through the North-South and Trans-Kalahari corridors. The government’s vision is to transform Botswana into a transport hub for the 360 million-strong Southern African Development Community (SADC) market, a goal that is gaining urgency as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) takes shape and regional trade intensifies.
To support this ambition, Botswana is actively reviewing and harmonising its national transport laws and standards to align with regional economic frameworks. This harmonisation is expected to facilitate smoother cross-border movement of goods and people, making Botswana an even more attractive gateway for trade and investment in the region.
Central to the government’s infrastructure strategy is the upgrading of national roads and the introduction of high-quality tolled routes. These initiatives are designed to sustain road development and maintenance, ensuring that Botswana’s transport network can handle increased traffic and support economic growth. The focus on roads is complemented by a renewed emphasis on rail transport, which is seen as a key driver for unlocking new markets and boosting trade competitiveness.
Two major rail projects are currently in development: the Mmamabula-Lephalale Railway Line and the Mosetse-Kazungula-Livingstone Line. The Mmamabula–Lephalale Railway will link Botswana’s Mmamabula coalfields with Lephalale in South Africa, enabling coal exports and supporting power generation. Meanwhile, the Mosetse–Kazungula–Livingstone Railway, stretching 430 kilometres, will connect Botswana’s network to Zambia’s through the new Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi River. Both projects are integral to SADC’s North-South Corridor strategy and are expected to enhance regional transport integration and trade efficiency.
The government’s commitment to PPPs is not just about financing; it’s about fostering innovation, efficiency, and private sector participation in national development. The PPP model offers strategic and operational choices that can foster economic growth by developing new commercial and investment opportunities for both citizen investors and foreign direct investment, while increasing competition in the provision of public services.
Recent reforms have further strengthened Botswana’s PPP framework. The Public Procurement Act 2021, which replaced the previous Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, now explicitly covers all procurement activity, including PPPs. This legal clarity prescribes institutional frameworks for procuring PPP arrangements and removes ambiguity regarding the roles and responsibilities of procuring entities.
For African travel and infrastructure professionals, Botswana’s evolving PPP landscape offers valuable insights and opportunities. The country’s proactive stance on PPPs, combined with its strategic geographic position and commitment to regional integration, makes it a model for other nations seeking to leverage private sector expertise and capital for public good. As Botswana moves forward with its PPP Bill and infrastructure upgrades, the ripple effects are likely to be felt across the SADC region—opening new corridors for trade, tourism, and investment, and reinforcing the country’s role as a linchpin in Africa’s economic transformation.
