- Boko announces plans to split CAAB
- To be relieved the function of managing airports
- Will only focus on regulating and developing the country’s air transport sector
- CAAB CEO welcomes carving away from being a service provider
- Boko says Air Botswana to be privatised
President Duma Boko has announced plans by government to unbundle Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) to address operational challenges that have hindered its efficacy in growing the aviation sector over the years.
Speaking at the Aviation Pitso 2025 held in Maun this week, Boko said the challenges include infrastructure deficiencies, financial struggles and operational issues. This development will see CAAB relieved the other function of managing the airports, and only focusing on its core mandate – that of regulating and developing the country’s air transport sector.
This separation means that the responsibility for the operation and development of airports will be mannered by a different entity. Boko was poised that separating the aspects of the sector will resolve a number of these challenges.
The National Airliner – Air Botswana will not be spared the transformation, as according to Boko government will let it go to compete alongside other airlines.
Boko further revealed that the legislation facilitating the changes will hopefully be tabled during the next seating of parliament.
The changes according to Boko, forces government to summon investment into infrastructure development of the country’s airports, priority being the Maun International Airport. He emphasised that if the country is to boost tourism and aviation sectors, there is need to improve aviation infrastructure across the country.
“We are well on our way, and at an advanced stage as we have already secured investments for that purpose, not just for the Maun airport but for others as well,” he indicated.
Additionally, Boko said there is need for the country to achieve the highest level of air connectivity because in relation to its strategic position it has no competition across the continent. He said the country should acknowledge it has not taken full advantage of its strategic position.
Because of the strategic location, Boko said the country can provide the quickest route to over 300 million people in the region which is a huge market to the tourism sector. But he lamented that enough has not been done to position and market the local tourism product.
“Maybe we have not reached out to other parts of the world. We have been focusing to the beaten path but we need to open other pathways and find other markets to bring those tourists here.”
To achieve this, Boko said there is need to identify ways to remove the bottlenecks that visitors face when they want to visit Botswana, adding that government is engaging several countries to remove visa requirements.
“We have a lot to offer as a country because we are the best in what we have, so we must bring tourists here in their hundreds of thousands or even millions. And that is doable, all it requires are doers not doubters.”
Meanwhile CAAB Chief Executive Officer Dr Bao Mosinyi appreciated government’s support for the structural split of the authority into two entities, carving the regulator away from the service provider as something the industry must celebrate.
Dr Bao noted that they are in the process of drafting the respective legislations for the two organizations, with a view for Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah Salakae to table them in parliament during the November sitting.
The CEO appreciated Boko for having championed the structural separation of CAAB and also for enabling opportunities for the regulator to be funded going forward.
“With regards to the structural separation of CAAB, the regulator is going to be an entity with limited revenue generation streams. We appreciate your efforts in linking us with an international Aircraft Registry Company, and believe that a marriage with that entity presents a unique opportunity to fund the regulator going forward. We are hot in pursuit of that marriage,” he appreciated.
Held under the theme “Unlocking Botswana’s Air 4 Transport Potential – Enhancing Connectivity, Competitiveness and Compliance” the aviation Pitso returned to Maun with the last having been held nine years ago.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah Salakae said the theme challenges them to come up with workable plans aimed at making aviation industry a strong catalyst for economic development in our region.
“As a ministry are committed with our stakeholders to see growth of the Aviation sector. We are fully in support of the Botswana Air Access Project which has started paying some dividends. The hosting, by Botswana, of the AVIADEV 2026 conference, in Gaborone in June 2026 is testimony to the benefits from these efforts.”
He said the conference offered them the opportunity to engage meaningfully and consult on the role they should commit to in positioning Botswana as a viable Aviation and Tourism hub.
