Government is actively exploring the shift towards a 24-hour economy model which the new administration is confident that it will broadly help revamp and transform the national economy.
The initiative that will see moving away from a restricted operating hour, aims to unlock the country’s full potential by encouraging continuous productivity across key sectors.
The move is aligned with the National Development Plan 12 (NDP 12), a long-term roadmap outlining the country’s roadmap for economic transformation, with an emphasis on innovation and inclusivity.
The proposed 24-hour economy initiative is set to take a phased approach, with specific areas such as tourism, trade, immigration, and ICT among others targeted.
Presenting the Public Investment Programme (PIP) for consideration by parliament for the Twelfth National Development Plan (NDP 12), Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Pius Mokgware said restricted operating hours contributes to unemployment challenges the country is currently facing. This is the reason why he says governments is committed to introducing the 24-hour economy that is divided in 8-hour shifts.
“This, we believe will create job opportunities, allow for improved productivity, efficiency and health and safety in the workplace. This will also save huge amounts of money on overtimes and the exposure to the risk of working long hours that comes with exhaustion and less concentration of employees.”
Mokgware also stressed that transformation into a 24-hour economy mitigate the inconveniencing current hours of operations. “Hours of work are split into 8-hour shifts aiming at keeping business operations, services and production going around the clock to boost competitiveness and job creation.”
He added that the Ministry envisions leveraging digital platforms, logistics, and extended-night operations to tap into global time zones and new economic niches. According to him, such a shift promises to get more people into jobs, increasing value chains and open job opportunities (especially for youth) and reduce the dependency on traditional daytime operations only.
Further, the minister indicated that in support of this initiative the Ministry will engage neighboring countries to facilitate opening of some strategic borders for 24 hours in a gradual and phased manner.
He highlighted that border operating hours were extended to 24 hours at the Mamuno Border Post with Namibia, so as to facilitate movement and an open economy. “Additionally, One Stop Border Posts (OSBP) were established at Mamuno/ Trans-Kalahari and Kazungula Border Posts to promote a coordinated and integrated
approach to facilitate trade, enhance the movement of people, and improve border security.”
Meanwhile under the Liquor (Amendment) Bill, 2025 government is also proposing to let bars and liquor stores also operate 24 hours. However, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima has clarified that this is not about encouraging drinking around the clock but unlocking productivity across time zones, ensuring that Botswana’s economy remains active, competitive, and responsive day and night.
He stressed that the proposed amendments do not seek to liberalize recklessly, but to modernize our regulatory environment in line with Botswana’s evolving economy.
“As we engage the nation on the Liquor (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the conversation must go beyond alcohol regulation it must speak to how we position our country for a 24-hour economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and strengthens inclusive growth.”
