- welcomes tourism-oriented economic diversification
The Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) has welcomed the government’s commitment to positioning tourism as a cornerstone of economic diversification and sustainable growth. In a statement responding to the 2026/2027 Budget Speech delivered by Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe, the association expressed strong support for the government’s shift toward private-sector-led growth.
HATAB noted that this strategic move will strengthen macroeconomic stability and assist the government in achieving critical fiscal consolidation. The association concurred with the Vice President that improving the “Ease of Doing Business” is essential for investor confidence, affirming its readiness to collaborate with the government to dismantle regulatory barriers.
While acknowledging the Vice President’s update on tourism lease concessions, HATAB urged the government to further reduce turnaround times for applications and renewals. The association emphasized that security of tenure is vital for operators to reinvest in their properties, which in turn directly boosts local employment.
Furthermore, HATAB called for the expansion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to address infrastructure gaps, particularly within national parks. Improving access and enhancing the visitor experience, they argued, is key to creating sustainable jobs in the sector.
On the subject of an export-led economy, the association stated: “With a development allocation targeted at export growth, the 2026 budget rightly identifies tourism as a leading services export. HATAB supports the move to diversify the sector by leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement frameworks to position Botswana as a competitive destination.”
Connectivity remains a high priority for the industry. HATAB voiced its support for the transformation of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and specifically highlighted the need to strengthen Air Botswana. Improving flight frequency and accessibility is considered critical for attracting global travelers.
Regarding job creation, HATAB endorsed the budget’s emphasis on TVET Policy reform to ensure a workforce equipped with industry-aligned skills. The association suggested that integrating creative arts, sports, and adventure tourism into the vocational curriculum would create sustainable employment for youth in both rural and urban areas. Currently, the tourism industry supports over 50,000 direct jobs.
During his Monday address, Vice President Gaolathe highlighted tourism’s proven capacity to mobilise private investment. He revealed that during the 2025/2026 financial year, the government facilitated the allocation of five tourism sites and concession areas in Ngamiland and the Makgadikgadi National Park, attracting an estimated capital investment of P362 million. These projects are expected to create over 500 jobs and generate significant rental income for community trusts.
Additionally, the fast-tracking of 11 lease renewals—covering 27 lodges in Ngamiland—has unlocked an estimated P800 million in investment potential while safeguarding more than 1,500 existing jobs.
“Under the BETP, tourism is being repositioned as a catalytic, investment-led sector through a pipeline of 21 high-impact projects,” Gaolathe said. These projects aim to increase visitor numbers and spending while stimulating private capital across the hospitality, transport, and creative service industries.
