The nations sporting landscape is set for a major transformation as the Ministry of Sport and Arts commits to an ambitious 90% of the proposed budget in the development plan under the Twelfth National Development Plan (NDP 12).
Presenting the Sport and Creative Industries Sector Public Investment Programme (PIP) to Parliament on November 4, 2025, Minister Honourable Jacob Kelebeng outlined a vision that seeks to make Botswana a global hub for sport, culture and creative industries, driven by talent, innovation, and sustainable growth. “Botswana will be a global hub for sport, culture and creative industries, where talent thrives for individual and sustainable economic prosperity,” Kelebeng said.
The Minister noted that the sports sector has remained underdeveloped due to limited infrastructure, inadequate investment, and outdated systems, which have hindered its full contribution to the national economy. He said NDP 12 aims to reverse this by modernizing facilities, creating new platforms for athlete development, and introducing technology-driven management systems. “Growth in this sector will be supported by increased investment in infrastructure for sport development and creating enabling legislation and policies to improve efficiency,” Kelebeng said.
A total of P5.5 billion or 90% of the budget has been requested for infrastructure development during NDP 12, making it the largest investment ever proposed for Botswana’s sporting sector. Key projects include the construction of a 40,000-seater National Stadium valued at P3.212 billion and a 10,000-capacity Multi-purpose Indoor Sport Arena at P1.31 billion. The plan also includes the refurbishment of sports complexes at P86.3 million, construction of community sport stadia at P244 million, outdoor recreational spaces at P50 million, and the development of 5-aside football grounds in schools at P26 million to promote grassroots participation. Other proposed projects include the completion of the Francistown Stadium Roof at P130 million, establishment of a National Horse Racecourse at P78 million, and a National Athletes and Community Fitness Gym and FINA Swimming Pool at P15.7 million.
Beyond large-scale projects, the Ministry will also invest in grassroots and community-based facilities to ensure inclusivity in sports participation across the country. “Refurbishment of facilities is critical to support sector development programmes and initiatives. During NDP 12, focus will be on refurbishing existing sporting infrastructure and developing community-based facilities for optimal use and for grassroots development to thrive,” Kelebeng stated.
The NDP 12 plan also introduces the Elite Athlete Development Programme with an allocation of P228 million, aimed at nurturing local sporting talent to compete at international levels. The initiative will support athletes through training, scholarships, and access to high-performance facilities. This, Kelebeng said, is part of the Ministry’s commitment to developing sports as a career and an industry that generates employment.
Digital transformation also features prominently in the Ministry’s agenda. With a budget of P42.7 million, the Ministry plans to enhance its information systems and ICT infrastructure to improve coordination and monitoring of sports programmes. “Advancements in digital platforms, virtual reality, and Artificial Intelligence offer new ways to develop and market sports and arts,” said Kelebeng, noting that integrating digital tools will help modernize operations and improve athlete management systems.
Kelebeng emphasized that sport is not just a recreational activity but a driver of tourism, youth development, and national unity. He noted that hosting international events such as the Africa Games and regional tournaments can position Botswana as a competitive sports tourism destination. “Sport-related activities such as hosting international events, manufacturing and sale of apparel, and sport tourism represent a significant portion of the economy, yet remain unquantified,” he said.
