Botswana is striving for a more robust and inclusive economy, primarily driven by its transformation into a knowledge society. To achieve this, the government has launched a multi-faceted campaign to attract foreign investors.

The government is creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurship by removing bureaucratic obstacles, while parastatals play a crucial role in facilitating a seamless entry for investors.

Leading this effort, President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi addressed Germany's business community on Friday, encouraging them to consider Botswana for expanding their global business footprint. He assured them of an ideal business environment characterized by sound foreign policy, a comprehensive legislative framework, and a well-coordinated ease of doing business strategy.

President Masisi highlighted several advantages for investors, including Botswana's central location in Southern Africa, offering market access to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) with 366 million people and a combined GDP of US$60 billion. Additional benefits include a competitive tax regime, a 15% corporate tax for manufacturing and companies registered with the International Financial Services Company (IFSC), duty-free imports of specialist plant and machinery, and an educated workforce.

Botswana Investment and Trade Centre CEO, Mr. Keletsositse Olebile, emphasized the country's unique investment climate, noting the repeal of foreign exchange controls in 1999, which positioned Botswana as a central landing point for international investment in Africa. He also highlighted Botswana's consistent good sovereign credit ratings and access to global markets through multiple bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.

The campaign to attract German investors is gaining traction. For example, four years ago, Mr. Rainer Schorr, through his company PRS Family Trust, established hospitality operations in the Tuli Block region, citing Botswana's excellent reputation and political and economic stability.

Mr. Kumbirai Chipadza of Kuchera, a Germany-based start-up in mining technology, expressed keen interest in entering the Botswana market. He emphasized their desire to partner with local start-ups to create business opportunities and employment for young people.

While Botswana's economy offers diverse investment opportunities, certain sectors are identified as prime for economic transformation and evolution. These sectors include manufacturing, cross-border value chain linkages, agro-processing, and e-mobility and its associated components, where foreign investment is particularly encouraged.