11/06/2026
๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ: ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐ง ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ฉ๐๐ฆ๐ง๐ข๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐ง๐ข ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ก๐ก๐๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ฌ
The government is actively reaching out to potential aviation investors, encouraging them to invest in the countryโs air connectivity as part of its broader economic diversification efforts. This initiative comes amid challenges in diamond sales, which have traditionally driven the nationโs development.
During the ongoing AVIADEV Africa 2026 conference in Gaborone this morning, Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe emphasised the importance of expanding the countryโs infrastructure to unlock new growth sectors. โFor decades, diamonds have funded our infrastructure, public services, and stability,โ he said. โBut the next chapter requires broader diversification, deeper competitiveness, and stronger integration with regional and global markets.โ
He highlighted the strategic role of aviation infrastructure in this transition. โWhen we develop Maun International Airportโthe gateway to the Okavango Deltaโwe are not simply building a terminal; we are executing a transformation,โ Gaolathe explained. โThese airport infrastructures will further unlock growth potential in sectors like tourism and trade.โ
The Vice President underscored that air connectivity is central to Botswanaโs transformation agenda, not just a peripheral aspect. โBeing landlocked does not mean being isolated,โ he asserted. โAviation is the most direct instrument through which we become land-linked rather than landlocked.โ
Gaolathe also stressed the importance of positioning Botswana as a familiar and accessible destination for African partners. โBefore attracting global investors, we must be a country that our African partners know well, visit regularly, and conduct business with comfortably,โ he said. Hosting AVIADEV is a deliberate signal in this regard. โWe are not asking how many carriers can reach us,โ he added. โWe are asking how connectivity can be structured to serve trade, tourism, investment, MICE, and enterprise developmentโstarting within Africa and extending to the world.โ
He pointed out that expanding air freight capabilities is not a luxury but a necessity in participating in modern value chains. โKenya, Tanzania, and South Africa have established themselves in the fresh flower export market to the EUโan entirely air freight-dependent trade,โ Gaolathe noted.
The governmentโs commitment to economic transformation was also highlighted through the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, which aims to create new engines of growth in the country.
Meanwhile, Keoagile Atamelang, Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, challenged potential airline partners. โBotswana remains open to business,โ he stated. โThe government is ready to share data that will deliver mutual value and long-term growth.โ He emphasised the importance of collaboration with private sector and tourism partners, saying, โYour collaboration is indispensable, and every successful route is built on shared purpose and commitment.โ
Atamelang called on conference attendees to foster meaningful engagement and enduring partnerships, urging them to champion new airline routes and position Africa at the heart of global aviation connectivity.
Expressing gratitude for the eventโs successful organisation, Thuto Toise, CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana, affirmed the countryโs dedication to collaboration. โYour work is essential to passenger journeys, network efficiency, and the development of reliable and competitive air services,โ he said. He challenged participants to develop new route networks by the conferenceโs end, emphasising that the presence of airline representatives, destinations, airports, and partners is vital for advancing air connectivity across Africa.
This gathering, attracting senior representatives from airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and aviation service providers from Africa and beyond, aims to strengthen collaboration and unlock new opportunities. It is a platform focused on overcoming structural challenges and harnessing the growth potential of the aviation sector in Africa.
