
Travelling to Gaborone, Botswana, should be an ideal getaway for companies eyeing investment in Southern Africa. The entrepreneurial spirit and pro-business climate make it a great start for business, bursting with creativity and innovation. The city has everything that contributes to a thriving home for a business. Here are a few reasons why:
Gaborone has proven to be one of the safest cities in Southern Africa. It has a record of a very low crime rate, which has become an enticing prospect for businesses. Law enforcement is well-trained and dedicated to keeping the country as safe as possible. When it comes to security threats such as cybercrimes, money laundering, or terrorism, Botswana has very little exposure.
Botswana was once ranked the second most attractive investment location by New York University’s Altman’s Baseline Profitability Index; thus, Gaborone, as the capital city, has the highest sovereign credit rating, which affirms the general good economic performance and management. The plan is to accelerate economic diversification and industrialization, rebuild fiscal buffers, and improve overall economic stability and resilience.
Gaborone has made significant infrastructure progress in recent years, spanning the transport, water and sanitation, power, and mobile telephony sectors. For example, the construction of the three intersections has helped ease traffic during peak hours.
Although not enough, the city still strives to improve its infrastructure to accommodate businesses and investors, with developments underway such as the construction of more intersections and the recent launch of the Gaborone Metro Ring, a world-class, high-capacity, high-speed, and secure telecommunication network that will empower businesses, providing a huge boost to economic growth, among others.
Just like any other city, there are different modes of transport to help travellers get to the city, some privately owned and others government-owned.
Travelling by air is made easy through the availability of the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, and with both local and international airlines such as Air Botswana, Ethiopian Airlines and Airlink (South Africa). Vehicle rental services and shuttles are readily available at airports.
There are multiple points of entry available, with all four of Botswana’s neighbours being South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. These border posts are efficient, well managed and maintained.
There are scheduled bus services across borders between Botswana and South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia, as well as good internal bus services linking major and minor towns to the city. Locally, there are taxis and combis readily available to transport people from one part of the city to another.
Gaborone’s hospitality sector covers the areas of accommodation, local cuisine and leisure to cater for the needs of business travellers, with both the local taste and the global sampling featured in all. This sector in Gaborone is growing rapidly, with the establishment of new accommodation facilities every year. The Central Business District (CBD) consists of a wide range of lodging facilities for business travellers to choose from, such as the newly established Hotel 4:30, Room 50two, Protea Hotel by Marriott Gaborone Masa Square and Hilton Inn Garden.
At the heart of the city is Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino, which is well-known for its tailored services, modern amenities, and commitment to seamless functionality. Other hospitality giants situated in Gaborone include Cresta Lodge Gaborone, The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort , Travelodge and Oasis Motel just to mention a few. Gaborone also has numerous luxury Guest houses and BnBs dedicated to business travellers who are on a budget.
Most visitors to Botswana will not start or end their trip in Gaborone, but rather in the northern and western parts of the country, where most parks are located. Still, there are some places in or just around Gaborone that are worth a visit.
Gaborone has renowned restaurants offering authentic cultural cuisines such as seswaa, a slow-cooked beef dish served with pap (maize porridge), or try morogo, a local spinach delicacy. These culinary experiences provide not only a delightful taste of local culture but also an opportunity to unwind and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Gaborone’s dining scene. These restaurants offer a perfect blend of business and leisure, allowing business travellers to connect with the local culture through their delectable cuisine.
The Three Dikgosi Monument: This is a 5.4m (18ft) bronze sculpture located in the CBD of Gaborone. The statues depict three Dikgosi (tribal chiefs) who played important roles in Botswana’s independence, namely Khama III, Sebele I and Bathoen I. The Three Dikgosi travelled to Great Britain in 1895 to request that Queen Victoria separate Bechunaland Protectorate (present-day Botswana) from Cecil Rhodes’s British South Africa Company and Southern Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe).
Game Reserves: There are two game reserves, such as the Gaborone game reserve and the Mmokolodi game reserve. Both reserves are easily accessible and have fewer predators or large animals that are potentially dangerous.
Kgale Hill, nicknamed “The Sleeping Giant”: Kgale Hill is a national treasure. A visit to Gaborone isn’t complete without a hike up Kgale Hill, which has a summit elevation and a clear view of the entire city.
Thapong Visual Art Centre is a venue with resident painters and sculptors that hosts ongoing exhibitions and workshops. An addition to this should be a visit to Botswana Craft and Gaborone Main Mall, a mall with shops, banks, business offices and an open walkway where shows, exhibitions, and the sale of crafts are conducted.
Thamaga Pottery: Traditional and contemporary pottery and crafts are made at Botswelelo Centre, a community-based project on the Kanye road, approximately 40 kilometers outside Gaborone.
The Botswana National Museum houses various permanent exhibitions of historical, cultural, and natural history, as well as rotating exhibitions of art and traditional crafts.
Gaborone’s robust economy, modern infrastructure, and commitment to innovation make it an ideal destination for business travellers. The city not only provides excellent business opportunities but also offers high-standard safety, cultural richness and authentic experiences, making it a perfect blend of work and leisure.