123 Dimensions (Pty) Ltd, a Botswana citizen-owned company, has embarked on a transformative project aimed at revolutionizing the aviation sector in Botswana, the SADC region, and across Africa. The company is developing Mophane Cargo International Airport (MCIA) in the Selebi Phikwe area within the SPEDU region. The project combines a modern cargo and passenger airport with a state-of-the-art industrial and township hub.
The MCIA project is designed to position Botswana as a key player in the African air cargo industry. It addresses regional logistical challenges while contributing to economic development and regional integration. Strategically located, the airport offers an ideal stop on trade routes between Europe, Asia, and the Americas, providing a convenient hub for Sub-Saharan Africa. Passenger terminals will feature modern facilities, efficient layouts, and abundant food, shopping, hospitality, and duty-free offerings.
The airport will be constructed on 1,200 hectares near Selebi Phikwe, with a 4,500-meter runway built to international standards. The facility will include a world-class maintenance, repair, and overhaul center capable of servicing all types of aircraft, a dedicated cargo terminal, taxiways, aprons, air traffic control towers, and supporting infrastructure.
MCIA will also feature an industrial and commercial hub to facilitate the efficient movement of goods. The hub will include advanced cargo handling facilities, logistics services such as freight forwarding and customs clearance, industrial activities including manufacturing and assembly, and commercial operations focused on trade and distribution.
The airport’s design combines luxury and efficiency, creating more than a transit point. Once completed, MCIA will handle 10 million passengers annually and 20–30 large international cargo flights daily, with a cargo capacity of 500,000 tonnes per year.
The economic impact of MCIA is substantial. The construction phase is expected to create 3,000–5,000 jobs, spanning construction, aviation, and support roles. During operations, 15,000–18,000 permanent jobs are projected, with additional employment generated by Mophane City in healthcare, hospitality, retail, and education. 123 Dimensions is committed to local capacity building through partnerships with educational institutions and training programs to equip the workforce with skills for aviation and logistics roles.
MCIA will connect Botswana to continental and international economies, boosting GDP, trade, tourism, and employment. The airport’s township is designed with open business policies, tax incentives, and world-class facilities to attract international corporations, establishing MCIA as a global business hub.
Overall, Mophane Cargo International Airport is set to transform Botswana’s aviation sector, elevate the country’s role in regional and international trade, and drive long-term economic growth.
