President Advocate Duma Boko has announced a major infrastructure and investment milestone for Botswana with the planned construction of a world-class international convention and exhibition centre in Gaborone. The project, valued at billions of pulas, is expected to position Botswana as a competitive destination for global business events, trade exhibitions, and international conferences. The announcement was made during May Day commemorations in Letlhakane, where the President outlined the government’s broader economic transformation agenda. He linked the project to ongoing large scale investments, including the recently unveiled Maun 500MW Solar Project, showing a clear pipeline of strategic developments. The new convention centre is expected to elevate Botswana’s profile in regional and global markets. It will also support the country’s long term goal of diversifying its economy beyond traditional sectors. The initiative signals a strong push toward infrastructure led growth and international integration.
According to President Boko, the upcoming development will take the form of a World Trade Centre Convention and International Exhibition Centre located in Gaborone. The project forms part of a broader investment package valued at approximately 1.8 billion US dollars, reflecting significant international investor confidence in Botswana. Construction is expected to begin immediately after the official launch planned for the first week of June. The President confirmed that all designs have already been completed and the project has passed feasibility assessments. He further stated that investors are fully prepared to proceed without delays once the launch takes place. This readiness indicates that the project is not at a conceptual stage but is already positioned for execution. The government’s focus is now on ensuring smooth implementation and timely delivery of the facility.
The planned World Trade Centre Convention and International Exhibition Centre is expected to become one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Africa. These types of centres are designed to host large scale international conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings. They typically include multipurpose event halls, meeting rooms, business support services, and integrated commercial spaces. Their primary function is to facilitate global business engagement and encourage cross border trade and investment. By hosting international events, such centres help cities attract foreign delegates, investors, and business leaders. In many countries, they play a central role in boosting tourism linked to business travel. For Botswana, this development is expected to significantly expand its capacity to host high profile global events.
World Trade Centres operate under the World Trade Centers Association, a global network that connects major commercial hubs around the world. The association includes hundreds of licensed properties across dozens of countries and is supported by thousands of professionals working in international trade. This network is designed to promote global business connections, economic cooperation, and investment flows between member regions. Being part of this system gives host cities access to a global platform for trade facilitation and business networking. It also enhances visibility among international investors and corporate institutions. The Gaborone centre is expected to integrate Botswana more deeply into this global ecosystem. This connection is likely to strengthen the country’s trade relationships and improve access to international markets.
The economic implications of the project are significant for Botswana’s long term development strategy. Large scale convention centres typically generate direct and indirect employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases. They also stimulate growth in sectors such as hospitality, transport, retail, and tourism. Increased business travel to Gaborone is expected to drive demand for hotels, restaurants, and related services. The facility will also provide local businesses with opportunities to participate in international exhibitions and trade events. This can support small and medium enterprises by giving them access to global markets and investors. Over time, the centre is expected to contribute to economic diversification and reduce reliance on traditional revenue sources.
President Boko’s announcement reflects a broader national vision focused on infrastructure development and investment attraction. By positioning Botswana as a destination for major international conferences and exhibitions, the government aims to strengthen its economic competitiveness. The timing of the announcement, alongside other major projects, highlights a coordinated development strategy. The emphasis on readiness, feasibility, and immediate construction indicates a shift toward faster implementation of national projects. This approach is designed to ensure that planned investments translate into real economic outcomes within shorter timeframes. The government is also signaling confidence in its ability to attract and manage large scale foreign investment partnerships.
The planned World Trade Centre Convention and International Exhibition Centre in Gaborone represents a transformative step in Botswana’s economic development journey. The project is expected to elevate the country’s global standing by positioning it as a key player in international business events and trade facilitation. With designs complete, investors ready, and construction set to begin soon after launch, the project is moving rapidly from planning to execution. Its integration into the global World Trade Centers Association network further strengthens its strategic value. The development is likely to generate jobs, attract investment, and boost multiple sectors of the economy. As Botswana continues to implement large scale infrastructure projects, this convention centre stands out as a flagship initiative with long lasting national impact.
