Botswana

TFSA works with producers in Botswana to improve compliance and linkage to new markets

Botswana economic profile:

Botswana is a landlocked country with significant mineral (diamond) wealth, good governance and prudent economic management. The country has enjoyed strong and stable growth since independence. However, the limitations of Botswana’s diamond-led development model have become more apparent. The slower growth, persistent inequality and stubborn unemployment rates, coupled with increased diamond market volatility, reduced Southern African Customs Union (SACU) transfers and fiscal expansion have resulted in eroded fiscal buffers.

The COVID pandemic has heightened the existing growth challenges, leading to an estimated real gross domestic product (GDP) contraction of 7.9% in 2020 (the largest on record). Botswana has long realised that its dependence on diamonds is unsustainable, and the government and private sector players continue to seek means for economic diversification to foster sustainable economic growth. This exploration of alternative industries and sectors is a priority of the government of Botswana. (Source: The World Bank)

TFSA sector work in Botswana:

The main sectors in which TFSA work in Botswana are condiments and high value specialty foods, and cosmetics and natural ingredients. Both sectors are either actively exporting or export ready, and will benefit from trade promotion interventions, technical support with Non-Tarriff Barriers compliance, and market linkage with South African buyers, in particular, as well as international markets of interest. They have a high participation of women in the workforce, with several large women-owned businesses, and export growth will as such have a great, positive impact on women – not least in rural communities where a lot of producers are based.

TFSA works closely with sector organisation Natural Products Association of Botswana (NPAB) to provide producers with the necessary skills and knowledge to grow their export trade.

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What we can do for you

Export Readiness

Is your business ready to export? Use this tool to determine your export readiness and to identify areas that you still need to address to get there.

Identify Markets

What markets have the highest potential for your products? Use these ITC tools to rank and calculate your export potential in global markets.

Trading Prices

Identify where your competitors are and compare your potential prices in target export markets. These ITC tools use global trade data for indicated value by product and by country.

Finding Buyers

Who are your potential buyers? Listings from the Kompass International Trade Directory help you identify importers and distributors in your target markets.

Standards and Processes

What are the compliance requirements your product must meet to enter your target export markets? These tools help you identify customs, duties, taxes, rules, regulations and standards by region and by country.

Country Representative

Diana Phillimon

Diana Phillimon is an economist with a wealth of experience in international trade policy, economic policy management, regional integration, private sector development and multi-stakeholder dialogue. She currently serves as a Researcher in economic development issues at Botswana’s National Strategy Office (NSO) –under the Office of the President, influencing the development and implementation of short-term, medium-term and long-term national development plans through research. Previously, Diana consulted for the Commonwealth reviewing Botswana’s National Export Strategy at the Ministry of Investment Trade and Industry and contributed to the development of the African Growth and Opportunity Act Response Strategy for Botswana.