string(16) "slug is botswana" Botswana - Country Profile - African Landlocked Countries Research Centre
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Botswana

Capital: Gaborone

Population

~2.6 million (2024 estimate)

Area

581,730 km²

GDP

$20.35 billion (latest available)

Bordering Countries

4

Overview

Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia

Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa renowned for political stability and economic growth driven by diamond mining. It faces challenges from its dependence on neighboring ports and global diamond demand.

Bordering Countries: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia

Economic Profile

Primary Exports

Diamonds (over 80% of export revenues), Copper Ore, Insulated Wire, Carbonates, Bovine products

Key Industries

Mining (diamonds, copper), agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, services

Main Trade Partners

South Africa, EU, China, India

Economic Challenges

Heavy reliance on diamond exports, vulnerability to global demand fluctuations, high transport costs

Trade & Transit Infrastructure

Main Transit Corridors

Trans-Kalahari Corridor, Mmamabula-Lephalale Corridor, Techobanine Corridor, Mosetse-Kazungula-Livingstone Corridor

Key Border Crossing Points

Pioneer Gate, Tlokweng Gate, Kazungula, Ngoma, Ramokgwebana, Martins Drift, Sedudu-Ngoma

Port Access

Walvis Bay (Namibia), Durban (South Africa), Maputo (Mozambique)

Transport Infrastructure Quality

Upgraded border posts, rail corridor development

Trade & Transit Challenges

Border congestion, customs delays, high logistics costs, environmental management challenges

Key Statistics & Indicators

Average Border Waiting Time: Improved at key posts
Trade Cost to Port: Varies by route; high relative to coastal peers
Logistics Performance Index: 3.10 (out of 5, 2022)
Regional Trade Share: Significant, especially with SACU/SADC partners
Human Development Index: 0.693 (latest UNDP)

National Trade & Development Strategies

Alignment with AfCFTA and SADC, customs modernization, rail corridor development, sustainable transit policies

Ongoing and Planned Projects

Pioneer Border Post Upgrade (2025), Trans-Kalahari Railway Project, Kazungula Bridge and Corridor, Chobe National Park Transit Route (24-hour access)