🇧🇼BotswanaSouthern Africa
Botswana's inaugural Business of Sport Summit aims to boost sports contribution to GDP
via Mmegi4 min read
Botswana's sports industry is being challenged to become a significant contributor to the national economy, moving beyond traditional focus on medals and match results. The inaugural Business of Sport Summit, scheduled for June 25-26, 2026, at the Gaborone International Convention Centre GICC, aims to transform sport into a driver of investment, jobs, and entrepreneurship. Bonni Dintwa, founder of the Business of Sport Summit, stated that the initiative aligns with the government's goal for sport and creative industries to contribute substantially to the country's gross domestic product GDP. Dintwa highlighted that while sport is a multi-billion-dollar global industry, Botswana has not fully capitalized on its economic opportunities. He emphasized the need for policies that facilitate financial flow into sport and ensure a return on investment to attract more funding. The concept, developed over nearly two years, has garnered support from the Botswana National Sport Commission BNSC, Botswana National Olympic Committee BNOC, Botswana Tourism Organisation BTO, and Botswana Investment and Trade Centre BITC. Under the theme "Connect, Inspire, Transform," the summit will convene government officials, the private sector, state-owned enterprises, sports federations, investors, broadcasters, and tourism operators to strategize the growth of Botswana's sports economy.
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The BH National Women’s First Division League National Championship Playoff, dubbed "Clash of Champions," concluded in Palapye with Gaborone United's Red Roses securing a 5-1 victory over Orapa United. While the match itself showcased high-quality football, the post-game crowning ceremony and overall event organization exposed a significant disconnect between the on-field progress of women's football and its off-field recognition. The newly introduced national league structure, featuring Northern and Southern Streams, aimed to establish a genuine national championship. However, the final's late confirmation, inadequate promotion, and a P10 entry fee contributed to low attendance. Fans from Gaborone and Orapa faced difficulties arranging travel, and the crowning ceremony was deemed unsatisfactory, underscoring the ongoing challenges in valuing and supporting women's football despite its growing quality.
Wazha Matakule has qualified for the World Under-20 Championships after winning a bronze medal in the Men’s Under-20 100m at the Southern African Confederation of Athletics SACA Under-18 and Under-20 championships in Mauritius, clocking 10.49s. He joins Same Mhutsiwa, Junior Phatsima, and Jack Newman, who previously qualified during the 2026 Botswana Athletics Association BAA National Championships. Team Botswana demonstrated strong performance at the SACA championships, securing a total of 20 medals. BAA Sport Development Manager Technical, Patrick Moesi, praised the team's impressive showing, noting that the athletes met expectations despite challenging weather conditions in Mauritius. On the first day, the team earned 11 medals, including four gold, three silver, and four bronze. Gold medalists included Reiniours Geza in the men’s Under-18 400m 49.11s, Junior Phatsima in the men’s Under-20 400m 46.31s, Same Mhutsiwa in the women’s Under-20 100m 11.84s, and the men’s Under-20 4x100m relay team comprising Phatsima, Newman, Lucky Chivero, and Matakule 41.66s. Silver medals were won by Jayden Mathambo in the men’s Under-20 110m hurdles 14.75s and Lebogang Mugagu in the men’s Under-20 1,500m race 4:03.59.
The Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs in Botswana is preparing to launch a digital Labour Market Information System LMIS. This platform aims to connect job seekers, especially those in remote and rural areas, with employment opportunities across the country. Permanent Secretary Jimmy Opelo informed the Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances that the project is in its advanced stages, with only facilitation and training remaining before it becomes fully operational. The initiative seeks to overcome challenges faced by citizens due to geographical barriers and limited access to traditional job advertisement platforms.