2026 World Athletics Relays LOC Launched, Paving Way for Global Spotlight on Botswana

2026 World Athletics Relays LOC Launched, Paving Way for Global Spotlight on Botswana. Botswana officially launched the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2026 World Athletics Relays on 28 July 2025 in Gaborone, marking the beginning of preparations for what promises to be one of the most high-profile sporting events ever hosted in the country.

The launch event was officiated by the Minister of Sport and Arts, Honourable Jacob Kelebeng, who reaffirmed Botswana’s readiness and commitment to delivering a world-class event aligned with international sporting standards. He also highlighted the broader national impact of hosting the World Relays, especially in areas such as tourism, business, and cultural promotion.

The LOC brings together key national institutions, including the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC), and the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA). Their joint mandate is to ensure a seamless, globally competitive event that strengthens Botswana’s growing position as a sports tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination.

The 2026 World Athletics Relays is expected to attract over 6,000 international visitors and will be broadcast in more than 150 countries, offering an unprecedented platform to showcase Botswana’s hospitality, infrastructure, and cultural richness to a global audience.

For Botswana’s entrepreneurs and businesses, the event presents major opportunities—from tourism and event logistics to food services, accommodation, branding, and local enterprise partnerships. Small and medium enterprises stand to benefit significantly from the influx of international teams, media, and supporters.

With Gaborone at the centre of global attention, the 2026 World Relays is more than a sporting event—it’s a launchpad for economic activity, international visibility, and long-term investment in Botswana’s sports and tourism industries.