BDC Spotlight: Driving Growth in Botswana’s Services and Hospitality Sector

BDC Spotlight: Driving Growth in Botswana’s Services and Hospitality Sector. The Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s services and hospitality sector through strategic investments in tourism, transport, and financial services infrastructure. Among its notable achievements is the transformation of Fairground Holdings (Pty) Ltd into one of the country’s premier event and conference destinations.

Originally established in 1986 as the Botswana Conference & Exhibition Centre, Fairground Holdings has evolved into a leading force in Botswana’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. A subsidiary of BDC, the facility now boasts 18 fully equipped conference spaces, including Ditshupo Hall, the Chamber/Boipuso Hall, and various pavilions and annex rooms—catering to a diverse range of events, from international summits to corporate workshops and banquets.

Located in the heart of Gaborone, Fairground Holdings has become synonymous with world-class event hosting, positioning Botswana as an attractive destination for business tourism. Its facilities support both large-scale gatherings and intimate boardroom sessions, offering flexibility and professional service underpinned by BDC’s ongoing investment.

BDC’s commitment to bolstering the services and hospitality sector reflects a broader strategy to diversify the economy and promote sustainable development through infrastructure that facilitates commerce, tourism, and job creation. By investing in high-impact assets such as Fairground Holdings, BDC not only enhances the country’s competitiveness but also supports local entrepreneurs and service providers within the tourism value chain.

As Botswana seeks to strengthen its standing as a regional hub for trade and events, the role of BDC and its subsidiaries remains central to the country’s vision for economic growth and innovation.