Botswana’s Pula-Billion Airport City Project Set to Begin in November

Botswana’s Pula-Billion Airport City Project Set to Begin in NNovember. Construction of Botswana’s New Botswana City development is expected to begin in November, with President Duma Boko announcing that the multi-billion-pula project is expected to create more than 37,000 jobs.

Boko made the announcement while speaking at the Botswana National Front (BNF) policy conference. The development is located within the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport Special Economic Zone and is being undertaken by the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) in partnership with UAE-based investment conglomerate Albaddad Group.

Covering 126 hectares, the project will include a convention and exhibition centre, four international hotels, retail spaces and other commercial facilities.

The development is intended to strengthen Botswana’s position as a regional destination for business, tourism and investment.BDC’s contribution includes land valued at P198 million. Preparatory work, including the project’s master plan and Environmental Impact Assessment, has already been completed.

Previously announced project details indicate that construction is expected to generate between 14,000 and 21,000 direct jobs, alongside an estimated 6,000 to 9,000 indirect employment opportunities across different sectors.

Boko’s latest announcement puts the expected total employment impact at more than 37,000 people.The project was officially launched in June 2026, when Boko described it as part of efforts to diversify Botswana’s economy beyond its dependence on diamond revenues.

The development is intended to support economic activity in services, tourism and digital innovation, while creating infrastructure for commercial and investment opportunities.

Its location within the airport’s Special Economic Zone places the planned facilities within an area designated for economic activity linked to the airport.

The partnership between BDC and Albaddad Group brings together Botswana’s development corporation and a UAE-based investment group to deliver the project.