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Government Agencies to Aid your Growth

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CEDA Logo


Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency

CIPA logo


Companies & Intellectual Property Authority

BURS logo


Botswana Unified Revenue Services

BITC logo


Botswana Investment & Trade Centre

LEA logo


Local Enterprise Authority

BOBS logo


Botswana Bureau of Standards

Explore Key Business Areas at a Glance

Access essential information and services quickly. From starting your business to understanding taxes and regulations, these categories guide you through every step of doing business in Botswana.

Start a Business

Follow our step-by-step guide to reserve a name, register your company, and obtain licenses.

Start a Business  

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Why Botswana

Discover why Botswana is one of Africa’s top investment destinations.

Why Botswana  

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Invest in Botswana

Explore high-potential sectors, incentives, and special economic zones tailored for investors.

Invest in Botswana​  

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Licensing & Permits

Learn what licenses and permits your business needs based on your sector.

Licensing & Permits​  

Taxes & Compliance

Understand your tax obligations, register for VAT, and access online payment options.

Taxes & Compliance  

Trade & Export

Get informed on trade procedures, export registration, and international agreements.

Trade & Exports  

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Laws & Regulations

Browse business, immigration, and environmental laws to operate confidently and legally.

Laws & Regulations​  

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Support Services

Access support from government agencies like CIPA, LEA, BURS, and more.

Support Services​  

Resources

Download business guides, toolkits, and important documents to aid your setup.

Resources​  

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Discover Botswana’s Priority Investment Sectors

Botswana offers a wealth of untapped investment potential across diverse and high-growth sectors. Whether you're interested in natural resources, innovation, or sustainability, there's a sector aligned with your goals. Explore where your investment can make the greatest impact

Priority Sectors

Capitalise on Botswana’s fertile land and growing demand for food security. Opportunities include horticulture, agro-processing, livestock production, and organic farming.

Leverage Botswana’s rich mineral base including diamonds, coal, copper, and uranium. Explore opportunities in value addition, mining services, and downstream beneficiation.

Invest in eco-tourism, lodges, and cultural experiences within one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas, including the Okavango Delta – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Develop products for local and regional markets with support from Botswana’s strategic location, SEZs, and investor incentives in textile, food, automotive, and electronics.

Harness Botswana’s abundant sunshine for solar energy projects, mini-grids, and clean energy innovation. The country actively supports green investment to reduce energy imports.

Botswana is emerging as a financial services hub in the region. Invest in fintech, insurance, banking, and support services like legal, accounting, and consulting.

Support the digital transformation of Botswana through investments in ICT infrastructure, software development, data centers, and e-commerce platforms.

Partner with government and private sector initiatives in healthcare infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, tertiary institutions, and digital education platforms.

Latest Business News

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How to Start a Business in Botswana

1

Name Reservation

Reserve your business name online via the CIPA portal. Approval is typically within 1–2 working days

2

Company Registration

Register your business entity (e.g., Private Company, Partnership) through CIPA after your name is approved

3

Tax Registration

Register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) with the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS)

4

License Application

Apply for required Trade and Industrial Licenses through relevant licensing authorities based on your sector

5

Employer Setup

Register for PAYE (Pay-As-You-Earn) with BURS, and if applicable, enroll in the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF) or other schemes

6

Open Business Bank Account

Present your registration documents to open a corporate bank account for operations and compliance

7

Start Operations

Once all documents and approvals are secured, you're ready to begin trading legally in Botswana