17 Dec 2025

North West district leadership and stakeholders have welcomed the Maun East Smart City concept, which aims to position the tourism town as the country’s premier eco-urban hub.

The initiative will require 139 hectares of land for smart, green mixed-use development.

The project, undertaken by Managed Portfolio Botswana, seeks to establish a resilient, green and smart city anchored on sustainability, digital innovation, nature-based tourism and inclusive economic growth.

Launching the concept in Maun on Tuesday, North West district commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka said the Maun East Smart City concept reflected the collective commitment to sustainable development, inclusive growth and the intelligent use of technology to improve the quality of life for the people.

“Maun has long been recognised as the tourism gateway to the Okavango Delta and a centre of economic opportunity and with growth comes responsibility. Rapid urbanisation demands that we plan smarter, build resilient infrastructure, and ensure that development is orderly, efficient, and environmentally responsible. The Initiative responds directly to these needs,” Mr Waloka said.

Mr Waloka said the envisioned project would create a city environment that was safe, connected, environmentally conscious and economically vibrant, one that served not only present generations but also those yet to come.

Appreciating the landmark concept, he said it represented progress, innovation and a shared vision for the future of the district and nation at large.

The district commissioner further noted that the initiative would benefit the people of Maun through housing opportunities across all income levels, commercial activity, institutional services, jobs for youth and local contractors, investment stimulus pointing that when communities thrive, the district thrives and the nation prospers.

Mr Waloka pledged that the district administration would facilitate engagement, support regulatory compliance, ensure community interests were protected.

He further encouraged Managed Portfolio Botswana to maintain openness, transparency and stakeholder participation.

North West District Council chairperson, Mr Itumeleng Kelebetseng said the launch marked the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth.

Maun, he said was a tourism destination, a gateway to natural heritage, to opportunity and to progress and with the smart city initiative.

As such, he reaffirmed their support to the project aimed at improving the quality of life for the people, creating jobs, empowering businesses and ensuring that development remains environmentally responsible.

The initiative, he said called for collaboration between the community, government, private sector and development partners and encouraged all to move forward with a shared sense of purpose, ensuring that no one was left behind as they build the city that was smart, resilient and people centred.

Batawana deputy chief, Kgosi Kealetile Moremi also hailed the initiative saying it came at an opportune time when the nation was guided by Vision 2036.

In addition, she said the project responded meaningfully to the vision, which promoted urban development infrastructure, economic opportunities and environmental responsibility.

As community traditional leaders, she said they recognised developments in the area which were well planned and sensitive to both communities and the environment.

For their part, some leaders also welcomed the project, saying it would elevate Maun’s status as it aimed to stimulate economic growth, expanded affordable housing, accelerated youth employment, strengthen small-medium enterprises capacity and positioned it as Botswana’s investment hub. BOPA