09 Jun 2026

In a defining moment for the future of Botswana, the United Arab Emirates-based Albaddad Group has partnered with the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), to develop New Botswana City, a project expected to drive investment, innovation and large scale job creation. 

Estimated at US$1.9 billion (about P25.5 billion), the 126-hectare project represents a macro-level infrastructure commitment roughly equivalent to 10 per cent of Botswana’s 2024 nominal GDP.

It is expected to generate an estimated 25 000 to 37 500 direct and indirect jobs for the citizenry and accelerate Botswana’s diversification agenda while strengthening the country’s role in global economic affairs.

Giving context during the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, BDC Managing Director, Mr Oteng Keabetswe indicated that once fully operational, the project was expected to create between 8 000 and 12 500 permanent direct jobs.

Indirect opportunities in supply, logistics, catering, security, and site support could create another 8 000 to 12 000 jobs, while the construction phase alone will generate 14 000 to 21 000 jobs.

Regarding the partnership, Mr Keabetswe said the Albaddad Group was the ideal partner owing to its reputation as a world-class developer with expertise in modular construction and the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects.

He noted that the corporation’s contribution included land valued at P198 million, while key

preparatory work—such as the master plan and the Environmental Impact Assessment

(EIA) had already been completed.

Mr Keabetswe pointed out that BDC’s land contribution represented approximately 2.25 per cent of the total project cost.

“Through the transaction structure, this has been adjusted and ring-fenced into a five per

cent golden equity shareholding for BDC, giving Botswana direct participation in a privately financed development of national significance.”

Mr Keabetswe explained that this structure recognised the strategic value of the land contribution while allowing Botswana to participate in the project without carrying the full capital burden of a development of this scale.

Additionally, he said the broader value to Botswana was expected to flow through construction employment, permanent operational jobs, local procurement, skills transfer, tax revenues, tourism receipts, hospitality spend, business services, retail activity, and the long-term positioning of Botswana as a premier trade and investment platform.

In his remarks, Dr Alfateen Albaddad, Chairman of Albaddad Holding, said the New

Botswana City reflected a shared ambition to create a platform that would generate opportunity, attract investment, and support Botswana’s long-term economic growth.

“New Botswana City is more than a development project; it is an investment in people, enterprise, and future generations. Through our partnership with the Botswana Development Corporation, we are creating a destination designed to attract trade, business, investment, and tourism, while supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and opening new opportunities for the people of Botswana,” Dr Albaddad said. ENDS