12 Aug 2026

Local sport fans are in for a treat next month as Botswana prepares to host the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Championships, bringing the region’s finest young swimmers to the capital city.

The four-day aquatic celebration is set to run from September 2–5 at the University of Botswana pool. 

Over 315 swimmers and nearly 100 technical officials will be making the trip, representing 13 different countries from across the region. Comoros is the only nation in the zone that would not be taking part this year.

Botswana Swimming Sports Association (BSSA) president, Kgaotsang Matthews, confirmed in an interview that the local organising committee was in great shape and putting the finishing touches on event plans.

“While the local organising committee is ready, we are currently wrapping up final logistical details to ensure a flawless event,” Matthews said.

She said the venue was almost set to go, though organisers were keeping an eye on one small detail of installing a shade net over the pool stands to keep fans comfortable during daytime races.  Matthews said she was confident that the university would have the net replaced in time for opening day.

She further said hosting over 400 international visitors was not just great for local sports, but it was also a big win for the city given that hotels, restaurants and transport services in Gaborone were expecting a boost throughout the week. 

More than anything, she said they were hopeful for a fun and well-run event that would put Botswana on the map to host even bigger sporting events in the future. ends