Botswana’s Private Sector: Seizing AfCFTA Market Opportunities

At the High-Level Conference in Gaborone, Elias Magosi, SADC Executive Secretary, delivered a clear message: Botswana’s private sector must become the engine of growth by seizing AfCFTA market opportunities.

“This High-Level Conference is convened to create a real, tangible platform for Government, CEOs, senior executives, financiers, exporters, and continental institutions to engage directly and frankly about what makes business run, what enables a business to thrive and grow, and what limits or kills it.”

Why AfCFTA Matters for Botswana

Global disruptions—from tariff shifts to war-induced commodity shocks—have exposed the fragility of Botswana’s job market. AfCFTA offers a predictable, rules-based continental market of 1.3 billion people. For Botswana’s exporters, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs, this is a chance to diversify, scale, and thrive.

Private Sector as Driver of Integration

Magosi emphasized that governments can sign agreements, but only businesses can make them real. “The private sector needs to grab these opportunities and pursue them relentlessly.”

He urged Botswana’s companies to manufacture goods for trade, leverage tariff preferences, and build regional value chains.

Bridging Policy and Commercial Reality

The conference aimed to bridge the gap between frameworks and business realities. Objectives included:

• Enhancing private sector understanding of AfCFTA rules
• Identifying tangible market and investment opportunities
• Building partnerships for scaling across borders
• Support from Development Partners

Magosi acknowledged the African Development Bank, African Export Import Bank, and German Development Cooperation (GIZ) as trusted partners. Their instruments and initiatives provide Botswana’s private sector with tools to enhance competitiveness.

From Awareness to Action

The SADC Secretariat has facilitated awareness workshops and technical assistance. A Coordination Plan and Consultative Forum now ensure Member States, including Botswana, implement AfCFTA effectively.

But Magosi warned: “Without private sector drive and leadership, regional integration is simply a pipe dream.”

The Time to Act is Now

As the conference concluded, Magosi urged delegates to leave with actionable resolutions. “Through stronger regional coordination and deep private sector participation, we can build competitive industries, secure stable markets, and ensure sustainable businesses. Therefore, the time to act is now!”

For Botswana, AfCFTA is more than opportunity—it is a mandate. The private sector must rise to the challenge, seize continental markets, and transform agreements into prosperity.