Botswana is set to introduce sweeping legislative reforms in the sports sector, including a revised National Sport Commission Act and an Anti-Doping Bill, to enhance governance, commercialisation, and integrity in sports.
Minister of Sports and Arts Jacob Kelebeng outlined these developments during a recent Committee of Supply Speech.
Kelebeng noted that stakeholder consultations have shown strong support for a more comprehensive Sports Act covering critical aspects such as safeguarding, integrity, and commercialisation.
“The general view is that there is need for an overarching Sport Act which will encompass, among others, all aspects of sport such as safeguarding, integrity and commercialisation of sport,” Kelebeng stated.
The minister explained the new legislation aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in sports development while addressing emerging sector issues. The revised bill is expected to be presented in Parliament’s July sitting.
Botswana has also completed consultations on the Anti-Doping Bill, which provides for establishing a National Anti-Doping Office (NADO) to coordinate efforts and maintain the country’s credibility in global sports.
“This will ensure the country’s credibility and integrity in the global sport arena, particularly that sport has been identified as a pillar of economic transformation and its potential to drive economic growth during the Twelfth National Development Plan (NDP 12),” Kelebeng said.
The country secured a US$25,974 UNESCO grant to develop a National Anti-Doping Policy and conduct doping-related research. The University of Botswana is developing the policy, expected by April 2025.
Reflecting on sporting achievements, Kelebeng highlighted progress across disciplines including women’s football, athletics, motorsport, and cricket. Motorcyclist Ross Branch finished second overall at the 2024 Dakar Rally, winning two stages, and later became the first African rider to win the World Rally Raid Championship in Morocco.
In football, the Mares qualified for consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (2022 and postponed 2024 edition), while the Zebras secured the 2025 AFCON qualification and remained in contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Botswana’s team won two medals – gold in the men’s 200m and silver in the 4x400m relay, both setting African records. The relay team had previously won gold at the World Athletics Relay Championships. Botswana also made history with basketball umpire Dorothy Okatch’s Olympic selection and two Paralympic athletes competing.
Four Botswana athletes finished the 2024 season ranked in the world’s top 20 across events. The 4x400m men’s relay team ranked second globally.
Botswana strengthened its anti-doping commitment through the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) engagement. In January 2024, the country joined the WADA Foundation Board representing Africa for three years, with Minister Kelebeng recently appointed to the Board.
Botswana remains compliant with the UNESCO Convention Against Doping and WADA Code. Authorities conducted 143 doping tests in 2023/24 (five adverse results) and 39 tests in the current financial year. Over 500 athletes have participated in anti-doping education through various media platforms.
Kelebeng emphasised the need for continued sports investment, stating: “The qualification of the teams requires additional investment to prepare them for the finals in 2025,” referencing upcoming AFCON and potential World Cup participation.
