Business Botswana is set to convene the 18th Biennial National Business Conference (NBC) 2026 in Francistown from 18–21 October, with this year’s edition placing practical implementation and private sector leadership at the heart ofBotswana’s economic transformation agenda.
Held under the theme “From Dialogue to Delivery: Business Driving Economic Transformation,” the conference will bring together business leaders, policymakers, investors, development partners and global experts to examine the actions needed
to build a more competitive, resilient and private sector-led economy.
The NBC comes as Botswana marks 60 years of independence, creating an important opportunity to reflect on the country’s economic journey while sharpening the focus on the next phase of growth. Key priorities include economic diversification,
industrialisation, investment attraction and the sustainable development of the private sector.
For businesses across the country, however, growth continues to be constrained by a number of persistent challenges, including regulatorybottlenecks, operational inefficiencies, limited access to finance, skills gaps and barriers to meaningful participation in value chains.
Business Botswana says the 2026 conference is therefore being positioned as more than a platform for discussion. It is intended to provide a space where these challenges can be translated into practical interventions, with stakeholders working
together to identify solutions and strengthenaccountability for delivery.
“Businesses are looking for more thanengagement; they are seeking implementation and measurable progress,” said Business Botswana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tumi Mbaakanyi.
“NBC 2026, therefore, is designed to create a platform where the private sector can actively shape solutions, collaborate with the government and partners and drive actions that contribute to economic transformation.”
The conference will focus on areas critical to business growth and national competitiveness, including unlocking value chains, improving the ease of doing business, accelerating investment and addressing structural constraints facing
enterprises.
Through strategic, outcome-focused sessions, the NBC aims to move beyond identifying challenges towards establishing practical commitments that can translate into action.
The conference will also offer delegates an executive experience designed to complement the business programme with opportunities for networking, relationship building and cultural engagement.
These will include an exclusive Business Golf Day, an immersive visit to Kuminda Cultural Village, and premium networking opportunities showcasing Botswana’s hospitality, heritage and investment potential.
More than 750 delegates are expected to attend, including senior government officials, business executives, investors, international experts and regional partners. Their participation is expected to provide an opportunity to exchange global perspectives, explore investment opportunities and identify practical approaches to accelerating economic growth.
“This is not a conference where challenges are simply discussed,” Mbaakanyi added. “It is a platform where priorities are aligned, solutions are developed, partnerships are strengthened, and implementation takes centre stage.”
As Botswana enters its next chapter of economic development, Business Botswana is calling on businesses, investors and other stakeholders to take part in the NBC and contribute to shaping the practical role of the private sector in driving the country’s transformation.
To register for the 18th National BusinessConference 2026, scan the QR code below.
