The Botswana government has unveiled an ambitious vision to use sport as a catalyst for economic diversification and global visibility, placing the hosting of world-class events at the center of its strategy.ย
Speaking at the launch of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2026 World Athletics Relays, Minister of Sports and Arts emphasized the countryโs aim to position itself as a regional hub for international sporting, cultural and creative events, while developing a self-sustaining sports industry.ย
โThe hosting of the World Relays aligns well with our five-year strategy to develop sport as an engine for economic growth,โ Kelebeng said at the launch in Gaborone. โIt positions Botswana as a global hub for sport, culture and the creative industries โ where talent thrives for both individual and national prosperity.โย
He said Botswanaโs goal of achieving high-income status is grounded in a deliberate plan to build an export-led economy driven by productivity, inclusivity and sustainability. One avenue, he said, is through developing a diversified tourism sector that includes meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions โ known as MICE tourism โ alongside sport, adventure and lifestyle offerings.ย
โSport has been identified as one of the pathways to achieving prosperity for all,โ he said. โWe must cultivate and commercialize our indigenous talent, knowledge and culture to grow the sector and contribute meaningfully to our economy.โย
He added that hosting the World Relays would unlock opportunities ranging from global brand exposure and increased corporate sponsorships to international partnerships and a platform for showcasing Botswanaโs hospitality and cultural richness.ย
โThese opportunities wonโt simply fall into our laps. Every sector of the economy must seize them,โ Kelebeng said. โI urge the Local Organising Committee to be vigilant, creative and responsible stewards of our limited resources. Every thebe, every pula, must be spent wisely โ this is for our people, our country and our future.โย
Paving the Road to 2026ย
The 2026 World Athletics Relays, scheduled for May, will mark the first time the event is hosted in Southern Africa. Botswanaโs successful bid reflects national pride in its rising track and field stars as well as a broader push to use sport as a lever for economic growth.ย
Professor Martin Mokgwathi, chairperson of the LOC, said the committee is committed to delivering a world-class championship that meets the standards set by World Athletics.ย
โOur immediate focus is on ensuring the competition venue โ the National Stadium โ and the warm-up area at the University of Botswana Stadium meet the strict requirements,โ Mokgwathi said.ย
โWe are working tirelessly to get the National Stadium fully certified.โย
A delegation from World Athletics is expected to conduct a site inspection from Aug. 5 to 7, 2025. Mokgwathi said the visit will assess readiness in areas such as accommodation, training venues, media infrastructure and event logistics.ย
Despite financial constraints, Mokgwathi expressed confidence in the local sporting ecosystem. He said Botswana had trained a significant number of officials and would need only a few international experts for technical support.ย
โWe are determined to deliver,โ he said.ย
The LOC is made up of a diverse team drawn from across sectors. Mokgwathi will be supported by Vice Chairperson Oabona Theetso. Kesaobaka Moronkwe will oversee protocol, visas and customs, while Dr. Comfort Mokgothu leads technical operations and venue coordination. Other key roles include marketing and communications, logistics, accommodation, security, media, finance, sustainability, youth programming and medical services.ย
Kelebeng closed the event with a call for unity and national pride.ย
โLet us showcase Botswana to the world in the best light possible,โ he said. โLet us highlight our culture, our hospitality and our sporting excellence.โ
