Orange Botswana has announced a P1 million annual sponsorship for the Phikwe National Marathon, to revive the town’s economy and position it as a sports tourism hub.
The commitment will inject P3 million into the marathon from 2025 to 2027, making it one of the most heavily backed sporting events in Botswana.
“This is bigger than a race; it’s about jobs, tourism, and putting Selebi-Phikwe back on the map,” said Orange Botswana CEO Néné Maïga at the launch event. “We’re investing P1 million a year because we believe in the power of sports to move economies and transform lives.”
Since the closure of the BCL Mine, Selebi-Phikwe has been fighting to reinvent itself. The marathon first backed by Orange Botswana in 2016 has grown into a key economic driver, drawing thousands of runners and fans from across the country and beyond.
With this fresh injection, the marathon is set to scale new heights, bigger prizes, better logistics, more volunteers, and next-level visibility through Orange Botswana’s cutting-edge digital platforms.
There will be live race tracking, social media takeovers, and a serious push to position Selebi-Phikwe as a must-visit destination.
“Every runner brings business. Every spectator supports a vendor. Every cheer echoes growth,” added Maïga. “We’re proud to back this event not just with money, but with purpose.”
“At Orange Botswana, we see sports as a powerful development tool that builds character, drives discipline, and opens doors for young talent. This marathon is a launchpad for the next generation of champions,” Maïga emphasised.
The 2025 edition, slated for August, promises to be the most ambitious yet. Organisers are gearing up for record participation, enhanced infrastructure, and vibrant community engagement.
The Selebi-Phikwe Town Council and Local Organising Committee hailed the deal as a “turning point” for the town.
With this renewed backing, Orange Botswana is doubling down on its belief that sports tourism is the next frontier for economic development in Botswana and the Phikwe Marathon is leading the charge.
