UAE-headquartered Albaddad Holding has launched the $1.9 billion New Botswana City project in Gaborone, marking one of Botswana’s most ambitious mixed-use infrastructure investments. The development is being advanced through a partnership with Botswana Development Corporation, the government’s main investment arm, and is designed to strengthen Botswana’s position as a regional hub for trade, events, tourism and international business.
The project will cover about 1.24 million square metres across three phases and will be anchored by a major exhibition and convention centre. For Botswana, the development comes at a critical moment as the country works to accelerate economic diversification, reduce reliance on diamonds and deepen private-sector-led growth.
Key Overview
- Albaddad Holding has launched the $1.9 billion New Botswana City project in Gaborone.
- The project spans 1,240,000 square metres and is planned across three phases.
- Botswana Development Corporation is the strategic public-sector partner.
- The first phase will be anchored by a 124,000-square-metre exhibition and convention centre.
- The development is expected to support thousands of construction, direct and indirect jobs.
- The project aligns with Botswana’s wider push to diversify beyond diamonds.
A New Commercial District for Gaborone
Albaddad Holding, a UAE-based group known for modular construction, exhibition infrastructure and fast-track delivery, announced the launch of New Botswana City as a mixed-use destination intended to reshape Gaborone’s role in regional commerce.
The project is expected to include 51 residential towers across 17 integrated complexes, 18 buildings across six commercial and office complexes, five international hotels, and a boulevard district with retail outlets, restaurants, cafés, entertainment facilities and service amenities.
At the centre of the plan is the Albaddad Botswana Global Exhibition & Convention Centre, a 124,000-square-metre integrated events facility valued at about $292 million. The centre is expected to provide exhibition halls, conference facilities and outdoor event spaces, giving Botswana a permanent platform for trade shows, investment forums, industry summits and business tourism.
The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by President Duma Gideon Boko and attended by UAE diplomatic representation, Albaddad leadership and Botswana Development Corporation executives. The project’s structure also reflects Botswana’s effort to use strategic land and public-private partnerships to turn infrastructure into long-term economic value.
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Why Botswana Is Betting on Diversification
The timing of the project is important. Botswana has long been one of Africa’s most stable economies, but its growth model remains heavily exposed to diamonds. According to a World Bank country update, diamonds still dominate export earnings, while the country needs faster diversification and stronger private-sector-led growth.
Recent pressure in the global diamond market has sharpened that challenge. Reuters reported that Botswana’s economy has been affected by a prolonged downturn in diamonds, which typically account for about one-third of national revenue and three-quarters of foreign exchange earnings. The finance ministry has also stressed the need to accelerate economic diversification and strengthen non-mining growth sources.
That is where New Botswana City fits into the broader national story. Rather than being only a real estate development, the project is being positioned as a trade, tourism, hospitality and services platform that can attract international capital while creating new opportunities for local businesses.
BDC’s Role and the Jobs Question
Botswana Development Corporation’s involvement gives the project a strategic public-interest angle. BDC describes itself as the government’s main investment arm, with a mandate to support commercially viable projects that promote industrialisation, economic development, diversification, exports and employment.
Local reporting, citing government communication, said the project could generate between 14,000 and 21,000 jobs during construction and between 25,000 and 37,500 direct and indirect jobs when fully operational. The same report said BDC had contributed land valued at about P198 million and currently holds a 5% equity stake in the development.
Those figures will matter because President Boko has framed the project around measurable national value. The key test will be whether New Botswana City delivers procurement opportunities, skills transfer, tourism receipts, tax revenues and permanent business activity beyond the construction phase.
A Gateway Project With Execution Risks
New Botswana City gives Botswana a major opportunity to position Gaborone as a Southern African trade and events hub. If delivered effectively, the convention centre, hotels, offices, residential towers and retail district could help build a year-round business ecosystem around international exhibitions, conferences and investment forums.
However, the scale of the project also means execution will be closely watched. Botswana will need clear timelines, transparent procurement, strong environmental and urban planning controls, and visible participation by local firms and workers.
For Albaddad, the project expands its footprint into Southern Africa. For Botswana, it represents a bold attempt to convert land, global capital and infrastructure into a more diversified economy. The promise is significant, but the real measure will be whether the city becomes an active commercial engine rather than simply a landmark development.
Sources used: Zawya / Botswana Development Corporation / YourBotswana / World Bank / Reuters
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