Botswana’s aviation sector is flying higher than ever, backed by strategic reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and a clear ambition to turn the country into Southern Africa’s next hub for tourism, trade, and air cargo. Under the leadership of Dr. Bao Mosinyi, CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), the authority is driving a national effort to improve aviation safety standards, enhance connectivity, and attract global investors. And the results are already showing.

A Continental Benchmark for Aviation Safety

Emerging out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Botswana’s aviation oversight stood at 60.1%, just above the then African average of 58%. Determined to set a global benchmark, CAAB committed to surpass the then world’s safety average of 69%. The latest audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), conducted in June 2023, placed Botswana at an impressive 85.78%, making it one of the highest in Africa.

“Whenever anyone who understands anything about aviation looks at a country, the first thing they check is the level of safety oversight,” Dr. Mosinyi explained. “We made a commitment to the government that we would elevate Botswana above the world average, and we have.”

Certified Airports and a Push for Connectivity

The next phase was to ensure compliance at the infrastructure level. ICAO recommends that each country has at least one certified international airport. Botswana boasts four: Gaborone, Maun, Francistown, and Kasane. As of last year, three have been certified, with Francistown slated for completion by year-end.

Certification not only meets global standards but also signals to airlines and travelers that Botswana’s facilities are secure, reliable, and efficient. Yet, certification alone is not enough to resolve the critical issue of limited international flight connectivity.

“We formed Botswana Air Access, a partnership combining government and private sector players like the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, the Botswana Tourism Organisation, the Hospitality and Tourism Association, Business Botswana, and the Travel Agents Association,” said Dr. Mosinyi. “Instead of selling the CAAB, we sell the country together. It’s a collaborative push to improve connectivity.”

Botswana’s efforts recently earned it the right to host the Aviadev Africa connectivity conference in 2026, a pivotal opportunity to showcase the nation’s aviation potential to global stakeholders.

The Maun Opportunity: Gateway to the North

One of the strategic priorities is unlocking Maun’s potential as a gateway for tourists heading to Botswana’s north, especially the Okavango Delta. Maun Airport is well-positioned geographically but faces capacity constraints.

“The airport can currently only process around 270 passengers an hour,” Dr. Mosinyi noted. “That limits the size of aircraft and volume of travelers we can accommodate.”

The strength of Maun’s runway was also a limiting factor, especially for wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A330. CAAB conducted assessments to demonstrate that the existing runway can handle such planes safely, unlocking new possibilities for direct international flights.

To address long-term capacity needs, CAAB engaged the World Bank, which assessed the business case for expanding Maun Airport. The proposed development — estimated at over $100 million — includes a new terminal and reinforced runway infrastructure.

“The World Bank assessment showed that with slightly higher passenger charges, which remain low by regional standards, the airport could finance itself,” said Dr. Mosinyi.

A broader feasibility study is underway, evaluating whether to upgrade the current site or develop an entirely new airport with modern, sustainable design and sufficient space for future growth. The final report is expected next month, with a government decision to follow.

“If we move to a greenfield site, it gives us the chance to build an airport tailored to tourism and environmental protection, showcasing Botswana’s identity,” Dr. Mosinyi added.

Expanding Regional Air Traffic and Cargo

Improving air connectivity isn’t only about direct flights; it also involves negotiating smarter air service agreements. Botswana is modernizing its bilateral air service agreements to incorporate liberal terms such as fifth freedom rights, enabling airlines to carry passengers between Botswana and third countries.

This approach has already yielded results. Ethiopian Airlines, for instance, now operates flights directly from Addis Ababa to Maun, and from Maun to Ndola in Zambia, enhancing regional links.

CAAB is also keen to position Botswana as a cargo transit point, particularly for high-value exports like beef. The Botswana Meat Commission has begun exploring airlifting meat to premium markets, but the current cargo infrastructure is insufficient.

“We need a much bigger cargo facility, especially with specialized cold storage,” said Dr. Mosinyi. “We are building the business case for investors to come in and help develop these facilities.”

Plans are underway for a dedicated VIP and business lounge to enhance the passenger experience in Gaborone, an investment opportunity that has already attracted private interest.

Training and Skill Development: A Priority for Growth

Dr. Mosinyi emphasized that while Botswana has made significant progress, skills development remains a key area of need.

“The biggest weakness in middle and lower-income countries is often the scale and expertise of inspectors,” he said. “We are doing relatively well, but we need further training, particularly if manufacturing of aircraft or parts were to start here.”

Dr. Mosinyi sees potential for Botswana to serve as a regional training hub for aviation skills, capitalizing on its stable governance and improving infrastructure.

A Confident Outlook for US Partnerships

Engagement with the United States is already strong. Dr. Mosinyi has held multiple meetings with the US Ambassador to Botswana, who has shown personal interest in strengthening aviation ties between the two countries.

“The US Ambassador has been proactive: we’ve met one-on-one several times to explore opportunities,” said Dr. Mosinyi. “That creates an enabling environment for US investors or companies to work with us directly.”

He sees particular promise for US partnerships in aviation training, infrastructure development, and cargo logistics, all critical pillars for Botswana’s next growth phase.

Investment Beyond Aviation: Agriculture and Mining

While Dr. Mosinyi’s focus is aviation, he is quick to highlight other investment opportunities in Botswana, notably agriculture and mining.

“Botswana beef is grass-fed and organic, it’s a premium product that’s recognized particularly in Europe,” he said. “We have vast lands, mostly grasslands, despite the perception of the Kalahari as just desert.”

Botswana is also rich in minerals beyond diamonds, with under-explored potential in copper, coal, and rare earths. “There’s still a lot to discover here,” he said, citing the interest of Canadian mining firms already tapping into Botswana’s resources.

A Stable Democracy, Tested and Proven

Botswana’s political stability is a final, yet critical, factor underpinning investor confidence. In the 2024 elections, Botswana underwent a peaceful transition of power for the first time in its 58-year democratic history.

“People often say we’re stable, but that had never been tested until last year, and we passed the test,” said Dr. Mosinyi. “The day after elections, everyone went to work as usual. That’s the kind of democracy investors look for.”

The Runway Ahead

With a world-class safety ranking, certified airports, strategic collaborations, and plans to modernize its infrastructure, Botswana’s aviation sector is primed for growth.

“We’ve cultivated the ground,” Dr. Mosinyi concluded. “For anyone in the US or elsewhere looking to invest in aviation, cargo, or training, the table is set. And for Botswana, the sky is no longer the limit, it’s the starting point.”