ABOUT THIS COUNTRY

Botswana is a completely landlocked country in the centre of Southern Africa. The country covers an area of about 582,000 sq.km² and is relatively flat at roughly 900 metres above sea level, with gentle undulations and occasional rocky outcrops. The Kalahari Desert occupies more than 70 % of the country, with valleys and pans etched across the landscape. The eastern part of Botswana contains the highest (1,500 metres) and the lowest (500 metres) points of elevation, with hills and deep valleys, whereas the flat vast western portion of the country is semi-arid with rocky outcrops.

The mining sector, and in particular diamond mining, is the major contributor to the export base, and government policy endeavours to reduce the vulnerability arising from the heavy dependence on diamonds. The livestock industry contributes about 80 % of agriculture’s share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Beef processing accounts for about 80 % of the livestock industry, and over 95 % of beef production is exported. Tourism continues to play an increasingly significant role in the diversification of the economy. Botswana’s impressive economic performance over the past four decades is mainly due to the success of its export sector

Reasons to invest in Botswana:

  • Stable Economy: Since independence in 1966 Botswana Democratic Party has won in all elections has led the country to date.
  • No foreign exchange controls: Foreign exchange controls were abolished in 1999.
  • Access to huge SADC (Southern African Development Community) market of 200 million people, Europe and the USA
    • SADC headquarters is located in Botswana. Southern African Customs Union (SACU) allows movement of goods amongst South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia and Botswana free of customs duty
    • Botswana has duty free and quota free access to Europe
    • African Growth Opportunities Act enables Botswana texport tthe USA on a liberal basis.
  • Botswana has trade agreement with Zimbabwe
    • Low tax regime
    • Company tax 22%
    • Dividend tax 7.5%
    • Personal income tax maximum marginal rate 25%
    • Manufacturing companies tax 15%
    • International Financial Services Companies tax 15% with 0% dividend tax
    • Ever-expanding network of Tax treaties include countries like the UK, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, South Africa, France, India, Barbados, Lesotho, Swaziland, etc.
  • Botswana is one of the best performing economies of Africa. It does not have foreign exchange controls and it is a low tax regime. These are strong general reasons motivating investors to invest in Botswana

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