ALBADDAD Launches New Botswana City, Projected to Create 37,500 Jobs and Transform Regional Trade
In a significant development for Botswana’s economic landscape, ALBADDAD Holding has unveiled plans for New Botswana City, a mixed-use destination aimed at establishing the country as a pivotal hub for trade, tourism, and international business. This initiative is made possible through a strategic partnership with the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), the principal investment arm of the Government of Botswana. The project was announced in the presence of Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana.
Strategic Overview of New Botswana City
Covering an area of 1,240,000 square meters and valued at approximately $1.9 billion, New Botswana City is set to unfold in three phases. This ambitious project aims to position Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, as a regional center for trade and investment. The city is envisioned as a vibrant ecosystem where residents can live, work, and engage in commerce daily, thereby fostering continuous economic activity.
The city will feature 51 residential towers within 17 integrated complexes, six commercial and office complexes, five international hotels, and a dynamic boulevard district that will include retail outlets, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment facilities. This comprehensive infrastructure aims to enhance Botswana’s appeal to both local and international investors.
Economic Implications and Job Creation
The development of New Botswana City is projected to create between 25,000 to 37,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities once fully operational. This job creation is expected to significantly contribute to Botswana’s economic diversification efforts, aligning with national priorities for sustainable growth. The ALBADDAD Botswana Global Exhibition & Convention Centre, a key component of the project, will serve as a catalyst for economic growth by providing a permanent venue for trade, investment, and business tourism.
The centre will span 124,000 square meters and is valued at $292 million. It will include exhibition halls, conference facilities, and outdoor event spaces, thereby attracting international capital and supporting entrepreneurship. The centre is designed to enhance Botswana’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) ecosystem and create opportunities across various sectors, including hospitality, retail, and professional services.
Groundbreaking Ceremony and Leadership Statements
The groundbreaking ceremony for New Botswana City was officiated by Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, alongside notable figures such as His Excellency Mahash Saeed AlHameli, the UAE Ambassador to South Africa and Non-Resident Ambassador to Botswana, Dr. Alfateen Hussein Albaddad, Chairman of ALBADDAD Holding, and Oteng Keabetswe, Managing Director of BDC.
President Boko emphasized the importance of the project in creating tangible value for Botswana and its citizens. He stated that New Botswana City must demonstrate how strategic land can be transformed into national value and how global capital can be attracted under clear terms that respect national priorities.
ALBADDAD’s Role in Economic Development
Dr. Alfateen Hussein Albaddad expressed pride in partnering with the Botswana Development Corporation on this significant project, highlighting its potential to attract investment and generate employment. He noted that the true measure of the project will be the opportunities it creates for the people of Botswana, rather than merely the physical structures built.
The development is positioned as a new model for economic growth in Southern Africa, integrating the necessary infrastructure to support business growth and modern urban living. Oteng Keabetswe from BDC remarked that the project aims to convert a strategic national asset into measurable economic activity, emphasizing the importance of job creation, skills transfer, and value retention within Botswana.
Long-Term Vision and Sustainability
Beyond its immediate economic benefits, the ALBADDAD Botswana Global Exhibition & Convention Centre is designed to establish a year-round calendar of international exhibitions, trade fairs, and corporate events. This sustained activity is expected to generate recurring opportunities for business growth and tourism, thereby extending its economic impact beyond the venue itself.
Founded in the UAE in 1971, ALBADDAD Holding has expanded its operations to over 50 markets, employing more than 7,000 people. The company has been involved in significant developments across the region, including COP28 Dubai and GITEX Africa. Its extensive manufacturing capabilities and experience in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects position it as a leader in the sector.
ALBADDAD’s integrated approach combines planning, design, manufacturing, construction, and operations, ensuring that projects remain relevant and economically impactful long after completion. For New Botswana City, the company will oversee the project from master planning through to long-term operations, leveraging its international network to support the growth of the new hub for trade and investment.
For further details on this transformative project, refer to the original reporting source: Zawya.
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