Botswana has been touted as a market with significant potential for growth in Africa – a sentiment only elevated by the latest projections of the Botswana Gambling Authority (BGA).
By March 2026, the GGR levels in the country are projected to reach P1 billion (€78 million), which would be a 40% increase on the projections of the previous period.
A huge factor fuelling this growth has been the elevated rates of mobile penetration and digital engagement.
Mobile usage has been on a steady incline in Botswana since 2023, and crucially, in excess of 80% of mobile phones can now connect to the internet through 3G, 4G or 5G.
With such a surge in mobile engagement comes risks though, and it is vital that these are thwarted if the market is to thrive. Specifically, when it comes to the black market and its potential growth.
There are real challenges around ensuring the offshore market can’t thrive in Botswana, given how costly it can be to implement payment or ISP blocking.
Nonetheless, Botswana is looking to provide the best possible opportunity for regulated operators to thrive in the market, with one of the lowest tax rates in Africa.
Botswana has a 10% levy on operators, compared to Kenya’s 30% rate and Nigeria, where it reaches 20%.
Additionally, it makes Botswana an attractive entry point for global operators that are seeking to find a base to enter the African continent.
Betway has been one of the key players to experience that uptick in Botswana, marking it as one of its most fruitful markets in Africa, where it garners 64% of its global revenue.
Betway Botswana Country Manager Mitchelle France-Mabiletsa laid out a strong focus on Botswana that has evidently proven fruitful.
She said: “We are not stopping there. In the months ahead, we will continue to build our presence, expand the team and play a more meaningful role in the communities.”
Betway has also underpinned a focus on the Botswana market as it has continued to streamline its approach to global markets and ensure that it is on a growth trajectory.
Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, CEO of the BGA, also highlighted the key role that Betway should play in shaping the market.
“Our licensing regime is grounded in integrity and competitive transparency. We do not license loosely. We license for national value,” Kesitilwe previously said.
“Let this industry grow, but grow with accountability. Let it create jobs but protect players. Let it generate revenue but uphold fairness. To all stakeholders, let us lead this industry with integrity,” the CEO concluded.
iGaming Expert Analysis: As Botswana aims for major growth within its iGaming sector, the country has taken a front foot approach to ensuring the regulated market has the best opportunity to thrive against offshore operators, even in the absence of tools effectively used in other, more developed markets.
