Overview

The Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) is the main investment arm of the Government of Botswana. It was established in 1970 to drive the country’s economic development by promoting and facilitating investment in industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors.

BDC operates as a limited liability company fully owned by the government, with a focus on supporting viable projects that align with national priorities and foster economic diversification.

Mandate and Purpose

The BDC’s mandate is to:

Provide financing for commercially viable projects that promote industrialization and economic growth.

Support private sector development and stimulate entrepreneurship.

Encourage diversification beyond mining by investing in non-mineral sectors.

Promote exports, create employment opportunities, and enhance local value addition.

Pioneer new industries and expand existing ones to strengthen Botswana’s economic base.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To create sustainable economic value as a strategic investor in inclusive and productive enterprises.

Vision: To be the investment partner of choice in transforming Botswana’s economy.

Governance and Structure

BDC is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Trade and Industry. The board provides oversight and strategic direction, while executive management is responsible for day-to-day operations.
Key leadership roles include the Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Heads of Corporate Affairs, Risk, and Legal Services.

Areas of Investment

BDC invests in a broad range of sectors, excluding large-scale diamond mining and other restricted industries such as gambling and tobacco. Its main focus areas include:

Manufacturing and Industry

Agriculture and Agribusiness

Real Estate and Infrastructure

Tourism and Hospitality

Energy and Utilities

Financial and Business Services

Investment Instruments

The Corporation provides several forms of financial support:

Debt Financing: Loans to enterprises with viable projects.

Equity Investments: Taking ownership stakes in companies.

Mezzanine Finance: Hybrid instruments combining debt and equity.

Project Development: Support for new ventures and strategic projects.

Property Management and Leasing: Investment in commercial and industrial properties.

Notable Projects and Investments

BDC has been involved in a range of successful ventures across Botswana, including:

Healthcare: Sedilega Private Hospital, Gaborone Private Hospital.

Manufacturing: Lobatse Clay Works, Milk Africa, Nampak DivFood.

Hospitality and Real Estate: Peermont, Mashatu Botswana, Prime Time.

Financial and Investment Services: Partnerships with local and regional investment entities.

These projects illustrate BDC’s contribution to diversification, employment creation, and industrial development.

Financial Overview

From a small initial capital base in 1970, BDC has grown into a multibillion-pula enterprise with investments exceeding BWP 3.6 billion.
It generates returns through dividends, interest income, and capital gains from its investments while maintaining financial sustainability to support future projects.

Strategic Priorities

BDC’s strategic focus areas include:

Strengthening Botswana’s industrial base.

Expanding investment into regional markets.

Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Promoting gender-inclusive and sustainable investments.

Enhancing internal governance, risk management, and operational efficiency.

Partnerships and Support

BDC collaborates with local and international partners, including regional development banks and private investors, to co-finance projects and share expertise.
It has received lines of credit from multilateral institutions to boost its lending capacity and support long-term industrial growth.

Leadership

As of 2025, Benedicta Abosi serves as the Acting Managing Director.
The executive team includes leaders in investment, finance, legal affairs, risk management, human capital, and communications — all working to align BDC’s operations with Botswana’s Vision 2036 goals.

Recent Developments

BDC has expanded its portfolio to include renewable energy, healthcare, and real estate projects.

It has improved institutional capacity through risk management and governance reforms.

The Corporation continues to position itself as a catalyst for sustainable economic transformation by investing in high-impact sectors.