Botswana Government Allocates $8.8 Million to Support Air Botswana in 2024-2025
The Government of Botswana has earmarked BWP121.2 million pula (approximately USD8.8 million) in development expenditure for Air Botswana as part of its 2024-2025 draft budget. This investment marks a decrease from the BWP165.9 million (USD12.1 million) allocated in the previous fiscal year, reflecting the government’s continued financial support for the national flag carrier amidst its ongoing challenges and awaiting privatisation.
Finance Minister Peggy O. Serame, presenting the draft budget to parliament, highlighted that the funds are intended to finance a broad spectrum of infrastructure projects across air, rail, and bridge sectors. Specifically for the aviation sector, the budget will support maintenance of airports, enhancement of Botswana’s airspace surveillance, upgrading of air navigation services infrastructure, and the installation and improvement of airport security systems. Additionally, the funding will cover mandatory engine replacements, procurement of airport safety equipment, and enhancements to existing airport security and safety measures.
The draft budget, awaiting approval in March, represents a strategic investment in not only Air Botswana but also the broader aviation infrastructure critical to the country’s connectivity and economic development.
Furthermore, the Transitional National Development Plan has revised Air Botswana’s development funding to BWP702.7 million (USD51.2 million) for the 2023-2025 period, up from an initial BWP133.6 million (USD9.7 million). This significant increase underscores the government’s commitment to revitalizing the airline and enhancing its operational capabilities.
Air Botswana, which has struggled with profitability for years, operates a fleet consisting of two ATR72-600s and one ERJ 170-100LR, focusing on both domestic and regional routes. The airline’s path to privatisation and the search for a strategic partner remain key to its future strategy and ability to compete in the increasingly competitive aviation market.