Doing business in Botswana is, by regional standards, relatively straightforward, and the country has a long-standing reputation for political stability and low corruption. The economy is still heavily dependent on diamonds, so the government has been working to diversify into financial services, tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
As members of the Southern African Customs Union and the wider Southern African Development Community, Botswana-based firms can reach neighbouring markets with few trade barriers. South Africa is the biggest of these by far.
New arrivals working in Botswana should get to grips with the local business culture before they start, so they know what to expect in the workplace. You'll find a fairly conservative society alongside more liberal, modern workplace practices. Elders and senior colleagues are treated with respect, and the dress code is usually formal.
Fast facts
Business hours
8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Business language
English is the official language of business, and it is widely used in both writing and meetings, so you're unlikely to need a translator. Setswana is the national language, and if you pick up a few polite phrases, you'll earn real goodwill.
Greetings
Handshakes are the standard greeting with both men and women, although the local version is softer than a firm Western grip. Many locals also support the right forearm with the left hand as a mark of respect. Greet the most senior person first, and address senior men as Rra (sir) and women as Mma (madam). Open with a word of Setswana, such as Dumela (hello), and you'll make a good first impression.
Dress
Business dress in Botswana is formal and fairly conservative. Men wear suits and ties even in the heat, and women dress just as smartly in dresses or tailored office wear. Many companies relax the code on Fridays.
Gifts
Small gifts are welcome but not expected, and you should never give cash, as it can look like a bribe. Give and receive any gift with the right hand or both hands. The left hand on its own is considered rude.
Gender equality
Women are well represented in the Botswana workforce. The share of senior management roles they hold is higher than in most of Africa and often higher than the global average. Several major banks and insurers are run by women. A pay gap is still there, and the top jobs in some sectors remain male-dominated, but expat businesswomen are generally taken seriously and treated with respect.
Business culture in Botswana
Business culture in Botswana is conservative and built firmly on mutual respect. Much of this is rooted in botho, a local concept akin to ubuntu that emphasises community and good manners. Batswana (citizens of Botswana) can be reserved at first, so be patient with new colleagues until they warm up. Locals are welcoming towards foreigners, and you should settle in without much trouble.
Communication
Communication in Botswana tends to be indirect and polite, and locals tend to avoid open confrontation. It's important to read between the lines and look for subtle signs of disagreement, as colleagues may not feel comfortable saying no outright. Address your colleagues, and especially your supervisors, as Mr or Ms with their surname until they invite you to do otherwise.
Time
Time management in Botswana can be more relaxed than you're used to, and meetings may start later than scheduled. Deadlines are often treated more as targets than hard cutoffs, although it's worth noting that workers will put in extra hours to get a job over the line when it really matters. It's a good policy to turn up on time yourself but build a little slack into your plans.
Hierarchy
Botswana has fairly hierarchical workplaces, and seniority is taken seriously. Senior managers usually make the big calls, although they will generally consult their teams first. Show clear respect for elders and senior colleagues.
Meetings
Meetings in Botswana usually open with unhurried small talk, so don't jump straight into business. Colleagues will ask each other about their families before getting started on the agenda. It pays to be patient and consider meetings as much about building relationships and trust as knocking out business.
Attitude towards foreigners
Foreigners are treated fairly in Botswana, and locals tend to be warm once the ice is broken. Batswana respect education, but what counts most day to day is your willingness to go with the flow and fit in. Colleagues who feel respected and at ease tend to relax and speak up more freely.
Dos and don'ts of business in Botswana
- Be punctual, even if your local counterparts turn up a little late.
- Greet everyone when you arrive, and start with the most senior person in the room.
- Exchange business cards when you're introduced, and take someone's card with your right hand or both hands.
- Don't point at anyone with your index finger; use an open hand instead.
- Don't rush straight into the deal; let a relationship build first.
- Steer clear of heavy political talk until you know your colleagues well.