• GDP: US$12.31 billion (2007).
• Main imports: Food, machinery, electrical goods, vehicles and fuel.
• Main exports: Diamonds, copper, nickel, beef and textiles.
• Main trade partners: European Free Trade Association (EFTA); fellow members of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

Diamond mining, tourism, financial services and livestock farming are key foreign exchange earners. Botswana is economically connected to South Africa and is a member of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). It also hosts the Southern African Development Conference, which is the principal mechanism for economic co-operation.

Prudent management and the successful development of new mineral resources have afforded Botswana consistent economic growth at a rate of around 5% in recent years. The country has been seeking to reduce its economic dependence on diamonds and agricultural products, both of which are vulnerable to price fluctuations, and to increase its focus on high-revenue investment services and upmarket safari tourism. Unemployment is officially around 40%, but many citizens support themselves through subsistence agriculture.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic, which is extremely serious in Botswana and mainly afflicts the productive, young and middle-aged population, is starting to have a negative effect on the economy.

Lightweight suits should be worn.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700 April-October; 0730-1630 October-April.

Government office hours: 0730-1630 all year round.

Botswana Export Development & Investment Authority (BEDIA)
Plot 28, Matsitama Road, The Main Mall, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: 318 1931.
Website: www.bedia.co.bw 

Ministry of Trade and Industry
Postal address: P/Bag 004, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: 360 1200.
Website: www.mti.gov.bw  

Botswana Development Corporation
Moedi, Plot 50380, Gaborone International Showgrounds, Gaborone, Botswana
Postal address: P/Bag 160, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: 365 1300.
Website: www.bdc.bw