In line with the laudable vision of the Government of the Republic of Botswana to develop a sustainable tourism industry that opens a new window of opportunities to the citizens of its country, ITIC in partnership with the Government to conceive and nurture an investment product that will be showcased to potential investors during the Investment Summit. IFC is invited to partner in the project right from the initial stage of the development of the project. It is proposed to have a PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP format for the development of the project.
The idea is to convert part of the Kgalagadi desert into a LEISURE AND LIFESTYLE SMART CITY which will comprise various investments in infrastructural development such as the setting-up of a road network, airport, railway system, hotel development, golf resort, wilderness and luxury safari lodges, African museum and heritage, theatres and cultural centres, art galleries, residential areas and apartments, schools and universities, business centres, shopping malls, theme parks and tourism attractions, hospitals and wellness centres and other related development and ancillary services. The development will not only be sustainable but also promote the cultural diversity and heritage as well as social inclusion for the shared growth of all the people of Botswana.
This project will be promoted to attract FDI into the country, positioning Botswana as a hub for the Southern African region, creating employment for the locals, inviting foreign businesses to establish in Botswana, encouraging local Botswana project developers to join in the projects either through 100% shareholding or joint-ventures with foreigners. In addition, SMEs will be invited to actively participate at every stage of the development of this initiative to benefit from transfer of expertise with the ultimate objective of value creation and bringing wealth for the people of the Republic of Botswana.
ITIC has already approached major hotel brands like IHG, Marriott, Kempinski and other brands which are keen to participateIt will also work alongside the Government of the Republic of Botswana to invite major international airlines to participate in the Investment Summit in view of positioning Botswana as an aviation hub in the Southern African region and which could at the same time boost air connectivity within the continent. For example: ITIC has started facilitating the conversation with Emirates Airlines and flydubai for mutual benefits.
Approximate project cost and investment required: USD 3 billion