# Botswana (BW) **Capital:** Gaborone **Currency:** Botswana Pula (BWP) (BWP) **Population:** 2,359,609 — Older stored figure; source year not documented. **Area:** 581,730 km² > Botswana is a politically stable, landlocked country in Southern Africa and a SACU member. Foreign trade is handled mainly through South African and Namibian ports. Key exports are diamonds, copper, nickel and beef; main imports are machinery, vehicles, fuels and consumer goods. Customs clearance is processed electronically via the BURS e-Customs system. Road and rail form the backbone of its logistics. Botswana (ISO-Code: BW) is located in Southern Africa, bordering South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Politically, the country is a stable parliamentary democracy with well-developed institutions. The climate is predominantly semi-arid with hot summers, mild winters, and irregular rainfall, which significantly affects agriculture. Economically, Botswana is primarily characterized by diamond exports, mining, and livestock farming, while the industrial sector remains small. The country is import-dependent for fuels, machinery, consumer goods, and food. In foreign trade, South Africa plays a central role as the main supplier and buyer, with the transit function primarily secured through South African ports due to its landlocked position. The national currency is the Pula (BWP), which supports stable payment and trade relations. Logistically, businesses benefit from a well-developed road network and reliable border connections to neighboring countries. Botswana is considered a stable inland market in Southern Africa with increasing significance for regional trade. **Top Import Partners:** ZA, CN, AE, IN, US **Top Export Partners:** IN, BE, ZA, AE, US **Top Import Goods:** Machinery, Vehicles, Petroleum products, Consumer goods, Foodstuffs **Top Export Goods:** Diamonds, Copper, Nickel, Beef, Gold **Key Airports:** - [Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/sir-seretse-khama-international-airport-gbe) - [Jwaneng Airport (JWA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/jwaneng-airport-jwa) - [Kasane Airport (BBK)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/kasane-airport-bbk) - [Maun Airport (MUB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/maun-airport-mub) - [P G Matante Intl (FRW)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/p-g-matante-intl-airport-frw) - [Selebi Phikwe Airport (PKW)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/selebi-phikwe-airport-pkw) - [Sua Pan Airport (SXN)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/sua-pan-airport-sxn) - [Abu Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/abu-airport-144) - [Arizona Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/arizona-airport-1602) - [Banoka Airstrip](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/banoka-airstrip-airport-16539) ## Customs & Import **Import VAT:** Import VAT at the standard rate of 14 percent (since 2021 **Customs complexity:** medium **Customs system:** Electronic clearance via the BURS e-Customs Single Electronic Window (TFBSEW) with SAD-500 declaration. As a SACU member, no duties in intra-trade with ZA, NA, LS and SZ. **Customs authority:** [Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS)](https://www.burs.org.bw) ## Logistics & Risk **Logistics role:** Landlocked / Mining and diamond exports **Economic area:** SACU / SADC **Logistics risk:** medium **Dangerous goods relevance:** medium **Pharma/cold chain:** medium ## FAQ ### Is Botswana landlocked? Yes. Botswana has no access to the sea; imports and exports run via ports in South Africa (Durban) and Namibia (Walvis Bay). ### Which VAT rate applies in Botswana? The standard VAT rate is 14 percent; certain supplies are subject to the zero rate of 0 percent (source: BURS). ### From when is VAT registration mandatory? You must register for VAT once taxable annual turnover exceeds P500'000. ### Which customs authority is responsible? The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS). Clearance is processed electronically via the e-Customs Single Electronic Window. ### Are duties charged in trade with South Africa? No. Within SACU (South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini) goods move duty-free; only local taxes such as VAT are levied. ### Which declaration document is used? The SAD-500 customs declaration, submitted electronically via the BURS e-Customs System. ### Which main goods does Botswana export? Mainly diamonds, as well as copper, nickel and beef. ### Which modes of transport are relevant for Botswana? Road and rail for regional traffic, as well as air freight, especially for diamonds. ## Sources & Last Verified - [https://www.burs.org.bw](https://www.burs.org.bw) - [https://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/tax/value-added-tax](https://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/tax/value-added-tax) - [https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/botswana/corporate/other-taxes](https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/botswana/corporate/other-taxes) - [https://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/customsexcisemain/international-trade-agreements/south-african-customs-union-agreement](https://www.burs.org.bw/index.php/customsexcisemain/international-trade-agreements/south-african-customs-union-agreement) - [https://ecustoms.burs.org.bw](https://ecustoms.burs.org.bw) - [http://www.sacu.int](http://www.sacu.int) - [https://www.statsbots.org.bw/census-2022](https://www.statsbots.org.bw/census-2022) *Last verified: 2026-06-22* --- *Freight Academy — Country Profile: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/bw](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/bw)* *Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/bw](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/bw)*