Dumela/Hello, UCT (graduate or soon-to-be!)

Are you curious about what opportunities are open for you once you return to Botswana? This resource provides you some employment related information on your country, hints on where to start looking for work and who to connect with to access professional networks. There is an active focus on diversifying the economy so that Botswana is less reliant on the diamond industry. This means that opportunities are opening for you in all sorts of new industries in Botswana.

If you are considering staying in South Africa to work, remember you would need a South African work permit. There is a section on that at the end of this resource.

Economic Overview

Population: 2.262 million (2015)

Total Labour Force: 1 155 963 (2014)

GPD: $14.39 billion (2015)

GDP Breakdown per sector:

Agriculture: 1.9%

Industry: 35.7%

Services: 62.4% (2013 est.)

GPD Growth: -0.3 (2015)

Unemployment: 17.8% (2015)

Inflation:3.1% (2015)

Source: http://www.worldbank.org/

(Botswana at a Glance)

Focus on Botswana’s economy

WATCH:

http://www.cnbcafrica.com/video/?bctid=46346

23614001

Published on 27 Nov 2015 by CNBC Africa

“In our weekly Southern Africa focus this week, we

travel to the world's largest producer of diamonds,

Botswana. CNBC Africa's Tendai Dube spoke to the

Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources,

Onkokame Kitso Mokaila, about the countries strategy

to diversify its revenue stream.”

Skills shortage list:

Botswana Market Scarcity Survey 2015 lists skills scarcity in mainly the financial, ICT and engineering

sectors:

Acutely Scarce:

Risk Management

Engineering (Riggers)

ICT (Security Specialists)

Very Scarce:

Instrumentation Technicians

Quality Control

Laboratory Chemists

Financial Management

Actuaries

Treasury

Internal Audit

Scarce

ICT (Webmasters, Systems Specialists, Network Administrators)

Senior Accountants

Financial services

Source: 2015, Tsa Badiri Consultancy Botswana Market Scarcity Survey 2015 http://www.tsabadiri.co.bw/tsa/files/Scarcity%20Survey%20Analysis%20Presentation.pdf

Main sectors of employment

Mining, construction, manufacturing, retail and tourism are the main sectors of employment in

Botswana. Remember that you don’t need to have a degree in mining or tourism for instance to work in

those sectors. Some degrees, like certain types of engineering, are specific to a context, but most

companies need an array of staff to manage finance, marketing, staff needs and more. Don’t limit your

options by looking in a sector specific location unless your qualification is that specialized. The main

sectors of employment listed below is only a starting point as they employ the largest number of people.

There are many more opportunities beyond this list. You just need to work at your CV, research

opportunities and network.

MINING

Botswana is the World’s largest producer of diamonds, but with diamond revenues declining, focus is

shifting to other minerals. One such project, earmarked for Francistown, will turn coal into electricity by

2020. The project will potentially attract an estimated US$4.2 billion in investment to Botswana.

Source: http://www.miningafricaonline.co.za/index.php/mining-features/mining-engineering/features/1960-

botswana-s-mining-industry-an-overview-of-the-present-situation

VIDEO: Botswana is diversifying into minerals other than diamonds

“Botswana is well known for its diamond industry but the sector has taken a hit in recent times with the

nation's leading diamond miner Debswana recording a significant drop in production since 2007. That's

hurt national GDP growth but Botswana's mining sector is not only about diamonds. CCTV's Angelo

Coppola spoke to the CEO of the Botswana Chamber of Mines to take a broader look at the industry.”

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3mm6hqbxyo

Published on 14 August 2015 by CCTV Africa

CONSTRUCTION

Mining revenues trigger infrastructure development in Botswana. Roads, hospitals and other services

established to support the mining industry also benefit the locals. The priority to diversify the Botswana

economy beyond relying on diamonds and tourism is also driving the infrastructure development in

other emerging industries.

VIDEO: Revenue from diamonds drives Botswana infrastructure development

“In Botswana, revenue from diamonds is driving infrastructure development. Capital expenditure on

mines has helped to kick-start other sectors like construction, national services and transport.”

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIz3bzKWMNs

Published on 23 Jun 2016 by CCTV Africa

MANUFACTURING

The manufacturing sector in Botswana is still relatively small, contributing a mere 5% to the country’s

GDP. Regardless, the sector employs more individuals than the mining sector. A government

commitment to stimulate growth in manufacturing means new opportunities will be created in this sector.

VIDEO: Wholesale Government looking to boost manufacturing sector’s contribution

to GDP

"The importance of manufacturing to any economy in Africa cannot be understated and if Botswana is

to propel its economic growth even further, it needs to start producing more goods and aggressively

marketing them. Doing Business in Botswana takes an in-depth look at Botswana's investment

proposition to manufacturers.”

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIoUDr6UC08

Published on 7 Oct 2014 by CNBC Africa

RETAIL

The A.T. Kearney’s African Retail Development Index 2015 places Botswana 2nd in retail development

Sub-Saharan Africa. The retailers provide clothing, accessories, food and drink, home and kitchen

appliances. These include South African Pick n Pay Holdings Ltd, Shoprite Holdings Ltd, Spar Group

Ltd, Woolworths Holdings Ltd and the local Choppies group.

Source: READ: http://www.weekendpost.co.bw/wp-news-details.php?nid=1578

VIDEO: Botswana’s Choppies to list on JSE

“Choppies CEO Ramachandran Ottapathu discusses the Botswana retailer’s secondary listing on the

JSE.”

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7enus2jW6g

Business Day TV Published on 11 May 2015

TOURISM

Tourism is the second largest contributor to Botswana’s economy. The country borders South Africa,

Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia making it a prime safari destination. Main attractions include the

Kalahari Desert, home to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta. Wildlife include

giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and wild dogs. The industry has mainly developed around wildlife and the

wilderness, which leaves opportunity for tourism innovation.

VIDEO: Botswana Tourism Products

Meetings Africa, Sandton Convention Center, Johannesburg, South Africa, February 2015: Interview

with Jillian Blackbeard, Botswana Tourism Products

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA6MnhPze_E

Published on 4 Mar 2015 by Varro Productions

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

Green Agriculture and Agricultural Technology

There a growing trend towards environmentally-friendly agriculture and incorporating technological

innovation into the sector according to the latest PwC's Africa Agribusinesses Insights Survey 2016.

This will lead to more non-traditional roles and opportunities in the agriculture sector.

READ: http://www.sundaystandard.info/tech-innovation-will-catalyse-productivity-and-growth-

botswana

Entrepreneurship support

You might want to be your own boss or start a side- business in Botswana. There are a number of

initiatives that support entrepreneurship.

Five opportunities for entrepreneurs offered by the Botswana Innovation Hub

READ: http://www.botswanayouth.com/5-opportunities-for-entrepreneurs-offered-by-the-

botswana-innovation-hub/.

10 Organisations offering business funding for youth in Botswana

READ: http://www.botswanayouth.com/10-institutions-offering-business-funding-for-the-youth-

in-botswana/

Routes to employment

Use a variety of strategies and channels to see what is out there for you. Don’t just limit yourself to

searching for job adverts, also network with people from the industry and companies you are interested

in.

SEARCHING ONLINE

It will be rare for a position not to be posted somewhere on the internet. Digital recruiting is a cheaper

and more flexible option for companies. It should be where you start looking.

Google

If you know what you are looking for and know how to ask for it, Google will find it for you - if it is out

there. When doing internet searches try various search words in combination. Start narrow and then

widen your search. Here is an example:

To find job boards that specialise in job postings in a specific industry for instance “Engineering in

Botswana”. Type the following in the Google search box:

engineering + job boards + Botswana

This tells Google to look for engineering job boards with opportunities based in Botswana. The “+” sign

ensures that all of the requirements are included in the results. Replace engineering with whatever

industry you are looking in. But you have to try out lots of different words and combinations to make

sure you have searched extensively.

Another option can be to replace “job boards” with “job”. Like this:

Engineer job + Botswana or Engineer job + Gaborone

You can be more specific about the type of engineering or the location in Botswana.

There are more versions of the word “job” that would yield the results you need. For example:

vacancy

opportunity

position

internship

graduate programme

Try as many as you can think of. Also remember new jobs get added all the time, so don’t give up too

soon - keep searching over a period of time.

Searching on Linkedin:

If you go to https://www.linkedin.com/jobs you will be able to search for positions advertised on Linkedin

specifically. You can add a job title, or company name or other keywords in the Linkedin search box

and then combine it with Botswana or a specific location in Botswana. On the same Linkedin jobs page

you can also set your preferences so Linkedin can filter jobs that you might be interested in.

Newspapers:

Twenty years ago newspapers were where jobseekers would search for opportunities. They are still a

useful resource; you never know; you might see something you have not searched for. Try the main

newspapers in Botswana available online:

Mmegi Online

http://www.mmegi.bw/

The Voice Botswana

http://www.thevoicebw.com/

Botswana Guardian

http://www.botswanaguardian.co.bw/

Here is also a list of recruitment sites focused on Botswana:

Career Pool Botswana

http://www.careerpoolbotswana.com/

Pnet

Type “Botswana” in the “Where” field https://www.pnet.co.za

Staffwise

http://www.staffwise.co.bw/

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Professional associations or bodies provide you access to a community of people working in the sorts

of positions and companies where you want to work. Most sectors are likely to have such a professional

association. Some even have more than one. Becoming a member grants you access to a wealth of

insider information such as new developments in your chosen profession or more importantly work

opportunities.

When you head back to Botswana a good place to start is to join a relevant professional association

there. Start putting your feelers out in your final year, so you can hit the ground running when graduation

is within sight. Once you are a member of a professional association, you will be alerted to their

organised activities usually via email or an online networking platform. The point is to meet and network

with other members of the association, so make sure you attend organised events to benefit and go

prepared to network.

Tips for networking at a professional association event:

1. Dress professionally and appropriately for the event

2. Be your smart, charming self

Remember networking has a social aspect to it. It’s not an interview, but it’s also not a

night out with your friends. Find a professional-sociable middle ground. 3. Make sure you have an updated CV ready

This will enable you to quickly respond if you hear about an opportunity or a member

offers to circulate your CV to his or her contacts. 4. Also keep your Linkedin profile current

People may search for you on Linkedin after the event 5. Take names and business cards of people you connected with

6. Utilise the contacts you made on the next business day

This way you will still be fresh in their minds. Send your CV if they asked for it, or contact

the people they suggested. Be sure to also thank the person who provided you with leads

for opportunities whether they turn up something or not. 7. Search Linkedin for people you met

Here’s how:

https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/302?query=searching%20for%20people%

20on%20Linkedin 8. Send them invitations to connect

Here’s how:

https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/118

9. Personalise your invitation to connect

Rather than just a blank invitation to connect, personalize your invitation. Here’s how:

https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/46662

List of Professional Associations

Architecture, Construction, Surveying and Engineering

Botswana Institute of Architectural & Construction Technologists

http://www.biact.info/

https://www.facebook.com/Botswana-Institute-of-Architectural-Construction-Technologists-

469077576610267/?fref=nf

Botswana Institute of Engineers

http://www.bie.org.bw/

Association of Consulting Engineers Botswana

http://www.aceb.org.bw/

Institute of Botswana Quantity Surveyors

http://www.ibqs.co.bw/

Botswana Survey and Mapping Association

http://www.bsma.co.bw/

Banking, Accounting and Financial Services

Botswana Institute of Bankers (BIOB)

http://www.biob.co.bw/

Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA)

http://www.bica.org.bw/

https://www.facebook.com/BICABW/

https://twitter.com/bicabw

The Institute of Internal Auditing Botswana

https://institutes.theiia.org

Chartered Institute for Cost Management Accounting (CIMA)

http://www.cimaglobal.com/Our-locations/Africa/Botswana/

Women in Business Association Botswana

http://www.wiba.co.bw/

https://www.facebook.com/Women-in-Business-Association-Botswana-115479808608496/

Environment

Botswana Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association (BEAPA)

http://www.beapa.org.bw/

Export and Investment

Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority

http://www.bedia.co.bw/

Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association

http://www.bema.co.bw/

Health and Wellbeing

Botswana association of Psychologists

http://resources.iupsys.net/iupsys/index.php/iupsysresources/442-botswana-articles/27031-botswana-

association-of-psychologists

Botswana National Association of Social Workers

http://bonasw.homestead.com/

Botswana Nurses Association

https://www.facebook.com/botswana.nurses.union/

Human Resources

Institute of Human Resource Management of Botswana

https://www.facebook.com/ihrmbotswana/

Law

Law Society of Botswana

http://www.bsma.co.bw/

Media

African Health Journalists Association

https://www.facebook.com/African-Health-Journalists-Association-383368365087101/?fref=nf

Retail and Commerce

Botswana Confederation of Commerce Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM)

http://www.boccim.co.bw/

Real Estate

Real Estate Institute of Botswana

http://www.reibclickonline.co.bw/

https://www.facebook.com/Real-Estate-Institute-of-Botswana-438392846277823/

Tourism, Hospitality and Environment

Tourism and Hospitality Association of Botswana

http://www.this-is-botswana.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Hospitality-and-Tourism-Association-of-Botswana-291857840957742/

Botswana Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association

http://www.beapa.org.bw/

https://www.facebook.com/Botswana-Environmental-Assessment-Practitioners-Association-BEAPA-

432127486871915/timeline

Botswana Guides Association

http://www.boga-bw.com/

APPROACHING A COMPANY

You can also make direct contact with companies you are interested in. Visit their website and start by

looking for their jobs section, if they have one. It will be indicated as “careers”, “work for us”,

“recruitment” or “jobs”. If there is something you are interested in, apply! Alternatively, contact them

anyway and ask about their recruitment process and whether you can forward your CV.

Company list:

The list below is only a starting point, use your internet search skills to create a list of

companies you are interested in.

Banking BancABC http://www.bancabc.co.bw/ Bank of Baroda http://www.bankofbaroda.co.bw/ Bank Gabarone http://www.bankgaborone.co.bw/ Bank of India http://www.bankofindia.co.bw/ Barclays http://www.barclays.co.bw/ Capital Bank http://www.capitalbank.co.bw/ Standard Chartered Bank https://www.sc.com/bw/ Stanbic Bank http://www.stanbicbank.co.bw/ First National Bank https://www.fnbbotswana.co.bw/

Energy

Law Baoleki Attorneys http://www.baoleki-attorneys.com/ BBL Bookbinder Law http://www.bookbinderlaw.co.bw/ Chibanda Makgalemele & Co http://www.cmclaw.co.bw/ Collins Newman http://www.collinsnewman.bw/ ENS Africa https://www.ensafrica.com/law-firm/botswana

Mining Debswana Diamonds http://www.debswana.com/

Postal Botswana Postal Company http://www.botspost.co.bw/

Retail Choppies

Puma Energy http://www.pumaenergy.com/en/regions/africa/botswana

Botswana Power Corporation http://www.bpc.bw/Pages/home.aspx

Engineering Arup http://www.arup.com/global_locations/botswana TKM Engineering http://www.tkm.co.bw/

Fast Moving Consumer Goods Sefalana http://www.sefalana.com/

Financial Services BDO http://www.bdo.bw/ Grant Thornton http://www.grantthornton.global/locations/Botswana/ Baker Tilly http://www.bakertillygwatidzo.co.zw/ Deloitte http://www2.deloitte.com/za/en/footerlinks/deloitte-botswana.html EY http://www.ey.com/BW/en Investec https://www.investec.com/Country/Botswana.html Kemp Chatteris http://www.kempchatteris.com/ KPMG http://www.kpmg.com/bw/en/pages/default.aspx Mazars http://www.mazars.co.bw/ PWC http://www.pwc.com/bw/en.html RSM http://www.rsm.global/botswana/ Motor Vehicle Accident Fund http://www.mvafund.bw/

http://choppies.co.bw/ Shoprite/Checkers http://shopritebemore.com/

Telecoms Botswana Telecoms Corporation http://www.btc.bw/ Mascom Wireless http://www.mascom.bw/home/ Orange http://www.orange.co.bw/2/personal/1/3/homepage-1.html

Technology

SIT Botswana http://www.sitbotswana.com/

Transport Sprint Couriers http://www.sprintcouriers.co.bw/

Travel Air Botswana https://www.airbotswana.co.bw/

CAREERS SERVICE

Your Careers Service at UCT provides you with a link to the world of work through its extensive network

of employers from a variety of disciplines. Resources and opportunities you can make use of include:

Search for work on MyCareer

Book a Career Consultation with a Careers Advisor

Attend career expos and events to meet employers

Many employers have operations in Africa. There is even a dedicated Africa Careers Expo.

Go to www.careers.uct.ac.za to access any of these opportunities.

Working in South Africa

If you studied at UCT (or any another South African university) and you want to remain in South Africa,

you will require a work visa. There are 3 types of work visas available to foreign nationals who want to

work in South Africa.

GENERAL WORK VISA

The General Work Visa has very strict requirements. It involves having a firm job offer or contract from

a South African employer and proving that there is no South African who can fill the position. The

General Work Visa is issued in the name of the employer. This ties you to the company for the duration

in which you work in South Africa. If you wish to change your job or employer, you will need to apply for

a new work visa.

INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER VISA

Foreigners employed abroad by a business that either operates in South Africa or has a subsidiary or

affiliate relationship with a business here may be issued with an Intra-company Transfer Visa if they

need to work in the country.

CRITICAL SKILLS WORK VISA

The Critical Skills Work Visa is a merger of what was previously the Quota Work Visa and the

Exceptional Skills Work Visa. Work visas for this category is issued in accordance with the Critical Skills

List. You can find a link to this list and more information on the Critical Skills Visa on the South African

Home Affairs’ website. Here:

http://www.home-affairs.gov.za:8087/index.php/scarce-skills-work-quotas

Content last updated: September 2016