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.
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