Event Information
- Date: 26th -28th August 2026
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Event Theme: From Policy to Practice: Accelerating Circular Economy Implementation for Sustainable Growth and Jobs in Botswana
Event Objectives
The Circular Economy Hotspot aims to:
- Translate circular economy principles into practical, scalable business and policy solutions
- Align national strategies with global circular economy frameworks and SDGs
- Mobilise green and circular economy investments
- Strengthen SME participation in circular value chains
- Build skills and institutional capacity for implementation
Problem Statement
- Unemployment rate:~23%(as of 2024 overall)
- Youth unemployment:~38(estimates vary by source, consistently high)
- GDP dependence on diamonds:~80% of export earnings
- Diamond market slowdown: noticeable decline from 2023–2024, driven by:
- global demand contraction
- lab-grown diamond competition
- economic slowdowns in key markets
- Impact on GDP:
- Reduced export revenues
- Fiscal pressure on government spending
- Increased urgency for economic diversification
Why It Matters
- Increasing climate vulnerability and water scarcity risks
- Heavy reliance on finite natural resources (diamonds)
- High unemployment, particularly among youth and SMEs
- Limited industrial diversification
The circular economy presents a pathway to:
- Unlock new industries and green jobs
- Improve resource efficiency and resilience
- Strengthen local value chains and manufacturing
- Attract impact and climate finance
Core Themes
What Can be Expected at the Event
- High-level policy dialogues and ministerial engagements
- Investor matchmaking platforms
- Enterprise showcases and exhibitions
- Partnership development sessions
- Skills and innovation demonstrations
Study Tours & Exhibitions: Circular Economy in Practice
Some of the projects to be visited are in:
- Champs Botswana-Waste-to-Energy Project (producing fuel from waste)
- Plastic Recycling Enterprises making chairs and plastic plates
- Bio fertilizer Production firm-Agricultural circular systems (composting, regenerative farming)
- Exhibitors: sustainable art, circular fashion house, smart water metering solutions
