Botswana has launched one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in its history — a $20 billion smart city in the Kalahari Desert, known as Kalahari City.
The development is being pitched as Africa’s version of Dubai — a modern economic and innovation hub rising from the desert.
The project is being developed in partnership with UK-based Zotus Group, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Government of Botswana in February 2025.
President Duma Boko officially unveiled the project in January, signaling the start of a bold vision for economic transformation.
Kalahari City will span 85 square kilometers and is designed to become a smart, green, and inclusive city.
It will include residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, innovation hubs, and financial centers.
The city is expected to attract both local and international investors, with a focus on clean energy, fintech, technology, tourism, and logistics.
A 300-megawatt solar power plant and a dedicated water pipeline will be built to power and sustain the desert city.
These infrastructure investments aim to ensure the city is both sustainable and resilient in a challenging desert environment.
Construction is expected to begin by September 2025, with the first phase of development projected to be completed by 2030.
The government and developers estimate that Kalahari City will create between 20,000 and 300,000 jobs, providing new opportunities across various sectors, including construction, hospitality, renewable energy, and technology.
It will also help Botswana diversify its economy, which has long depended on diamond mining.
The city is also being developed as a Special Economic Zone, meaning businesses operating there will benefit from investment incentives, streamlined regulations, and access to infrastructure aimed at boosting growth.
The reference to Dubai is not about copying its buildings or luxury lifestyle, but about creating a major urban and commercial hub from a desert landscape.
Dubai built global appeal from limited natural resources by investing in infrastructure, finance, tourism, and innovation. Botswana hopes to follow a similar path — but with a focus on sustainability and regional inclusion.
Unlike other mega projects that often overlook local needs, the Botswana government has promised that the project will benefit citizens by including local businesses and training programs, especially in construction and energy.
While the vision is big, the project is still in its early stages. The next step involves building basic infrastructure, including roads, power lines, and water access.
Funding is being sourced through private investment and development finance, with Zotus Group leading the coordination.
If successful, Kalahari City could become a model for other African countries looking to build new urban centers in underdeveloped regions.
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