BITC evaluates strategic tourism investment
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Tuesday May 20, 2025 14:04
The visit formed part of the trade promotion agency’s efforts to evaluate the impact of strategic investment projects it has facilitated and to assess their contribution to regional development.
Situated near Moletemane along the Lotsane River, a tributary of the Limpopo, the lodge is a five-star facility that merges luxury tourism with environmental sensitivity.
Developed following a referral by the Botswana Embassy in Germany, the project demonstrates coordinated investment facilitation involving BITC, SPEDU and other stakeholders.
The lodge, which has been graded five-star by the Botswana Tourism Organisation, is nestled in a remote area known for its biodiversity.
It offers visitors an opportunity to experience wildlife such as giraffes, sable antelopes, and zebras in a setting that encourages tranquility and disconnection from digital distractions.
Rather than focusing solely on the Big Five, the lodge takes a broader approach to wildlife tourism, emphasising ecological balance and the natural environment.
BITC officials say the project is an example of investment that extends beyond profit margins to create wider social benefits.
“When we talk about investment promotion, we are looking at more than just infrastructure. We are assessing community impact, sustainability, and long-term value,” said a BITC representative during the visit.
Community involvement has been a key element of the lodge’s operations. Local residents have been employed in various roles, and the lodge has made contributions to education through support to Moletamane Primary School.
It has also hosted sports tournaments, bringing together youth from nearby villages and encouraging local engagement. In a move to make the facility more accessible, the lodge has introduced discounted rates for Batswana citizens.
The SPEDU region, which has been earmarked for economic diversification following the decline of mining activities in Selebi-Phikwe, has been a focus area for investment promotion.
BITC’s role has included supporting investors with regulatory processes, contractor selection and ongoing advisory services.
The lodge is amongst several projects that have received such support, aimed at stimulating growth in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and services.
The visit also served as an opportunity for BITC leadership to examine the practical outcomes of its facilitation services.
The organisation has been under pressure to show results in terms of job creation, rural development, and alignment with national development plans.
Projects such as Lotsane Lodge are being closely monitored as indicators of whether these aims are being met.
Whilst infrastructure gaps and regional access remain challenges, BITC maintains that strategic partnerships and a clear investment framework can help overcome these hurdles.
The outcome of the site visit will inform future planning, particularly in how BITC continues to target and support high-impact projects in underdeveloped regions.
The lodge’s development is being seen as a case study in how well-structured investment, with adequate institutional backing, can deliver both economic returns and community benefits in Botswana’s evolving tourism landscape.