BNSC anticipates improved funding
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday March 16, 2026 06:00
Figures show that during the last financial year, the umbrella sport body in the country received P161 million subvention from government. Speaking to MmegiSport, BNSC marketing and communications, Anderson Nlisana said they were yet to receive their 2026-2027 proposed budget allocation from the Ministry of Sport and Arts (MoSA). “We believe that the ministry is still working around the clock to close the 2024–2025 financial year and allocate for the 2026–2027 financial year simultaneously,” he said. “However, you will note that we have received a budget of P161 million in the current financial year. With projects expected to happen in the coming financial year, we are hoping for an increased budget allocation to successfully advance such projects.”
BNSC affiliates expect a bump up in budget figures in line with increased projects.
Last year, the Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) was one of the busiest National Sport Associations (NSA). It was also a turning point for BTA as it was elevated to tier one in the BNSC funding model.
Speaking to MmegiSport, BTA president, Oaitse Thipe, said they have proposed funding amounting to P3.5 million from the government, which is an increase of P500,000.
He explained that they plan to host an ATP Challenger, men's and women’s International Tennis Federation (ITF) $15,000 tournament.
The tournament is set for May 11 to 23 at the National Tennis Centre. Before that, the World Tennis Tour, Juniors gets underway from April 6 to 11 (J30), followed by J60 between April 13 and 18. This is why the BTA has requested a budget increase.
Thipe added that they also want to implement the high-performance programme at the National Tennis Centre.
On their side, The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) acting president, Oabona Theetso, said the budget proposal is classified.
“That is classified information, yet to be discussed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM),' Theetso said.
For his part, BAA CEO, Mabua Mabua, said they have not received allocation from BNSC, which is expected in mid-April.
During the last financial year, the BAA, one of the best performing codes, was allocated P700,000 for sport development, P480,000 for administration.
The Secretariat received P4 million, whilst international competitions participation was funded as per representation.
Meanwhile, the Wrestling Federation has proposed P150,000, which is an increase from the P120,000 from the last financial year. Wrestling president, Moagi Sharp, said they understand the difficult economic situation.
“It will be a good thing if there is an increase from last year's grant. We are not desperate because we have bought a wrestling ring at a cost of P100,000, and we now want to start professional wrestling activities,” said Sharp. “The plan is to continue developing wrestling in Botswana. There is a lot of excitement out there. It is important to take advantage of that and strike the rod while it is still hot.”
Netball's proposed budget stands at P6,611,500. The request of P391,500 is for administration, P3,830,000 for development, and P2,390,000 is proposed for competitions.
Chess has proposed P200,000 for development, P150,000 for competitions, and P150,000 for administration.