Gov't pushes ahead with 24-hr economy
Larona Makhaiza | Monday May 4, 2026 06:00
The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship recently revealed that some of the momentum towards this shift was backed by research conducted by the World Bank.
The research showed some weaknesses in the diversification of the tourism sector, including low tourism visits, shorter stays and weak infrastructure amongst others.
The Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Baratiwa Mathoothe, told the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) annual conference that the 24-hour economy might be the antidote to the gaps indicated by World Bank.
Mathoothe said government had already piloted the 24-hour approach during the December 2025 festive season and again over the April 2026 Good Friday and Easter Monday holidays.
“In December 2025 festive season and April 2026 Good Friday and Easter Monday holidays, the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship evoked his powers as per Section 42 of the Liquor Act by making regulations adjusting the normal operating hours to enable sale of liquor up to 0600 hours the following day,” Mathoothe said.
He added that the evoking of Section 42 was a decision reached to test the waters and would not only apply to the liquor industry but would spread to tourism sector which has great potential to augment the country’s growth.
“The intention was to pilot a 24-hour economy to stimulate the economy by agitating the sleeping nightlife,” Mathoothe said.
Under the temporary regulations, selected liquor outlets were allowed to operate into the early hours of the morning in what government sees as a possible catalyst for nightlife, tourism, and broader economic activity.
Mathoothe said the initiative was part of a bigger vision to create an economy that functions beyond traditional business hours.
“The aim was to support a 24-hour economy initiative where business operations, services, and productive activities continue around the clock, unhindered by traditional time constraints,” he said.
He noted that sectors such as retail, transport, healthcare, and finance in some developed countries operate around the clock to boost economic activity and efficiency.
“Some developed countries have successfully implemented the 24-hour economy model where sectors such as retail, transport, healthcare, and finance operate continuously to boost economic activity and efficiency,” he said.
Mathoothe highlighted that the proposal could be particularly beneficial to tourism and hospitality businesses in hotspots such as Maun, Kasane and Gaborone, where international visitors often seek vibrant nightlife, late dining and entertainment options to increase their stays.
At the same time, government is still assessing the impact of the pilot programme before making a permanent decision.
“An evaluation is ongoing to evaluate the impact of the piloted trading hours to inform a permanent decision regarding the operating times,” Mathoothe said.
Mathoothe acknowledged that the liquor sector continues to face several challenges such as noise pollution, continued non-compliance by liquor outlets and consumers, lenient penalties for non-compliance, over-regulation of the liquor sector, and fronting.
Government is currently consulting stakeholders on proposed amendments to the Liquor Act, which may include revised operating times, tougher penalties and simplified licensing procedures.
The discussions formed part of the HATAB conference held under the theme, “Redefining Tourism Strategies to Reshape the Botswana Tourism Landscape.”