Botswana targets motorsport future through karting
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday May 29, 2026 13:28
This was revealed by Botswana Motor Sport (BMS) vice president and Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Commission member, Tefo Dithapo. BMS will officially launch the Karting Africa Academy Botswana Grassroots Development Programme this Saturday at The Freak Show Karting Track in Lobatse, becoming the first African nation to roll out the continental initiative.
Dithapo said karting remains the foundation of global motorsport and is internationally recognised by the FIA as the starting point for identifying and developing future racing talent.
“Karting Africa is more than a championship; it is a vision and commitment to finally place African drivers firmly on the global motorsport map,” he said in a statement.
BMS began developing karting locally in 2024 as part of a grassroots youth programme and quickly made history by sending three drivers to compete in the inaugural FIA African Karting Cup held at Zwartkops Raceway in South Africa.
The momentum continued later that year when Team Botswana participated in the prestigious FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia, Spain, competing in senior karting and Esports Motorsport disciplines against 82 nations from around the world.
Despite the country not yet having an FIA-accredited karting facility, Dithapo said Botswana has continued to make steady progress through collaborations involving Botswana Motorsport, Cyro Motorsport Group and The Freak Show karting facility in Lobatse.
The initiative, conceptualised by South Africa-based WORR Motorsport, aims to establish structured karting programmes, driver academies and sustainable development systems across Africa.
Botswana’s launch is expected to include plans to upgrade the Lobatse track to meet club-level racing standards, whilst also introducing a youth-focused Karting Academy.
Dithapo said the long-term objective is not only to produce competitive drivers but also to open opportunities in engineering, mechanics, tourism, and sports business.
“For too long, talented drivers across the continent have possessed the ability, but not always the opportunity.
“Our mission is to change that by creating a fair, structured, and competitive environment where Batswana drivers can develop, compete, and showcase their talent,” the statement read.
Furthermore, BMS believes the project could contribute towards economic diversification by positioning motorsport as part of Botswana’s tourism and infrastructure growth strategy, similar to models used in parts of the Middle East and South America.
Young people aged five years and above, alongside parents, sponsors and motorsport enthusiasts, have been invited to attend the launch event, where professional coaches and development personnel will provide demonstrations and guidance on entering the sport.