Flagship Horticultural Development – Citrus Farming in Botswana
Selebi Phikwe Citrus is set to become one of the largest consolidated citrus developments in southern Africa, located near Selebi-Phikwe in Botswana’s Central District. This flagship horticultural project is designed to boost the country’s economy by providing employment for up to 1,500 people, including both permanent and seasonal workers. Additionally, the project is expected to stimulate the local economy through increased economic activity and enhanced food supply.
The development spans a 1,500-hectare site, with 880 hectares of citrus already planted and the additional hectares of other fruits scheduled for planting by 2027. The orchards will feature a variety of citrus cultivars, including mandarins, Valencias, lemons, and grapefruit, chosen specifically for the site’s unique climatic conditions. The land is leased for 99 years and water rights have been secured from the Letsibogo Dam. Despite the long-term nature of this investment, it is projected to deliver strong returns to investors.
Key local stakeholders include the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) and SPEDU, a regional economic diversification agency. Both operate under the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI). SPEDU focuses on attracting investment into the Selebi-Phikwe Special Economic Zone, particularly in manufacturing and horticulture, while the BITC serves as a one-stop-shop for accelerated investment. These entities play a crucial role in unlocking distinct investment benefits for the project.