Local culture in Botswana

If you're an expat moving to Botswana, you won’t have to overcome too many obstacles while settling in, but as with any new country, it may take some time to adjust to the local culture.

Five key principles define the country's national character: democracy, development, self-reliance, unity, and 'botho'. In Setswana, 'botho' refers to the qualities of courtesy, self-discipline, and respect for others. 

'Botho' is also about fulfilling the needs of individuals and the community. If you respect these principles, you will quickly adjust to your new life in this African country.

Language barrier in Botswana

Botswana’s official and predominant languages are English and Setswana. You can get by without learning Setswana, but life will be much easier if you learn a few basic phrases in the local language. Expats may also find that English is less widely spoken in the country's more rural areas.

Food in Botswana

Botswana's cuisine shares some characteristics with that of other Southern African countries, but certain dishes are uniquely local. 'Seswaa', for example, is a dish of heavily salted mashed-up beef, goat, chicken, or lamb meat. Mopane worms are also eaten in Botswana, commonly served dried and salted as a snack.

While it's worth tasting some local fare, you shouldn’t worry too much about changing your eating habits. There are plenty of Western-style grocery stores and restaurants. That said, Botswana is landlocked, and fresh seafood may not be readily available.

Traditional values and family in Botswana

Batswana pride themselves on hospitality and friendliness. Respect for elders remains a strong value, and the family plays an important part in the local culture. When doing business in Botswana, you are advised to treat elders respectfully.

Tribal tradition is also influential, but this is slowly changing as younger generations are influenced by Western lifestyles. While traditional faiths are practised, Christianity is the dominant religion.

Time in Botswana

As with elsewhere on the continent, the concept of 'African time' can be an adjustment when you're settling into your new life. There is often no rush to get things done in Botswana, especially in its rural areas, so you must learn to be patient. Formal business meetings may be more punctual than informal arrangements, where plans with friends may end up much later than originally scheduled.

Arts in Botswana

Many Batswana are highly skilled craftsmen and talented artists. Arts in all forms are traditionally valued and expressed in dance, music, poetry, pottery, carpentry, and craftwork. New arrivals moving into an unfurnished apartment will have no trouble finding high-quality, locally-made furniture.

LGBTQ+ in Botswana

Homosexuality was decriminalised in Botswana in 2019, marking a landmark ruling for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. While there are some legal protections for LGBTQ+ people in the country, societal shifts are still a long way off. Healthcare access for members of the community is severely lacking. Many local members of the LGBTQ+ community often travel to neighbouring South Africa to see treatment. 

We recommend avoiding public displays of affection, especially in rural areas, as societal attitudes remain conservative. Attitudes may be more accepting in large cities like Gaborone. 

Women in Botswana

Women have only been allowed to own land independent of their husbands since 2020, indicating that Botswana's gender equality laws are somewhat behind the times. That said, the government is committed to eradicating gender inequality. There are still significant gaps in the gender pay gap and women's roles in the workplace and the home. 

Violence against women is an issue in Botswana, especially violence perpetuated by partners. Expat women are advised to avoid walking alone at night and to avoid dimly lit areas.