Organisers of the Gaborone 26 World Athletics Relays are hopeful that the event will have a positive impact on the economy and leave a lasting sports legacy.
The relays will be hosted in Gaborone on the 2nd and 3rd of May 2026. Gaborone 26 World Athletics Relays Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Moses Bantsi says the event has a huge potential to contribute positively to the economy as well as the development of sports.
“When we took the decision to bid for these relays, we had three reasons in mind. the first reason is that we believe sports can contribute a lot towards Botswana’s economic diversification drive. As you know, our economy has been over reliant on minerals, more especially diamonds.”
“But as we have witnessed, such over reliance of minerals is not sustainable. That is why the government is now seeking to diversify the economy. And sports tourism is an area which has a huge potential to help the country to reach that dream,” Bantsi says.
With the world media expected to focus on Botswana leading to the relays and thousands of people expected to descend into Botswana to witness the athletics relays spectacles, the Gaborone 26 World Athletics Relays CEO says Botswana will have a platform to sell herself as a destination of choice.
From its sprawling deserts, breathtaking wildlife and its diverse cultures, Bantsi says Botswana has so much to offer. “We should not focus on the two days of the event only. We must start selling our country now and then continue well after the 2nd and 3rd of May. Our wish is that after the relays, Botswana will be well known and become a destination of choice for many people.”
With multitudes of people coming into our shores, Bantsi is urging Batswana to explore whatever opportunities may be available to earn some income. Opportunities are expected to open in areas such as accommodation, food, curios and transport, among many.
“The second reason we bid for this event is to give Batswana a cheer. As you know, next year the country will be celebrating its 60 years of Independence. Our hope is that this event will make next year a very memorable one for the country.”
“The third reason for us to host is to contribute to sports development in the country. This is a sporting event, and we want it to have a lasting legacy on our sport. Already, our stadiums, the National Stadium and UB Stadium are undergoing renovation. Sports will benefit from that post the event.”
“But we want the legacy to go way beyond just stadiums. Remember that these relays are brought here by Botswana Athletics Association. Naturally, they have to benefit something from it. When we as the organisers go around looking for sponsors, we also think of the BAA. We want them to get funds to prepare their teams for the relays.”
As hosts, Botswana will be expected to field at least five teams, being the men and women’s 4X400m and 4x100m as well as the mixed relays. While the men’s 4x400m relay team is ready, the same cannot be said of others, more especially the women’s and mixed relay teams.
“Our teams, more especially our women’s teams have not been doing well. Now, they need to be prepared well not just to participate but to compete. So, naturally, they have to benefit more from this event. We have to make sure they are ready.”
“If we achieve this, it will transcend beyond just these games. We still have major games coming after the World Relays going into 2027 and 2028. We have the Africa Senior Championships, the World Athletics Championships as we as the LA 28 Olympics, among many. It will be part of our legacy to create a formidable women’s team which can go on to represent the country well past the relays.”
Still on the sporting front, Bantsi says his wish is for the country to have a legacy fund post the event. He says if such could be realized, it would be used to fund sport development programmes. He says Botswana has to have a good conveyor of athletes who can take over once likes of Letsile Tebogo hang up their spikes.
Meanwhile, the Gaborone 26 World Athletics Relays CEO says preparations for the event are on track. he says the only challenge currently facing the organisers is that they are yet to get sponsors on board. With the government struggling, he says it is imperative for the private sector to also lend a hand.
“Sponsors aside, everything is going well. The first phase of preparations, which encompassed laying out our operational plans was completed mid-month. We are now on the second phase, which is the readiness stage where we roll out and execute our plans. Very soon, people should expect to see adverts of the event across the city. We are also now sending invitations and all relevant information to all countries regarding what they would need to enter the country.”
Regarding the stadiums, Bantsi says they expect the National Stadium to be handed over to the World Relays organisers by mid November. He says this will allow them to work over some of the compliance issues before the event starts. On the other hand, UB Stadium, which will be used as the warm-up track is expected to be handed over to the organisers by mid-January 2026.
