Selebi Phikwe Citrus - Selebi Phikwe - Botswana

Selebi Phikwe Citrus is poised to become one of the most expansive consolidated citrus developments in southern Africa, strategically situated near Selebi-Phikwe in the Central District of Botswana. Positioned as a flagship horticultural initiative for the nation, this project is anticipated to generate employment opportunities for a workforce of approximately 1500 individuals, encompassing both permanent and seasonal positions. Beyond direct employment, the initiative is expected to yield substantial indirect benefits for the local economy, fostering increased economic activity and bolstering the regional food supply.

Selebi Phikwe Citrus. Spanning an extensive 1500-hectare expanse, the development aims to cultivate 880 hectares of citrus by December 2022, along with an additional 320 hectares dedicated to other fruit varieties by 2025. The orchards are meticulously designed based on the unique climatic conditions of the site, showcasing a diverse array of citrus cultivars such as mandarins, Valencias, lemons, and grapefruit. Securing leasing rights for the land for a remarkable 83-year duration (comprising 33+50 years) and obtaining water rights from the Letsibogo Dam underscore the project’s commitment to long-term sustainability. Notably, despite the extended investment horizon, robust returns for investors are confidently projected.

Critical to the success of this venture are local stakeholders, including the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) and SPEDU, a regional economic diversification agency, both operating under the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI). SPEDU plays a pivotal role in facilitating investments in the Selebi-Phikwe Special Economic Zone, emphasizing manufacturing and horticulture. Simultaneously, BITC functions as a comprehensive one-stop-shop, streamlining the investment process for accelerated outcomes. Together, these entities contribute significantly to unlocking distinctive investment advantages in this ambitious horticultural endeavor.