Okavango Delta used to plunder Botswana’s wealth

Botswana’s Tourism: A Wealth Drain?

Botswana’s acclaimed high-cost, low-volume tourism model, centered on the Okavango Delta, is facing scrutiny. Reports suggest this sector may be contributing to wealth extraction rather than widespread local benefit.

Foreign Ownership Dominates

Official documents, including UNDP reports and academic studies, indicate a significant portion of tourism revenue may be rerouted to affluent foreign operators.

A recent study by Dr. Pritish Behuria of the University of Manchester highlights this trend. The research reveals that a substantial 82% of accommodation facilities within the Okavango Delta are foreign-owned.

Local Tax Contributions Low

Further compounding the issue, the study points out that only 11% of tourism companies operating in the region contribute taxes locally. This suggests a system where much of the wealth generated by Botswana’s high-end tourism flows out of the country.

This pattern bypasses local businesses and communities, potentially contributing to growing income inequality within Botswana. The tourism model, some analyses suggest, may be structured to funnel wealth to a largely foreign elite.