Gaborone is preparing to host the Debswana World Athletics Relays in 2026, marking a significant milestone as the first time the event will be held in both Botswana and on the African continent. This historic occasion has received a substantial boost with Stanbic Bank Botswana pledging P5 million (approximately $370,000 USD) towards the local organizing committee. This financial support highlights strong private sector confidence in the upcoming global competition.
Event Poised to Boost National Profile and Economy
The World Athletics Relays, scheduled for May 2-3 at the National Stadium in Gaborone, is expected to draw elite athletes globally. This influx of international talent will place Botswana in a prominent international spotlight.
Minister of Sports and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng, emphasized the event’s importance for the nation. He noted that hosting a competition of this magnitude requires robust partnerships, meticulous planning, and considerable investment. The support from Stanbic Bank, he stated, underscores belief in Botswana’s capability to deliver a successful event, calling it “Botswana’s time to shine.”
Stanbic Bank Botswana views its contribution as an investment beyond sports. The bank anticipates that the World Athletics Relays will stimulate job creation, foster tourism growth, and enhance the country’s global visibility. Chose Modise, Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank Botswana, commented on sport’s unifying power and its ability to generate opportunities. He expressed the bank’s pride in participating in this historic moment for Botswana, aiming to deliver an event that cultivates national pride for years to come.
Wider Economic and Sporting Impact Anticipated
The event is set to attract athletes, officials, and fans from various parts of the world. Local hotels, transportation services, and businesses are expected to experience increased activity and economic benefits. Furthermore, the relays offer local athletes a unique chance to compete on home soil against some of the world’s best.
Stanbic Bank’s long-standing commitment to sports in Botswana is well-documented. The bank has previously supported various events and teams, including the Nomads Nationals cricket tournament, Township Rollers Football Club, and the Gaborone Marathon. This latest investment aligns with their dedication to developing local talent and promoting sports across the country.
Stephanie Sandridge, Head of Brand and Marketing at Stanbic Bank Botswana, highlighted Botswana’s history of producing strong athletes. She believes hosting the relays will inspire young people and create new opportunities, noting, “Now the world will come to us. This is a big moment for Botswana.”
Preparations Underway for a World-Class Spectacle
The local organizing committee is collaborating with government and international partners to manage event preparations. These efforts include upgrading facilities, logistical planning, and ensuring safety and security for all attendees. The National Stadium will serve as the hub of activity, where fans can witness high-stakes relay races demanding speed, teamwork, and precision.
For Botswana, the World Athletics Relays represent more than a sporting event. It is an opportunity to showcase the nation’s capacity to host world-class competitions and to establish a lasting legacy in sports and infrastructure. As the countdown continues, anticipation is building among sports enthusiasts and athletes, with strong governmental and private sector backing setting high expectations for Gaborone’s global debut.
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