Urbanization Growth in Botswana from 1990 to 2023

From 1990 to 2023, Botswana’s urbanization rate rose from 41.9% to 72.9%, showcasing substantial growth as the country urbanized rapidly. This shift reflects Botswana’s economic transformation fueled by diamond mining, which has driven industrial growth and job creation in urban centers like Gaborone and Francistown. In the early 1990s, Botswana’s urbanization saw steady annual growth, with a marked increase post-2000 as the country invested heavily in infrastructure and services to support its expanding cities. By the late 2000s, Botswana had surpassed 60% urbanization, reflecting its shift towards urban economies. As of 2023, nearly three-quarters of Botswana’s population reside in urban areas, aligning with trends in Southern Africa where urban migration is largely driven by economic opportunities and enhanced living conditions.