The combination of political stability, low rates of taxation and the lack of exchange controls, which were abolished in 1999, makes Botswana attractive to investors. Pursuit of the government’s policy of privatisation is also significant in this area.
There are strict rules both for foreign ownership and for foreign investment in companies listed on Botswana’s small stock exchange, which was established in 1995. Private investors hold less than a tenth of the total market capitalisation. No one foreigner may own more than 10% of the issued capital of a publicly quoted company, while foreign ownership of the free stock of a local company trading on the exchange may not exceed 55%. Repatriation of funds is regulated by law. For further information, contact the Administrator, PO Box 41015, Khama Crescent, 4th floor, Finance House, Gaborone; tel: 30 5190/3740; fax: 37 4079.