How car ownership prices are affecting young Batswana professionals, entrepreneurs and students

Good afternoon! Today did not start well for me, I had some emergency in the morning, that’s why you’re receiving this article this late, so let’s get into this;

How Botswana's Transport Trends Affect Your Wallet and Hustle

The latest Transport and Infrastructure Stats Brief for Q3 2024 by Statistics Botswana reveals how changes in the country’s transport sector could impact everyday spending, business operations, and side hustles. Whether you're a student on a tight budget, a young professional trying to stretch your salary, or an entrepreneur managing transport logistics, here's what you need to know:

 Car Ownership and Operating Costs Are Going Up

• Over 11,900 vehicles were newly registered in Q3, with used imports making up nearly 80%.

• The majority of used cars came from Japan (65.3%) and South Africa (23.2%), countries where price changes affect Botswana's vehicle costs.

• Vehicle license renewals increased by 11.6%, signaling growing costs for car owners.

What This Means for You:

• If you plan to buy a car (especially for ride-hailing or deliveries), expect rising prices due to import costs.

• Maintenance and renewal fees may increase as demand and usage rise.

• For side hustlers who rely on transport (Bolt, delivery, taxi), budgeting for higher expenses will be key.

 Rail Freight is Slowing Down

• Rail transport dropped 9%, with a 23.5% fall in exports and a 6.6% decline in imports.

• This slowdown also brought a 4.7% dip in revenue.

What This Means for You:

• If you're in the business of moving goods (from farms, manufacturing, or bulk retail), logistics costs might rise due to reduced rail capacity.

• Entrepreneurs importing products may face price volatility or delays in supply chains.

• Consider diversifying your suppliers or exploring local sourcing where possible.

Air Travel Is Back and Busier Than Ever

• Aircraft movements jumped 14.5%, and passenger numbers rose by 13.6%.

• Domestic flights made up 81% of aircraft movements, with Maun and SSKIA (Gaborone) leading the traffic.

What This Means for You:

• If you travel for school, business, or conferences, expect higher airfares due to increased demand.

• Students and professionals flying between cities should book in advance to save costs.

• For tourism entrepreneurs, increased flight traffic could mean more customers — an opportunity to promote tours, experiences, and packages.

Final Thought: Plan Smart and Stay Ahead

These transport trends reveal where costs might creep in for young Batswana. From higher vehicle expenses to freight delays and air travel costs, staying informed helps you budget smarter and build a business that adapts to shifts in infrastructure and demand.

Source: Statistics Botswana