SMART FUTURE

 

The livelihoods of the people of Ghanzi District and its 10 surrounding settlements are set for a historic transformation through a new initiative known as the Zotus City Ghanzi Community Council (ZCGCC).

It is a pioneering platform created to ensure community participation in the development of Botswana’s first next-generation smart city.

The programme is a partnership between the Government of Botswana and Zotus Group, the country’s latest major investor, which has been allocated land in the district to begin building the ambitious Zotus City, a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projected to cost over USD 50 billion.

Described as a futuristic hub for innovation, technology, and sustainability, Zotus City is being positioned as a game-changer for Botswana’s economic diversification.

The project aims to demonstrate how the nation’s natural resources, particularly diamonds, can be leveraged for long-term national growth and shared prosperity.

Following the official signing of the land lease with the Ghanzi District Authority, Zotus Group has moved swiftly into public mobilisation.

Speaking in an interview with this publication, Ruhena Begum, Head of Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) at Zotus Group, explained the vision behind forming the ZCGCC, whose tagline is ‘One

Community, One Vision: Transforming Ghanzi through Zotus City.’

“The ZCGCC is designed as an advisory and action-oriented body under our community engagement framework,” Begun said. “Its role is to connect Zotus City, the Ghanzi District Council, and the local population in a transparent, inclusive, and transformative way. We want to ensure that this city grows with and for the people.”

The ZCGCC will consist of nine members, carefully selected to represent all key sectors of the community. These include government liaison, District Council representative, traditional leadership, faith or community leader, male and female youth representatives, women’s representative, education sector representative, business and trade representatives, and the Zotus City Representative appointed by the Zotus CSR Office to coordinate funding and ensure effective implementation.

Begum noted that this council will serve as the official voice of the people, ensuring that local priorities are reflected in every stage of the city’s development.

The council’s responsibilities will include facilitating dialogue between the community, Zotus City, and local authorities, leading youth and women empowerment programmes, supporting small business growth and integrating local suppliers into Zotus supply chains, promoting environmental awareness through clean-up campaigns and tree planting, overseeing scholarships, education partnerships,

and cultural preservation initiatives and ensuring transparency through open communication and social impact reporting.

Zotus Group has already approved the establishment of the ZCGCC, with the official launch scheduled for later this quarter. Planned activities for the launch include the Council inauguration ceremony, induction workshop for members, community pledge wall unveiling, and tree planting campaign symbolising environmental renewal.

In early 2026, coinciding with the ground-breaking ceremony for Zotus City, the Council will host the Youth and Women Enterprise Bootcamp and district-wide Clean-Up Campaigns, expected to train over 100 participants.

The second quarter of 2026 will see the launch of the Scholarship Trust Fund and Green Challenge in Schools, promoting environmental innovation among students.

The third quarter will culminate in Cultural Week and the Community Wellness Marathon, events aimed at strengthening unity, cultural pride, and wellness across Ghanzi.

Expected outcomes include improved education facilities, enhanced community engagement, and stronger local enterprise participation.

Begum explained that the Council will hold monthly meetings, with quarterly reviews alongside Zotus City executives and the Ghanzi District Council. The Zotus Community Liaison Office will handle logistics, partnerships, and project fund management.

According to Begun, the ZCGCC represents more than a governance structure; it is a symbol of collaboration, a platform that ensures Ghanzi residents are co-architects in shaping their future.

This is how smart partnerships between government, investors, and citizens should work. “When communities are part of the transformation process from the beginning, progress becomes sustainable,” she said.

As Zotus City begins to rise from Ghanzi’s sands, the creation of the ZCGCC marks the dawn of a new model for inclusive urban development in Botswana, one that promises not just buildings and infrastructure, but a renewed sense of community ownership and opportunity for generations to come.