Today Wednesday September, 30 2026, Botswana marked their 60th year “Diamond Jubilee” of independence from the British Administration where the country was known as Bechuanaland Protectorate. This year the theme for the celebration was “Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity”. The independence day celebration is being hosted at the heart of the Botswana Capital in Gaborone Main Mall.
The celebration started with Botswana’s first Independence Day carnival in which a total 25 groups represented music, fashion, dance, theatre, film, sport and other cultural expressions. The carnival procession started around 6:00 am in which three groups named Sechele I, Khama III and Bathoen I started their journey towards the main venue from different locations.
Sechele I group started their journey from Gwest Diphetogo Grounds, the Khama III group began their journey from Maruapula SSG Grounds and the Bathoen I group started their journey from Old Naledi Park. Moreover, after the Carnival procession the celebration is continuing at the Gaborone Main Mall with cultural performances.
The administration also organized a craft market and food court before the evening event which is a music festival featuring contemporary and traditional music which will start around 6:00 PM. Other events which were scheduled to take place today are a football match between the Men’s National Team named Botswana’s Zebras and Mozambique Mambas and the Women’s National Team named Botswana Mares and Namibia.
Additionally, other events which are being hosted to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Botswana’s independence include Independence Choir Competition at Dipidipidi Garden, Castle Lite Unlocks at Royal Aris Stadium, Tlokweng. Also yesterday, September 29, 2026, Batswana celebrated Independence Eve at the National Stadium. At this event, every attendees enjoyed performances of the country’s uniformed and disciplined services including artistic performances, a drone and fireworks show.
Notably, Botswana administration encouraged district committees and local authorities to celebrate the independence day on their level which reflects this year’s theme of the celebration “Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity”.