Major Leadership Changes Announced at Botswana Tourism Organisation
The landscape of Southern African tourism governance is witnessing a significant shift this week following a sudden announcement from one of the region's premier destination management bodies. The Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) has officially confirmed a major restructuring at its executive level, a move that is set to impact how the country positions itself in the competitive global travel market. In a directive that has caught the attention of industry observers, the Board of Directors announced the suspension of its Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Keitumetse Setlang, along with the Board Secretary, Mr. Kgotso Miles Ollyn.
This administrative decision was made effective as of 12 February 2026, marking a decisive moment for the organisation as it navigates the new business year. While details regarding the specific reasons for these suspensions remain confidential and were not disclosed in the official communication to stakeholders, the Board has moved swiftly to ensure that there is no vacuum in leadership during this critical period. To maintain operational continuity, Mr. Justice Ofentse has been appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer. He will be supported by Ms. Neo Sekhobe, who steps into the role of Acting Board Secretary for the interim duration.
For the wider travel trade community in sub-Saharan Africa, such changes at the top of a national tourism board are always noteworthy. The BTO plays a central role in marketing Botswana’s world-class safari products, from the Okavango Delta to the Chobe National Park. Therefore, the appointment of an interim leadership team is a strategic step to guarantee administrative stability. It reassures international partners and local operators that the day-to-day business of promoting the destination will continue without interruption. The industry relies on consistent communication and strategy, and the swift appointment of Mr. Ofentse suggests a commitment to keeping the organization’s engine running smoothly.
This development arrives at a time when many national tourism bodies across the African continent are under the microscope. There is a growing trend towards intensifying institutional reforms and governance alignment. As African destinations compete more aggressively for a share of the post-pandemic global travel market, the need for transparent, efficient, and accountable leadership has never been higher. These reforms are essential to strengthen sector competitiveness and build long-term investor confidence. When a tourism board demonstrates that it is willing to take tough administrative actions to uphold governance standards, it ultimately enhances the destination's credibility on the world stage.
Trade partners selling Botswana should view this as an internal administrative procedure that is unlikely to affect the traveler experience on the ground. The product itself—Botswana’s pristine wilderness and high-quality lodge offerings—remains unchanged. However, the interim appointments are expected to focus heavily on executing the existing national tourism mandate. Their primary task will be to ensure that ongoing marketing campaigns, conservation projects, and stakeholder engagements proceed as planned while the Board determines the next steps for the organization’s permanent leadership structure.
The coming months will be crucial for the acting executive team. They are tasked with steering the ship and maintaining the momentum that Botswana has built over the last few years. The absence of a specified timeline for the suspensions indicates that the Board is conducting a thorough process, prioritizing due diligence over speed. For operators and business partners, the message is one of strategic continuity. The BTO remains open for business, and the mechanisms for supporting the travel trade are still in place, managed now by a leadership team focused on stability.
As the situation evolves, the industry will be looking for further updates from the Board. Transparancy in these matters is often the key to maintaining trust. For now, the focus for the African travel trade should remain on the exceptional opportunities Botswana offers to clients. The governance shifts are a reminder that the sector is maturing, with a higher emphasis being placed on corporate responsibility and destination management protocols. As Mr. Ofentse takes the helm, the expectation is that the BTO will continue to be a robust partner for all travel professionals dedicated to selling this unique corner of Africa.
