Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Settling in Botswana is not just about changing continents or climates—it’s about entering a social world governed by very specific, often subtle but omnipresent codes. For an expatriate, understanding these rules of the game—at work, on the street, in the village, or within the family—makes the difference between successful integration and a series of misunderstandings.
In Botswana, the philosophy of *botho*, similar to ubuntu, is fundamental. It posits that a person fully exists only through others, valuing respect, kindness, modesty, and a sense of community. This value deeply influences social and professional life, from workplace relationships and respect for elders to conflict management and greetings.
This guide offers an overview of the main cultural gaps newcomers encounter, along with keys to navigating daily life in Botswana with ease.
Botho, Hierarchy, and Community: The Backbone of Society
One of the first surprises for an expatriate used to individualistic societies is the strength of the collective. On international scales such as Geert Hofstede’s, Botswana ranks among the most collectivist countries in the world, with an extremely low individualism score (6, compared to 91 for the United States). Practically, this means everyone is expected to belong to a network—extended family, clan, community—which, in exchange for loyalty, provides support and protection.
A Highly Hierarchical Society, but Based on Consultation
The traditional social system is structured from top to bottom in a clear order: the chief (kgosi), ward heads (headmen), lineage aunts and uncles, family heads (often men), then mothers, and finally the young. This hierarchy is found in villages as well as in public services or companies. Everyone knows “where they stand,” and power is accepted as unequally distributed.
“Mmualebe o bua la gagwe, gore monalentle a le tswe” – “Everyone must say what they have to say so that the best idea can emerge”
Setswana proverb
At work, studies since the 1980s show an interesting paradox. On one hand, most employees want consultative managers: about 75% say they prefer bosses who involve their teams in decisions. On the other hand, many say they work under rather paternalistic, even authoritarian leaders. The fear of contradicting superiors is strong: nearly 71% of employees say they are sometimes or often afraid to express disagreement. This gap is fundamental for expatriates in management positions.
Botho: Respect, Mutual Aid, and Harmony Above All
Botho is not an abstract concept; it is a daily behavioral framework. It encompasses shared dignity, measured politeness, and concern for the vulnerable. Research shows, for example, that more than 80% of Batswana employees believe good personal relationships at work are more important than a high salary. Open conflict is seen as destructive; the goal is not to “win” against the other but to find a compromise that preserves the bond.
Corporate culture prioritizes harmony, which manifests as indirect communication, frequent use of polite expressions, and wariness of individual competition. The majority of employees do not consider competition between colleagues systematically harmful, but they do not place it at the center of work dynamics.
For an expatriate, this framework requires learning to read “between the lines” and letting go of certain habits considered normal in more direct cultures.
Greeting: A Strategic Social Act
In Botswana, people are first judged by how they greet. Omitting a greeting, responding half-heartedly, or being rushed during greetings is seen as a lack of respect, almost as a symbolic aggression. This applies to neighbors, strangers, colleagues, shopkeepers, and of course, elders.
The Art of Greeting in Practice
A typical greeting combines gestures and words. The most common is “Dumela” (singular) or “Dumelang” (plural or respectful form), accompanied by a handshake. This handshake can follow a three-step ritual for some: a standard clasp, a change of grip with interlaced thumbs and raised hands, then back to the initial handshake.
During a Setswana greeting, it is common to support your right hand with your left hand placed on the forearm, a sign of deference. The tone is soft, and the gaze is polite without being intense. The phrase “O kae?” or “O tsogile jang?” (How are you?) follows. This question does not seek a mechanical answer but genuinely inquires about health, family, cattle, or crops, especially in rural areas.
Not asking this well-being question, or rushing through it, gives the impression of not caring about the other person. A popular expression reminds us: greetings “don’t cost anything”—in other words, you don’t impoverish yourself by multiplying them.
Regional Variations and Age Codes
Greeting rules are not uniform across the country. The country is roughly divided between a North (from Dibete to Kasane) and a South (from Dibete to Ramatlabama), each with distinct nuances.
In the North, a young person must use the respectful plural when addressing a single elder. They are not allowed to ask “how are you?” directly; they simply greet, and it is up to the adult to inquire about their well-being. Among the Bakalanga, a child greets by joining their hands and extending them toward the elder, who takes them and kisses them before continuing the exchange.
In the South, these rules are more flexible: the use of the singular is accepted, and a child can ask an elder how they are without issue. But everywhere, the initiative to greet most often falls to the younger ones, especially in public spaces.
Two other points often surprise expatriates. First, not greeting a child can be interpreted as an insult to their parents, since the child symbolically represents the home in their absence. Second, men and women do not have exactly the same codes: a man must always remove his hat to greet; a woman, during family or community gatherings, is expected to kneel or sit on a mat before addressing elders.
Table – Basic Setswana Phrases to Master
| Situation | Setswana Expression | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (1 person) | Dumela | Hello |
| Hello (group / respectful) | Dumelang | Hello (to you all) |
| Madam / Sir | Dumela, Mma / Dumela, Rra | Hello, Madam / Sir |
| How are you? | O kae? / O tsogile jang? | How are you? |
| I am fine, and you? | Ke teng, wena? | I am fine, and you? |
| Please | Tsweetswee | Please |
| Thank you | Ke a leboga | Thank you |
| Goodbye | Salang sentle / Go siame | Goodbye / Stay well |
Taking the time to learn and use these phrases immediately changes the relationship: the expatriate shifts from being a distant foreigner to a “guest making an effort,” which opens many doors.
Communication: Indirectness as a Mother Tongue
In terms of communication, the main fault line with many Western countries lies in the relationship to directness. In Botswana, blunt honesty is often experienced as a form of aggression. The goal is not to “get straight to the point” but to preserve group harmony.
Avoiding Open Confrontation
Exchanges, especially in formal or hierarchical contexts, are often indirect. Criticizing someone in public, raising your voice, interrupting abruptly, or directly contradicting a superior is seen as shocking. Disagreement is expressed sideways, through softened phrases, cautious questions, or sometimes silence.
In this communication style, a “yes” can mean “I heard you” rather than acceptance. Refusal is often expressed through postponement, hesitation, or “we’ll see,” rarely as a frank “no.” For expatriates from cultures that value transparency, it is important to learn to interpret these signals without seeing them as manipulative: they stem from a logic of respect, not concealment.
Tone, too, is codified: speaking too loudly, gesticulating, pointing fingers, or using slightly aggressive humor makes people uncomfortable. Conversely, frequent silences are not awkward pauses but moments of reflection or simply peaceful coexistence.
Role of Stories, Proverbs, and Unspoken Cues
Batswana speech enjoys detours. Proverbs, anecdotes, and village stories are often used to convey a delicate message. They may not tell you directly: “you handled this case poorly,” but instead tell a story about a neighbor who forgot to close the kraal and lost his animals—everyone understands the moral.
In this culture, listening is as important as speaking. A good interlocutor is expected to show attention through discrete signs (nods, verbal punctuations) without monopolizing the exchange. This applies as much in a village courtyard as in an air-conditioned meeting room.
Time, Punctuality, and the Famous “African Time”
The perception of time in Botswana clearly aligns with so-called “polychronic” cultures: the schedule is a reference, not a dogma. Relationships, unexpected events, and the need to complete a task properly can take precedence over strict adherence to a timetable.
In the business world, punctuality is still expected, especially for formal appointments or meetings with institutions. Consistently arriving late damages credibility. But in practice, meetings may start late, be cut short, or be rescheduled fairly freely, and interruptions (phone calls, visitors) are common without being seen as disrespectful.
For expatriates from monochronic cultures (e.g., Switzerland, Germany, Japan), the flexibility of schedules in other cultures can be perceived as a lack of seriousness or poor organization. In reality, this approach reflects a hierarchy of priorities where human relationships and the immediate context take precedence over strict timekeeping.
In this context, patience is not a secondary virtue; it is a work tool. Building in margins for deadlines, allowing buffer time for important meetings, and clearly distinguishing truly non-negotiable deadlines from flexible objectives helps avoid unnecessary tension.
At Work: Hierarchy, Trust, and Aversion to Conflict
Botswana is often presented as a rising star on Africa’s economic scene: political stability, major natural resources like diamonds, and strategic ambition (notably with a long-term development vision called Vision 2036). Yet, behind this modernization, the professional world remains deeply imbued with traditional values.
A Hierarchical but Relational Corporate Culture
On paper, many companies, especially in the mining, financial, public, or NGO sectors, adopt “international” management codes. In practice, decision-making is often concentrated at the top, and senior executives’ opinions carry heavy weight. Employees are accustomed to waiting for instructions rather than taking risky initiatives, and they willingly attribute problems to management rather than themselves.
Surveys reveal that employees value above all a protective and approachable manager, similar to a parental figure, who guides and advises without humiliating. The quality of the relationship with the direct supervisor and working in a warm, supportive team are more important criteria for satisfaction than the employer’s prestige or salary.
Table – Typical Professional Priorities in Botswana
| Professional Factor | Average Importance (Trend) |
|---|---|
| Friendly and supportive atmosphere | Very high |
| Interesting work | High |
| Good relationship with direct supervisor | Very high |
| Well-defined role | High |
| Low stress level | Relatively low |
| Company prestige | Not very important |
| Time for personal/family life | Paradoxically low priority |
| Adventure in work | Low |
| “Desirable” place to live | Low |
| High income | Less important than relationships |
These trends, drawn from research among administrative staff, do not mean that money or career are unimportant, but that they are often subordinate to the quality of relationships and job stability.
Conflict Management and Feedback: A Minefield
Introducing highly individualized performance evaluation systems or management methods heavily focused on constructive confrontation often creates problems. Batswana culture favors resolving conflicts through compromise and avoids directly calling out an individual in front of the group. An overly frank appraisal interview risks breaking trust rather than improving performance.
A few essential principles for expatriates in management positions to navigate effectively in a different cultural context.
Understand and adapt to local norms, values, and work practices to build trust with teams.
Develop transparent and adapted communication, taking into account language barriers and differences in communication styles.
Identify local skills and delegate with empowerment, while providing appropriate structure and support.
Foster an inclusive work environment that values diversity of perspectives and approaches within the team.
– prepare criticism in one-on-one settings, with a kind framing;
– favor formulations that emphasize cooperation (“how can we approach this together…”) rather than blame;
– publicly acknowledge team efforts, not just individual achievements;
– take time to discuss impacts on the work community, not just the numbers.
Furthermore, although many Batswana believe in principle that one should be able to challenge authority, in practice the fear of conflict and respect for elders means few dare to do so. A foreign manager who encourages their teams to speak up will need to insist, create safe spaces (small discussion groups, anonymous consultation), and demonstrate through their reactions that they do not punish dissent.
Meetings, Negotiations, and Building Trust
Any serious professional undertaking in Botswana begins with a relationship. Local partners—whether entrepreneurs, administrative officials, or managers—place great importance on “knowing” the person before deciding on a matter. A proposal from a foreign entity without physical presence or local roots has little chance of being taken seriously.
Meeting Time: Socializing First, Content Later
Meetings, whether in a ministry, private company, or NGO, typically begin with informal exchanges: family news, comments on the weather, allusions to community or sports events. Jumping straight to the core topic without these preliminaries is seen as cold and disrespectful.
The agenda, when it exists, is a flexible framework. Appointments may be rescheduled, the initial contact may be replaced by a delegate, and meetings are often interrupted by phone calls. This approach, which may seem unproductive, follows a logic where accessibility and managing multiple priorities take precedence over strict adherence to the time slot.
To secure an appointment, it is advisable to reconfirm 24 hours in advance, arrive on time (or even early), and accept with equanimity any delays from the local side.
Negotiations: Ban Ultimatums
Contractual or commercial discussions follow the same pattern: a slow build-up. Until trust is established, interlocutors remain reserved. Counterproposals may be made indirectly, refusals wrapped in polite phrases.
Threats, pressure, and shows of force damage the botho capital and risk stalling the negotiation. Conversely, showing respect for the other’s constraints, acknowledging the authority of decision-makers, and accepting timelines strengthens the expatriate’s credibility.
One key point is ensuring that the right decision-makers are involved. The hierarchical structure means that frontline contacts don’t always have the final say, even if they are highly engaged. Understanding who at the top needs to be convinced, and adjusting the timeline accordingly, is part of the strategy.
Greeting, Posture, Dress: Everyday Codes
Beyond the workplace, daily life in Botswana is governed by very precise etiquette regarding dress, gestures, and the placement of bodies in social space. For an expatriate, some of these codes may seem conservative, especially in rural areas or traditional contexts.
Respect for Elders and Public Behavior
Deference toward elderly people and authority figures is central. Avoid interrupting them, listen to them first, lower your head slightly when greeting, and refrain from too-intense eye contact, which could be interpreted as a challenge. Do not call them by their first name, but by “Rra” or “Mma“ followed by their surname, until they explicitly invite familiarity.
In a village, it is essential to introduce yourself to the kgosi (chief) or elders before undertaking any project (construction, community activity, business prospecting). This step is not merely an archaic formality but the institutional gateway needed to gain the community’s trust.
Generally speaking, anything that could appear ostentatious, loud, or aggressive in public space—raised voices, couples arguing, very visible displays of affection, overly revealing clothing—offends a portion of the population, even in cities.
Clothing: Modesty and Context
Batswana society remains broadly conservative on matters of appearance. In the city, people often dress in Western style, but with a certain restraint. In villages, during religious or traditional ceremonies, an expatriate in very short shorts, a tight tank top, or a see-through top will stand out awkwardly.
For formal events, funerals, kgotla meetings, or church visits, women should prioritize skirts or dresses at or below the knee (but not too short) or modest pants, and cover their shoulders. During certain rituals like funerals or traditional ceremonies, covering the head is also required.
For men, long pants and a shirt are the norm in institutional settings, sometimes with a jacket for high-level appointments. In a kgotla, keeping a cap or hat on would be socially unthinkable; removing it is one of the fundamental marks of respect.
Swimwear is only appropriate at a lodge pool or in a clearly tourist context. Walking around in beachwear in a village is very poorly viewed.
Tables – Dress Code by Context
| Context | General Dress Expectations |
|---|---|
| Office / formal meetings | Neat, rather formal attire, shoulders covered |
| Appointments with authorities | Suit or equivalent, discreet dress or skirt suit |
| Village visit / kgotla | Modest clothing, legs and shoulders covered |
| Religious ceremony | Neat attire, not too low-cut, no shorts |
| Safari / rural terrain | Functional clothing, but not too revealing in villages |
| Restaurants in town | Smart casual (jeans, shirt, simple dress) |
| Lodges / pools | Swimwear acceptable only within the designated area |
Observing what locals wear is a good compass: deviating slightly is not a disaster, but completely ignoring these cues quickly creates an image of arrogance or disrespect.
At Home, in the Village, in the Family: Fitting into the Social Fabric
Family and community in Botswana are not limited to a nuclear unit of parents and children. They encompass a broad network of uncles, aunts, cousins, neighbors, close friends—all mobilized for socializing the young, passing on traditions, and managing hard times.
Being Invited to Someone’s Home: An Honor Not to Be Taken Lightly
Receiving an invitation to a Batswana home—for a meal, a braai (barbecue), a birthday, or even a wedding—is a sign of trust and integration. Prepare for it almost as you would for an important meeting: bring a small gift (fruit, non-alcoholic drinks, a small package of food, an item from your home country), remove your hat and sunglasses before entering, and wait to be shown where to sit.
During meals, the codes are stricter than in restaurants. It is polite to wait for elders to start eating, to use your right hand for certain foods like pap or bogobe, to avoid talking with your mouth full, and to refrain from getting up without excusing yourself. Flatly refusing a dish, especially at traditional events, can be seen as rejection. To soften a refusal, it is advisable to use a phrase like “I have already eaten, thank you very much.”
Community Rituals: Weddings, Funerals, Kgotla
The major milestones of life are played out in public. Weddings and funerals mobilize the entire community, with specific roles for everyone: men hunt, slaughter, and butcher the animals; women prepare starches and salads; young people handle logistical tasks; elders orchestrate rites, songs, and speeches.
In traditional marriage in Botswana, the negotiation of bogadi (bride price), in cattle or money, by the elders of both families is a key step. For couples in the diaspora, returning to the country to perform these rites is often considered essential to respect customs and legitimize the union in the eyes of the families.
Here again, the expatriate who is invited to such ceremonies must respect the dress code, follow the flow, and be available if asked to help, without imposing. These are rare and precious opportunities to understand, from the inside, what really matters to the host society.
Integration: Finding the Balance Between Expat Network and Local Immersion
Cross-cultural psychology research shows that the ideal for an expatriate is neither isolation in a foreigner “bubble” nor total and rapid fusion with the local culture. The most protective long-term strategy is integration: maintaining strong ties to one’s own world while developing authentic connections with the host society.
In Botswana, expatriate communities (aid workers, executives, NGO staff, entrepreneurs) provide valuable support. They help navigate bureaucracy, schooling for children, and access to healthcare, and allow sharing common reference points. Studies indicate that these networks play a protective role for mental health, especially during the early stages of settlement.
But getting locked into them limits understanding of botho and prevents accessing the richness of local networks. Conversely, trying to “become Batswana” overnight is illusory and often painful.
A middle path consists of:
For successful integration in Botswana, it is advisable to: invest in a few specific areas of local life (such as a sports club, choir, volunteer activity, or parent-teacher committee) rather than trying to do everything; develop one or two deep friendships with Batswana who can, gradually, explain the implicit rules of society; and create a “multi-layered” social ecosystem including a few close expats for emotional support, local acquaintances and friends for cultural understanding and grounding, and hybrid professional contacts (such as Batswana with international experience) to serve as bridges between different social spheres.
Longitudinal research on expatriates shows that those who adopt this type of strategy—selective integration, identity maintenance, cultural flexibility—report significantly higher levels of well-being than those who lock themselves into total assimilation or withdrawal.
What an Expatriate Should Keep in Mind Daily
Running through all these elements is a simple formula: in Botswana, you will be judged less on what you accomplish individually than on the quality of the bonds you build.
Practically speaking, for a new arrival, this translates into a few reflexes to establish from the very first days:
To succeed in your integration, it is important to warmly greet people using local phrases, respect age and status dynamics by adopting a modest posture toward elders and authorities, and temper your language by avoiding superlatives and blunt criticism. Allow extra time for appointments and accept the unexpected with patience. Invest in relationships by checking in on colleagues, sharing tea, and attending social events. Accept invitations (meals, braais, weddings, funerals), as they are essential for building trust. Finally, gradually learn a few Setswana phrases beyond basic greetings.
Moving as an expatriate to Botswana, in short, requires not only logistical adaptation but a deep revision of certain habits: shifting from the cult of immediate efficiency to a logic of connections, patience, and formal respect. Those who accept this shift discover a society that is both warm and demanding, whose internal coherence—shaped by botho, hierarchy, kgotla, and the extended family—reveals itself gradually, in the rhythm of exchanged greetings and shared meals.
For an expatriate, the great gain of the experience is learning that success is measured by the quality of human relationships, not just by results.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
