The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) has unveiled the newly reconstructed Pioneer Gate Border Post, a critical hub along the Trans-Kalahari corridor linking South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
During a media tour, Commissioner General Jeanette Makgolo highlighted the upgraded facility’s role in boosting commerce, tourism, and regional trade integration.
“This reconstruction is a cornerstone of our trade facilitation strategy, streamlining imports and exports to drive economic growth,” Makgolo said. The border post, which annually processes P25 billion in imports, P1 billion in exports, and P30 billion in transit goods, also serves 540,000 travelers yearly.
The upgrade enhances BURS’s mandate to ensure seamless legitimate trade, secure borders from illicit activities, and maximize revenue collection.
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The P588 million project, launched in November 2019, was completed in two phases. Phase 1, finalized in February 2022, delivered 198 staff housing units, including 168 apartments, 22 townhouses, and 8 high-cost houses.
Phase 2, completed in May 2025, included a modern office building, additional housing, scanner buildings, warehouses, dog kennels, inspection checkpoints, sports facilities, a creche, and wastewater disposal systems, following the demolition of outdated infrastructure.
Makgolo emphasized that the state-of-the-art facilities will improve operational efficiency and staff welfare, reinforcing Pioneer Gate’s strategic importance. The revamped border post positions Botswana as a key player in regional trade, fostering economic activity and connectivity across the Trans-Kalahari corridor.
