Jewish presence in Botswana is almost entirely modern, with the community being comprised of Israeli expatriates who work in agriculture, business, and industry.  A number of Jews were prominent farmers and traders, and contributed in many ways to the development of this sparsely populated, vast country. Immigrants from South Africa have also added to the size of Botswanan Jewry, which is considered the youngest and fastest growing Jewish community in Sub-Sahara Africa.

These increases to the size of the Jewish community in Botswana can largely be attributed to the country’s economic transformations that have made Botswana one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. Moreover, financial incentives provided by the Botswanan government and its “zero tolerance” attitude towards crime have also made Botswana a desirable location, especially for former South African Jewish citizens.

Approximately 100 Jews – many expats from Israel – live in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, which has grown in recent years as economic reforms have transformed Botswana from one of Africa’s poorest nations into one of its most fast-growing. Shabbat and holiday services are held in people’s homes, and residents import kosher food from South Africa. In 2004, the community organized a governing body, the official “Jewish Community of Botwsana”, which is investigating the purchase of land for a synagogue or Jewish community centre. Meanwhile, a Jewish school, has been set up for the young community’s approximately twenty children, ensuring a vibrant Jewish community in Botswana for years to come.