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Glass Cup Manufacturer Botswana

Contents hide

1 Part 1: Market Size and Growth

2 Part 2: Leading Companies

2.1 Gaborone Glass Manufacturing Ltd.

2.2 EcoVerre Botswana

2.3 Okavango Art Glass Studio

3 Part 3: Trade Shows and Industry Events

3.1 Botswana Global Expo

3.2 Botswana Craft and Design Fair

4 Part 4: Impact of Global Trade Policies

5 Part 5: Conclusion

Part 1: Market Size and Growth

Botswana’s glass manufacturing sector is small but developing steadily, driven by the country’s strong economic base, sustainability initiatives, and a growing hospitality industry. As tourism and urban development expand in Gaborone, Maun, and Francistown, the demand for high-quality glass cups and tableware is increasing across hotels, restaurants, and cafés.

For years, Botswana relied heavily on imports from South Africa, China, and Europe to meet its demand for glassware. However, recent efforts to promote local production and recycling have created opportunities for domestic manufacturers to establish themselves in the market. These emerging enterprises focus on sustainable practices, waste reduction, and artisanal craftsmanship.

Government programs under Botswana’s Vision 2036 strategy are supporting industrial diversification and the green economy. With its stable infrastructure, supportive business environment, and access to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) market, Botswana’s glass cup manufacturing industry is poised for sustainable growth in the years ahead.

Part 2: Leading Companies

Gaborone Glass Manufacturing Ltd.

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Gaborone Glass Manufacturing Ltd., established in 2013, is one of Botswana’s first semi-industrial producers of glassware. Initially focused on glass bottles, the company expanded into tableware and glass cup production to serve local and regional markets.

Its products include tumblers, mugs, and jars for hotels and beverage distributors. The company’s innovation lies in using recycled glass cullet and energy-efficient furnaces, reducing waste and production costs. It serves hospitality, retail, and beverage industries across Botswana and Namibia. The company holds national quality certification and participates in green manufacturing programs supported by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry.

EcoVerre Botswana

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EcoVerre Botswana, founded in 2016 in Gaborone, specializes in recycled and eco-friendly glass cup production. The company collects discarded bottles and glass waste from urban centers and transforms them into functional and artistic products for the hospitality and retail sectors.

EcoVerre’s designs feature recycled materials with modern styling suited for boutique cafés and eco-resorts. Its innovation lies in combining artisanal craftsmanship with solar-powered kilns and low-emission processes. The company collaborates with environmental NGOs to promote waste recycling awareness and sustainable consumption. EcoVerre Botswana has received recognition from the Botswana Innovation Hub for its contribution to green entrepreneurship.

Okavango Art Glass Studio

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Okavango Art Glass Studio, founded in 2018 in Maun, represents the artistic side of Botswana’s growing glass industry. The studio focuses on handcrafted glass cups, decorative drinkware, and art pieces inspired by Botswana’s wildlife and natural landscapes.

The studio serves luxury lodges, souvenir shops, and international art buyers. Okavango Art Glass Studio’s innovation lies in its creative reuse of glass bottles and integration of local cultural motifs into design. It provides training to local artisans and contributes to eco-tourism projects in the Okavango Delta. The studio has received the National Arts and Culture Award for its impact on sustainable creativity and community development.

Company	Founded	Core Products	Industries	Certifications
Gaborone Glass Manufacturing Ltd.	2013	Cups, jars, bottles	Hospitality, Beverage	National Quality Certification
EcoVerre Botswana	2016	Recycled cups, décor glass	Tourism, Retail	Green Entrepreneurship Award
Okavango Art Glass Studio	2018	Handmade cups, art glass	Eco-tourism, Gift Retail	National Arts and Culture Award

Part 3: Trade Shows and Industry Events

Botswana Global Expo

The Botswana Global Expo is the country’s largest international trade and investment fair. Organized annually by the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), it showcases industries from manufacturing to tourism. Glass cup manufacturers participate to highlight their sustainable products and meet potential partners.

The event is held in Gaborone every November and features exhibitions, business forums, and investment matchmaking sessions. Highlights include green innovation showcases, SME awards, and export promotion programs. For glass producers like Gaborone Glass Manufacturing and EcoVerre, it serves as a platform to attract investors and expand into regional markets.

Botswana Craft and Design Fair

The Botswana Craft and Design Fair celebrates local artisanship, creativity, and eco-friendly design. Glass cup producers and artists showcase handmade and recycled glass products that reflect Botswana’s cultural and natural heritage.

Held annually in Maun and Gaborone, the event attracts designers, collectors, and eco-tourism operators. Highlights include live demonstrations, product design competitions, and sustainability workshops. The fair supports small-scale artisans like Okavango Art Glass Studio in reaching international audiences and building brand recognition.

Event	Date	Location	Highlights
Botswana Global Expo	November (annual)	Gaborone	Green innovation, trade networking
Botswana Craft and Design Fair	August (annual)	Maun/Gaborone	Handmade glass exhibits, sustainability showcases

Part 4: Impact of Global Trade Policies

Botswana’s glass cup manufacturing sector benefits from its membership in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These frameworks support free trade, reduce tariffs, and expand regional market access for locally made goods.

The government’s economic diversification policy encourages industrialization, with a focus on renewable energy and recycling industries. Manufacturers using eco-friendly technologies receive tax benefits, investment grants, and training through government-supported programs. These policies have encouraged companies like EcoVerre to adopt solar energy and sustainable production techniques.

Challenges include limited industrial equipment, high transport costs, and small-scale production capacity. However, collaborations with South African suppliers and regional development banks are helping local manufacturers modernize their operations. As global markets increasingly value sustainable and handcrafted products, Botswana’s eco-conscious glass industry is gaining a competitive edge in niche export markets.

Part 5: Conclusion

Botswana’s glass cup manufacturing industry is a growing symbol of innovation, sustainability, and creative entrepreneurship. Companies like Gaborone Glass Manufacturing, EcoVerre Botswana, and Okavango Art Glass Studio are pioneering efforts to reduce waste, empower local artisans, and produce high-quality glassware for both domestic and regional markets.

At the same time, the industry faces challenges such as limited production scale, high logistics costs, and reliance on imported equipment. Continued investment in renewable energy, technical training, and export development will be vital for its growth. With its commitment to sustainability, design excellence, and regional collaboration, Botswana is emerging as one of Southern Africa’s most promising hubs for eco-friendly glass cup manufacturing.