What PPRA registration actually gets you

Every year, the Botswana government spends billions of Pula on goods and services from private companies. Most small businesses have no idea they can access this market — or they assume it's only for large companies. Neither is true.

What PPRA does

The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority manages government procurement in Botswana. To supply goods or services to any ministry, parastatal, or local authority, your company needs to be registered with PPRA and assigned procurement codes that match your business activities.

The tender codes

Tender codes classify what your company is registered to supply. A construction company has different codes from a catering company. Applying for the right codes — and as many as genuinely apply to your business — is critical. Tenders are only visible to companies with the relevant codes.

What you need to register

Certificate of Incorporation, TCC (tax clearance certificate), BURS tax number, trading licence, audited financials or management accounts, company profile, and director CVs. The process takes 2–4 weeks.

The real opportunity

Government procurement operates on a citizen reservation scheme that gives preference to citizen-owned businesses. A properly registered, PPRA-compliant Botswana company with the right codes is in a significantly advantaged position to win government work that is not accessible to foreign-owned competitors.

Use the Tender Readiness Checker on this page to see exactly what you still need before submitting your first bid.