Mission guide
Botswana/Namibia Mission
The Botswana/Namibia Mission serves a growing Church community in Botswana, centered in the capital city of Gaborone.
- English
Botswana/Namibia Mission shirts & apparel
Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.
Botswana/Namibia Mission T-Shirt
$29.00
Choose size & color →
Botswana/Namibia Mission Heart Map Shirt
$29.00
Choose size & color →
Botswana/Namibia Mission Flag Map Shirt
$29.00
Choose size & color →I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission
2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
Weak Things Become Strong, in the language of this mission
"I make weak things become strong" (Ether 12:27) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
More shirts in the language of this mission
Press Forward, in the language of this mission
"Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ" (2 Nephi 31:20) as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.
About the mission
English is the mission language listed here. Missionaries and families will also encounter Botswana's rich local cultures and history.
At a glance
- Country
- Botswana
- Mission organized
- June 25, 2013
- Main city
- Gaborone, 246,325 people (2022)
- Time zone
- Central Africa Time (UTC+2)
- Climate
- Hot semi-arid, with most rainfall from October to April
- Church in Botswana
- 5,465 members, 1 stake, 1 district, 23 congregations
A short history of the area
Modern Gaborone was founded in 1964 as Botswana's planned capital. Bechuanaland's capital moved there in 1965, and Botswana became independent in 1966. The city's name changed from Gaberones to Gaborone in 1969.
The Church here
- 1983The first Church congregation in Botswana was established in Gaborone.
- 1990Missionary work began in Botswana. Karl and Marjorie Jenkins were sent to locate Church members, and Bruce and Patricia Midge arrived as the first full-time missionaries in June.
- 1990Kwasi Agyare Dwomoh, an architect from Ghana working for the Botswana government, was among the first converts.
- 1991Kwasi Agyare Dwomoh was called as the first branch president.
- March 1992The growing Gaborone branch was divided into two branches after membership reached 160.
- 1992A third branch was organized in Lobatse.
- February 18, 1996Members from Botswana joined about 5,000 people at the South Africa Regional Conference in Soweto, Johannesburg.
- June 25, 2013The Botswana/Namibia Mission was organized.
Temples nearby
Johannesburg South Africa Temple
Dedicated August 24, 1985 · About 170 miles from Gaborone
The Book of Mormon here
Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.
Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Before you go
Foods to try
- Seswaa (slow-cooked, pounded meat served as a traditional meal)
- Bogobe (a thick porridge commonly made from sorghum or maize)
- Dikgobe (a dish made with beans and grains)
Fun facts
- The name Gaborone means “it does not fit badly” or “it is not unbecoming.”
- Gaborone is the headquarters of the Southern African Development Community, known as SADC.
- Swimming is prohibited at Gaborone Dam because of crocodiles and parasitic bilharzias.
Just got the call?
Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.
Hoodies & shorts for this mission
The same mission, made for cooler days and the court.
