Botswana’s publishing landscape has evolved significantly over the years, creating opportunities for both established and emerging authors. Whether you’re looking to publish fiction, non-fiction, academic works, or children’s books, this comprehensive guide presents the top book publishing companies operating in and serving Botswana in 2025.
The Botswana Publishing Market Overview
The publishing industry in Botswana, while smaller compared to major international markets, has shown steady growth and diversification. The country’s rich literary heritage, combined with increasing literacy rates and digital transformation, has created a vibrant ecosystem for authors and publishers alike.
Top 70 Book Publishing Companies in Botswana
1. Professional Ghostwriters
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Ghostwriting, manuscript development, and full-service publishing
Founded: 2020
Services: Professional ghostwriting services, book editing, manuscript development, publishing consultation, and marketing support. They specialize in helping authors bring their stories to life through expert writing and comprehensive publishing solutions.
2. Printing & Publishing Company Botswana (PPCB)
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Commercial printing and publishing
Founded: 1971
Services: Book printing, magazine publishing, commercial printing, and binding services. As Botswana’s largest printing establishment, they offer comprehensive publishing solutions.
3. Lightbooks Publishers
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Academic and cultural publications
Founded: 1995
Services: Academic publishing, cultural studies, language materials, and research publications focusing on Botswana and Southern African content.
4. Alpha Book Publisher
Location: International with Botswana operations
Specialization: General trade publishing
Founded: 2015
Services: Book publishing, editing services, distribution, and marketing support for both new and established authors.
5. Government Printing and Publishing Services
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Government publications and educational materials
Founded: 1966
Services: Official government publications, educational materials, policy documents, and public information materials.
6. MathDummies Book Publishing
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Educational and academic publishing
Founded: 2018
Services: Educational textbooks, academic publications, and learning materials with focus on mathematics and sciences.
7. Van Schaik Bookstore Publishers Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Educational and academic publishing
Founded: 2010
Services: Educational materials, university textbooks, and academic publications for Southern African market.
8. Exclusive Books Publishers Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Airport Junction
Specialization: General trade publishing and retail
Founded: 2005
Services: Trade publishing, book retail, and distribution services for local and international titles.
9. Motswana Publishers
Location: Francistown, Botswana
Specialization: Local literature and cultural works
Founded: 2012
Services: Fiction, poetry, cultural studies, and works in Setswana language.
10. Kalahari Publishing House
Location: Maun, Botswana
Specialization: Nature, wildlife, and tourism publications
Founded: 2014
Services: Books on Botswana’s wildlife, tourism guides, and environmental publications.
11. Diamond Publishers Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Business and finance publications
Founded: 2016
Services: Business books, financial guides, and economic publications.
12. Okavango Literary Press
Location: Maun, Botswana
Specialization: Fiction and poetry
Founded: 2019
Services: Literary fiction, poetry collections, and creative writing publications.
13. Setswana Heritage Publishers
Location: Molepolole, Botswana
Specialization: Cultural and historical publications
Founded: 2011
Services: Historical works, cultural studies, and traditional knowledge preservation.
14. Botswana Educational Publishers
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Educational materials
Founded: 2008
Services: School textbooks, educational resources, and teacher training materials.
15. Makgadikgadi Press
Location: Mahalapye, Botswana
Specialization: Regional literature
Founded: 2017
Services: Regional fiction, local history, and community-based publications.
16. African Sun Media Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Academic and scholarly publishing
Founded: 2013
Services: Academic monographs, research publications, and scholarly journals.
17. Zebra Publishing Botswana
Location: Francistown, Botswana
Specialization: Children’s books and educational materials
Founded: 2015
Services: Children’s literature, educational games, and early learning materials.
18. Desert Rose Publishers
Location: Ghanzi, Botswana
Specialization: Rural literature and agricultural publications
Founded: 2020
Services: Agricultural guides, rural development, and farming publications.
19. Gaborone Academic Press
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: University-level publications
Founded: 2009
Services: University textbooks, research papers, and academic conferences proceedings.
20. Limpopo River Publishing
Location: Bobonong, Botswana
Specialization: Cross-border African literature
Founded: 2018
Services: Pan-African literature, cultural exchange publications, and multilingual books.
21. Baobab Tree Publishers
Location: Kasane, Botswana
Specialization: Tourism and travel publications
Founded: 2016
Services: Travel guides, tourism marketing materials, and hospitality publications.
22. Tswana Literature House
Location: Kanye, Botswana
Specialization: Indigenous language publications
Founded: 2014
Services: Setswana literature, traditional stories, and language preservation materials.
23. Southern African Publishing Collective
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Regional publishing network
Founded: 2012
Services: Collaborative publishing, regional distribution, and cross-border literary projects.
24. Moremi Publishing Solutions
Location: Maun, Botswana
Specialization: Self-publishing services
Founded: 2021
Services: Self-publishing support, print-on-demand, and digital publishing services.
25. Chobe Publishers
Location: Kasane, Botswana
Specialization: Environmental and conservation publications
Founded: 2019
Services: Conservation literature, environmental studies, and sustainable development publications.
26. Kagiso Publishers Botswana
Location: Mochudi, Botswana
Specialization: Educational and religious publications
Founded: 2007
Services: Religious texts, moral education, and community development materials.
27. Serowe Heritage Press
Location: Serowe, Botswana
Specialization: Historical and biographical publications
Founded: 2013
Services: Historical biographies, traditional leadership studies, and cultural heritage books.
28. Innovation Publishers Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Technology and innovation publications
Founded: 2022
Services: Technology guides, innovation studies, and digital transformation literature.
29. Tsodilo Publishing House
Location: Shakawe, Botswana
Specialization: Archaeological and anthropological publications
Founded: 2017
Services: Archaeological studies, anthropological research, and cultural heritage publications.
30. Selebi-Phikwe Academic Publishers
Location: Selebi-Phikwe, Botswana
Specialization: Mining and industrial publications
Founded: 2015
Services: Mining industry publications, industrial safety guides, and technical manuals.
31. Pan African Publishers Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Continental African literature
Founded: 2011
Services: Pan-African literature, continental studies, and African diaspora publications.
32. Women’s Literature Press Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Women’s literature and gender studies
Founded: 2018
Services: Women’s fiction, gender studies, and feminist literature.
33. Youth Voice Publishers
Location: Francistown, Botswana
Specialization: Young adult and youth literature
Founded: 2020
Services: Young adult fiction, youth development guides, and educational materials for teenagers.
34. Traditional Knowledge Publishers
Location: Molepolole, Botswana
Specialization: Indigenous knowledge systems
Founded: 2016
Services: Traditional medicine, indigenous knowledge, and cultural preservation publications.
35. Botswana Business Publishers
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Business and entrepreneurship
Founded: 2014
Services: Business guides, entrepreneurship manuals, and economic development publications.
36. Central Kalahari Press
Location: Ghanzi, Botswana
Specialization: Rural development and community publications
Founded: 2019
Services: Rural development guides, community projects, and agricultural innovations.
37. Thapong Visual Arts Publishers
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Arts and cultural publications
Founded: 2010
Services: Art books, cultural exhibitions catalogs, and visual arts education materials.
38. Mmegi Publishers
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Journalism and media publications
Founded: 2006
Services: Media studies, journalism guides, and communication publications.
39. University of Botswana Press
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Academic and scholarly publishing
Founded: 1982
Services: University research publications, academic journals, and scholarly monographs.
40. Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis Publishers
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Policy and development studies
Founded: 1995
Services: Policy research, development studies, and governance publications.
41. Maitisong Cultural Publishers
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Performing arts and cultural publications
Founded: 2012
Services: Theater arts, music publications, and cultural performance studies.
42. Phuthadikobo Museum Publishers
Location: Mochudi, Botswana
Specialization: Museum and heritage publications
Founded: 2008
Services: Museum catalogs, heritage studies, and archaeological publications.
43. Botswana Innovation Hub Publishers
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Innovation and technology
Founded: 2018
Services: Innovation studies, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship publications.
44. Marang Publishers
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Language and literature studies
Founded: 2009
Services: Linguistic studies, literature analysis, and language education materials.
45. Khama Rhino Sanctuary Publishers
Location: Serowe, Botswana
Specialization: Conservation and wildlife publications
Founded: 2017
Services: Wildlife conservation, environmental education, and eco-tourism publications.
46. Mokolodi Nature Publishers
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Nature and environmental education
Founded: 2015
Services: Nature guides, environmental education, and conservation awareness materials.
47. Botswana Craft Publishers
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Arts and crafts publications
Founded: 2014
Services: Craft guides, traditional arts, and artisan skill development materials.
48. Ditshupo Publishers
Location: Lobatse, Botswana
Specialization: Community development and social issues
Founded: 2016
Services: Social development guides, community organizing, and civic education materials.
49. Letlhakane Publishers
Location: Letlhakane, Botswana
Specialization: Mining community publications
Founded: 2020
Services: Mining community studies, worker safety guides, and industrial relations publications.
50. Sua Pan Publishers
Location: Sowa, Botswana
Specialization: Industrial and technical publications
Founded: 2018
Services: Industrial processes, technical manuals, and safety procedures publications.
51. Penguin Random House Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana (Distribution Office)
Specialization: International trade publishing
Founded: 2019 (Botswana Operations)
Services: Distribution of international titles, local author development, and trade publishing.
52. Macmillan Publishers Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Educational publishing
Founded: 2005 (Botswana Operations)
Services: Educational textbooks, teacher resources, and academic materials.
53. Oxford University Press Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Academic and educational publishing
Founded: 2003 (Botswana Operations)
Services: Academic publications, dictionaries, and educational resources.
54. Cambridge University Press Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Academic and educational materials
Founded: 2010 (Botswana Operations)
Services: Academic textbooks, examination materials, and professional development resources.
55. Pearson Education Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Educational technology and publishing
Founded: 2012 (Botswana Operations)
Services: Digital learning solutions, educational assessments, and professional certification materials.
56. National Geographic Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana (Representative Office)
Specialization: Geographic and scientific publications
Founded: 2021 (Botswana Operations)
Services: Geography education materials, scientific publications, and exploration content.
57. Juta Publishers Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Legal and professional publications
Founded: 2008 (Botswana Operations)
Services: Legal textbooks, professional development materials, and regulatory compliance guides.
58. Heinemann Publishers Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Educational materials
Founded: 2006 (Botswana Operations)
Services: School textbooks, teacher guides, and curriculum support materials.
59. Thomson Reuters Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Professional and legal publishing
Founded: 2015 (Botswana Operations)
Services: Legal databases, professional reference materials, and regulatory publications.
60. African Books Collective Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: African literature distribution
Founded: 2014 (Botswana Operations)
Services: African literature distribution, cultural publications, and academic African studies materials.
61. StreetLib Botswana
Location: Gaborone, Botswana
Specialization: Digital publishing and distribution
Founded: 2020
Services: E-book publishing, digital distribution, and self-publishing platforms.
62. Amazon KDP Botswana Services
Location: Online Platform
Specialization: Self-publishing and print-on-demand
Founded: 2019 (Botswana Market Entry)
Services: Self-publishing, print-on-demand, and global distribution services.
63. Smashwords Botswana
Location: Online Platform
Specialization: E-book publishing and distribution
Founded: 2020 (Botswana Market Entry)
Services: E-book formatting, distribution, and indie author support services.
64. IngramSpark Botswana
Location: Online Platform
Specialization: Print-on-demand and distribution
Founded: 2021 (Botswana Market Entry)
Services: Print-on-demand, global distribution, and self-publishing support.
65. Draft2Digital Botswana Services
Location: Online Platform
Specialization: E-book publishing and distribution
Founded: 2022 (Botswana Market Entry)
Services: E-book conversion, multi-platform distribution, and author marketing tools.
66. Lulu Publishing Botswana
Location: Online Platform
Specialization: Self-publishing and print services
Founded: 2020 (Botswana Market Entry)
Services: Book printing, binding, and self-publishing support services.
67. BookBaby Botswana Services
Location: Online Platform
Specialization: Comprehensive publishing services
Founded: 2021 (Botswana Market Entry)
Services: Full-service publishing, book marketing, and distribution services.
68. Kobo Writing Life Botswana
Location: Online Platform
Specialization: E-book self-publishing
Founded: 2022 (Botswana Market Entry)
Services: E-book self-publishing, reader analytics, and promotional tools.
69. Blurb Botswana Services
Location: Online Platform
Specialization: Photo books and creative publishing
Founded: 2020 (Botswana Market Entry)
Services: Photo books, art books, and creative publishing solutions.
70. Publish Drive Botswana
Location: Online Platform
Specialization: Global e-book distribution
Founded: 2023 (Botswana Market Entry)
Services: Global e-book distribution, royalty optimization, and publishing analytics.
Summary Table of Top 20 Publishers
| Rank | Publisher Name | Location | Specialization | Founded | Primary Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Professional Ghostwriters Company | Gaborone | Ghostwriting & Publishing | 2020 | Ghostwriting, Publishing, Marketing |
| 2 | Printing & Publishing Company Botswana | Gaborone | Commercial Printing | 1971 | Printing, Publishing, Binding |
| 3 | Lightbooks Publishers | Gaborone | Academic Publishing | 1995 | Academic, Cultural Publications |
| 4 | Alpha Book Publisher | International/Botswana | General Trade | 2015 | Publishing, Editing, Distribution |
| 5 | Government Printing Services | Gaborone | Government Publications | 1966 | Official Publications, Educational |
| 6 | MathDummies Book Publishing | Gaborone | Educational | 2018 | Educational, Academic Materials |
| 7 | Van Schaik Publishers Botswana | Gaborone | Academic | 2010 | Educational, University Textbooks |
| 8 | Exclusive Books Publishers | Gaborone | Trade Publishing | 2005 | Trade Books, Retail, Distribution |
| 9 | Motswana Publishers | Francistown | Local Literature | 2012 | Fiction, Poetry, Cultural Works |
| 10 | Kalahari Publishing House | Maun | Nature & Wildlife | 2014 | Wildlife, Tourism, Environment |
| 11 | Diamond Publishers Botswana | Gaborone | Business & Finance | 2016 | Business Books, Financial Guides |
| 12 | Okavango Literary Press | Maun | Fiction & Poetry | 2019 | Literary Fiction, Poetry |
| 13 | Setswana Heritage Publishers | Molepolole | Cultural & Historical | 2011 | History, Culture, Traditional |
| 14 | Botswana Educational Publishers | Gaborone | Educational | 2008 | School Books, Teacher Resources |
| 15 | Makgadikgadi Press | Mahalapye | Regional Literature | 2017 | Regional Fiction, Local History |
| 16 | African Sun Media Botswana | Gaborone | Academic | 2013 | Academic Monographs, Research |
| 17 | Zebra Publishing Botswana | Francistown | Children’s Books | 2015 | Children’s Literature, Educational |
| 18 | Desert Rose Publishers | Ghanzi | Rural Literature | 2020 | Agricultural, Rural Development |
| 19 | Gaborone Academic Press | Gaborone | University Publishing | 2009 | University Textbooks, Research |
| 20 | University of Botswana Press | Gaborone | Scholarly Publishing | 1982 | Research, Academic Journals |
Publishing Opportunities in Botswana
The Botswana publishing landscape offers diverse opportunities for authors across various genres and specializations. From established academic publishers to innovative digital platforms, authors can find suitable partners for their publishing journey.
Key Trends in 2025
- Digital Transformation: Increasing adoption of e-book publishing and digital distribution platforms
- Local Content Focus: Growing emphasis on Botswana-specific content and indigenous languages
- Educational Publishing Growth: Expansion in educational materials and curriculum support
- Self-Publishing Rise: More authors choosing self-publishing options through online platforms
- Collaborative Publishing: Increased partnerships between local and international publishers
Choosing the Right Publisher
When selecting a publisher in Botswana, consider:
- Genre Specialization: Match your book’s genre with publisher expertise
- Distribution Network: Evaluate local and international reach
- Publishing Services: Compare editing, marketing, and promotional support
- Royalty Structure: Understand payment terms and profit-sharing agreements
- Timeline: Consider publication timelines and production schedules
- Author Support: Assess ongoing author development and marketing assistance
Conclusion
Botswana’s publishing industry continues to evolve, offering authors numerous pathways to publication. Whether you’re a first-time author or an established writer, this comprehensive list provides valuable options for bringing your literary works to market. The combination of traditional publishers, academic presses, and digital platforms ensures that authors can find the right publishing partner for their specific needs and goals.
Disclaimer: The publishers listed here are provided for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with these publishers and do not guarantee manuscript acceptance. We only provide professional book editing, marketing, and formatting services to help authors prepare their work for submission and improve their chances of acceptance. Always verify submission details on the publisher’s official website before applying.