Botswana’s vehicle market started 2026 on a weaker footing, with first-time registrations falling sharply and the composition of purchases pointing to a market still heavily reliant on imported used cars.
A total of 8,119 vehicles were registered for the first time in the first quarter, down 18.3 percent from 9,942 in the final quarter of 2025, according to Statistics Botswana. The decline was recorded across most vehicle categories, with the exception of trucks.
The latest figures extend a downward trend from the high levels recorded in 2024 and early 2025. First-time registrations stood at 11,583 in the first quarter of 2025, meaning the latest quarterly total was substantially lower year on year.
Passenger cars continued to dominate the market, accounting for 74.7 percent of registrations. Vans represented 7.7 percent and trucks 5.5 percent. The composition of imports is equally notable. Used vehicles accounted for 79.6 percent of all first-time registrations, while new vehicles represented just 20.3 percent.
Japan remained the dominant source, supplying 70.3 percent of all first-time registrations. Almost all Japanese vehicles – 99.4 percent – were used. South Africa, meanwhile, accounted for 18.8 percent, with new vehicles making up 76.1 percent of its registrations.
The figures underline the continued importance of the second-hand vehicle trade to Botswana’s automotive market.
For dealers and other businesses exposed to vehicle demand, the latest decline raises questions over whether the slowdown is temporary or indicative of a more sustained cooling in household and business demand.