Botswana’s appetite for cars is slowing, but not enough to loosen the grip of imported used vehicles on the country’s roads.
New data from Statistics Botswana shows first-time vehicle registrations fell by 3.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 9,942 vehicles, down from 10,324 in the previous quarter. Despite the decline, passenger cars remained dominant, accounting for 72.8 percent of all registrations during the quarter.
The figures reinforce Botswana’s status as a heavily import-driven vehicle market, with used vehicles continuing to overwhelm demand for new units.
According to the report, used vehicles accounted for 79.6 percent of all first-time registrations in Q4 2025, while brand-new vehicles represented just 20.3 percent. Rebuilt vehicles barely registered at 0.1 percent.
Japan remained the undisputed king of Botswana’s used-car economy. Vehicles imported from Japan made up 85.2 percent of all used vehicle registrations, far ahead of South Africa’s 6.7 percent share. Meanwhile, most brand-new vehicles originated from South Africa, accounting for 72.4 percent of new registrations.
Mazda emerged as Botswana’s most registered vehicle brand during the quarter, capturing 19.3 percent of all first-time registrations. Honda followed closely at 18.9 percent, while Toyota accounted for 16.9 percent.
The report also highlighted the growing concentration of vehicle activity in urban centres. Gaborone stations accounted for 58.2 percent of all registrations, with Francistown trailing far behind at 8.7 percent and Molepolole at 7.2 percent.
While overall registrations softened, some commercial categories bucked the trend. Registrations for tankers and horse trailers jumped 39.5 percent during the quarter, while trailer registrations rose 16.7 percent.
The numbers suggest that even as consumers pull back, Botswana’s dependence on imported second-hand vehicles remains firmly in gear.