Botswana's 50th Birthday Celebration in Photos

An exclusive behind-the-scenes look inside Botswana’s 50th Independence Day (BOT50) celebrations at the National Stadium in Gaborone.

Botswana's 50th Birthday Celebration in Photos

Botswana turned 50 yesterday. Months of hype surrounding the southern African nation's golden jubilee celebrations culminated in thousands of Batswana gathering at the National Stadium in Gaborone to celebrate half a century of independence.


Indeed, BOT50 was a birthday party for the ages.

In the series of photos below, Botswana-based photographer Uyapo Ketogetswe takes us behind the scenes at Botswana’s 50th anniversary celebration at the National Stadium in Gaborone, beginning with Thursday evening's opening ceremony and leading into Friday’s Independence Day festivities.

Happy birthday, Botswana!

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

Photo by Uyapo Ketogetswe.

On 45th Independence Anniversary, Zimbabweans Express Uncertainty, Frustration and Cautious Hope
News

On 45th Independence Anniversary, Zimbabweans Express Uncertainty, Frustration and Cautious Hope

OkayAfrica speaks to Zimbabweans from various walks of life to understand what independence means for them in 2025.

10 Musicians From Côte d'Ivoire You Should Be Listening To
Latest

10 Musicians From Côte d'Ivoire You Should Be Listening To

Get into the highly-infectious Ivorian sounds of DJ Arafat, Shado Chris, Bebi Philip, Kiff No Beat and more.