GABCON was established in 1995 as a department within Botswana Railways. In 1998 Botswana Railways and Transnet formed a joint venture to develop and support GABCON as an independent entity, with a Shareholding split of 64% and 36% respectively.

As a dry port, GABCON is an extension of the Sea port and therefore receives/handles all containerised cargo destined to Botswana via Sea and Rail which is the most economic/cost effective, safe and environmentally friendly way to transport goods.

GABCON uses the services of both Botswana Railways and Transnet to facilitate the movement of containers via rail to and from South African Sea and Dry Ports linking the rest of the world’s international ports (which means Containerised cargo can be shipped on a Through Bill of Landing to Gaborone, Francistown and Palapye.

Services

We operate Dry Port/Container Terminals in the following Cities/ Town in Botswana:

• Gaborone: as GABCON
• Francistown: as FRANCON
• Palapye: as PALCON

Services provided by the Dry ports includes but not limited to the following:

• Delivery of containers from the Terminal to the client’s premises
• Storage of containers
• Relocate/move containers using a specialised container Side Lifter
• Placing containers of the ground to facilitate easy loading or offloading
• Facilitate tracking and tracing of container Rail Wagons (between Seaport and Botswana Dry ports).

GABCON has invested heavily on Container Handling equipment, which are used for the provision of such services. We have specialized Container Handling Equipment such as Reach Stackers, Container Side Lifters, Truck Tractors and Trailers.

Mission

GABCON sole purpose is to establish an efficient, well managed, safe and profitable Container Hub in the Region.

Vision 

• To be a key node in the Regional Logistics 
• To be the leading Container Hub in the Region

Strategic Objectives

• To optimise the operational efficiency of the terminal
• To meet and exceed customer expectations
• To facilitate trade for Botswana and the Region
• To create a Container Terminal Hub for the Region
• To develop a multi skilled Human Capital
• To ensure profitability and sustainability

This shows how GABCON in Botswana, is strategically placed to service the rest of Southern Africa from the various Seaports.

What are the future plans for GABCON?

• In line with the government of Botswana’s plans;

• GABCON’s strategic intent is to develop Dry Ports in Botswana into Multimodal operations to be able to service the rest of the countries north of Botswana, therefore creating Botswana as a the Regional Hub
• Alternative Import route: GABCON intends to service customers through Namibian Sea port, via the proposed Walvis Bay Dry Port
• Development of a Dry Port and a Multimodal Operation in Mosetse, to consolidate cargo for the Mines in the North of Botswana, DRC, Zambia, etc.

• Development of a Bonded Car terminal for all import Cars and Trucks

• Expansion of the Dry Port in Gaborone to accommodate the growing Container volume, and Develop Intermodal Warehouse facilities for Customers, Clearing Agents, etc.

• With the increase in Container volume, GABCON will continue to invest in Container Handling equipment

• Launch of an Overnight service of full container Loads between our Dry ports (Gaborone, Palapye and Francistown).