A ONCE quiet town 70 km south of Gaborone is fast becoming a symbol of Botswana’s industrial resurgence. In the heart of Lobatse, factory lines buzz with precision as hundreds of workers assemble the nerve centres of modern vehicles — wiring harnesses destined for Volkswagen and Nissan models across the continent.
At the centre of this transformation is Delta Automotive Technologies, a fast-growing manufacturer fuelled by strategic investment from the African Development Bank (AfDB). With support from an $80 million credit line channelled through the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), Delta is now not only producing for global carmakers but also reshaping the country’s manufacturing landscape.
‘This funding hasn’t just built infrastructure — it’s built opportunity,’ said Darryn Hattingh, Delta’s Director of Manufacturing. ‘We’ve established a world-class operation that competes globally while creating jobs and skills locally.’
A key component in more ways than one
Wire harnesses — the intricate networks of wires, terminals, and connectors that act as a vehicle’s electrical backbone — are at the core of Delta’s production. Currently, the factory manufactures 120 harness sets per day for Volkswagen South Africa. By 2027, Delta aims to nearly triple production, reaching 340 daily sets for Volkswagen and 111 for Nissan.
The company currently builds wiring systems for Volkswagen’s Polo Vivo and Polo 270, as well as Nissan’s H60 line. These components are essential to modern vehicles, ensuring the seamless transmission of power and electronic signals.
Women lead the line
On the expansive shop floor, one striking fact stands out — 75 percent of Delta’s workforce is female, a rarity in the traditionally male-dominated automotive industry.
Clara Kaekane, a product and process engineer, believes her role is not just about manufacturing, but shifting perceptions: ‘Every component we make challenges outdated assumptions about women in engineering. I’m not just building car parts — I’m building the future.’
Kaekane said she feels empowered to hold a management role in an industry where women have historically been sidelined. ‘This is a great opportunity for our company and our country,’ she added.
Connecting Botswana to global supply chains
Delta’s facility represents more than just factory work — it’s a gateway to global integration. The plant’s current output feeds directly into the global value chains of leading automakers, showcasing how African manufacturing can meet the demands of complex, high-precision industries.
Moono Mupotola, AfDB’s Deputy Director General for Southern Africa, said Delta is a tangible example of how the bank’s High 5 priorities — particularly Industrialise Africa and Integrate Africa — are bearing fruit.
‘Each harness built here connects not only vehicle components, but Botswana’s workforce to international markets, rural communities to industrial growth, and traditional economies to a more diversified future,’ she said.
A scalable model for transformation
Delta currently employs 327 people, with plans to grow to 1,000 by 2029. Impressively, 95 percent of the staff are Botswanan nationals, underlining the local impact of the factory’s expansion. Beyond job creation, the facility is building valuable technical skills and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, diversified economy.
‘We’re seeing multiple development dividends from this single investment,’ said Benedicta Abosi of the BDC. ‘Delta is not only generating export revenue and good jobs, but also demonstrating what’s possible when development finance meets entrepreneurial vision.’
She noted that Delta was one of several businesses supported through the AfDB-backed credit line, a move aimed at strengthening Botswana’s industrial base.
Beyond diamonds: Botswana’s next economic chapter
Long known for its diamond exports, Botswana is now scripting a new chapter—one focused on high-value manufacturing and industrial innovation. With targeted support from institutions like the African Development Bank and partnerships with major global brands, the country is positioning itself as a regional production hub.
‘This has definitely been a good investment for the African Development Bank,’ said Mupotola. ‘This is how we see development financing working across Africa — funding that builds industries, skills, jobs, and ultimately, futures.’
As production ramps up and global orders grow, Delta Automotive is fast becoming a model for African industrialisation — one wire harness at a time.
