Botswana's Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship has extended its liquor trading period to 20 hours during this festive season, as the southern African country trudges towards becoming a 24-hour economy. 

The new trading hours came into effect on December 24th and will last until January 4th next year in line with the Liquor Regulations and the Traditional Beer Regulations Amendments of 2025.

While the development has sparked widespread public debate, Botswana's Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima, told NBC News in a telephone interview that extended trading hours will go a long way in improving national productivity. 

On the other hand, Botswana's conservative society, especially the church, has warned that the non-stop sale of alcohol will exacerbate the crises of addiction and delinquency at a time when black-market liquor outlets are already thriving.

But concurring with Ntsima is Lilian Nametso Griesmeir, a businesswoman and civic leader based in Francistown, Botswana's second-largest city, saying customers kept her workers on their toes throughout, meaning she will be smiling all the way to the bank.  

Griesmeir added that the government's plan to establish a 24-hour economy is a positive step that has the potential to reduce the unemployment rate, which is currently estimated at 25.9%.

Under the temporary arrangement, bars, liquor restaurants, and depots, as well as club liquor outlets and bottle stores, will operate from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 a.m. the following day.