Despite enduring an economically challenging year, crowds poured into the central business districts of Botswana's major cities and towns to buy fireworks.

Stall owners plying their trade in Francistown, Botswana's second-largest city, told NBC News in a random survey that demand this year has been noticeably weaker, with fireworks selling at a slower rate than in previous years.

The few who managed to dig deeper into their pockets, like Ontiretse Ramalaisi, have vowed to welcome the year 2026 with fireworks.

Acting Francistown City Mayor, Thapelo Mosenya, urged residents to enjoy responsibly.

"I am pleading with motorists to exercise extra caution, as numbers of fatalities are increasing with each passing day. Let us not drink and drive. Driving under the influence of alcohol puts the lives of motorists in danger. Reckless and drunk driving are the major causes of road traffic accidents."