How to Teach Online and Create Courses in Botswana (Guide to Earning Pula)

Online teaching in Botswana is no longer a trend—it’s becoming a real career path. With internet penetration reaching about 87% of the population in 2023, Batswana now have more access to e-learning than ever before. According to the Africa E-Learning Monitor, online education in Southern Africa has grown by over 40% in the last three years.

Whether you’re an aspiring tutor, a skilled professional, or a university graduate looking to earn extra income, this guide will show you how to teach online and create courses that work for the Botswana market in 2025 and beyond.

Why Teach Online in Botswana?

Teaching online allows you to earn in Pula, work from home, and reach students across the world. Botswana’s digital infrastructure is steadily improving, with government investments in broadband and platforms like Dithutong & Botswana Open University (BOU) pushing more distance learning options.

For Batswana, this means:

• Local demand is high: Students need help with subjects like math, English, IT, and professional skills.

• Global demand exists: You can also teach international students in niches like English (TEFL) or Setswana for expats.

• Flexible lifestyle: Teach from home, a makgotla (community center), or anywhere with reliable Wi-Fi.

Pathways to Becoming an Online Teacher

Becoming an online teacher can be as straightforward as harnessing your subject expertise and delivering lessons via digital platforms. Here are two main pathways:

1. Skills & Certifications

If you want to teach English or academic subjects, certifications can boost your credibility. Options include:

• TEFL Certificate – Opens opportunities for teaching English online to global students.

• Instructional Design Courses – Helps you structure lessons professionally.

• Botswana Qualifications Authority Recognition – Adds trust when selling to local learners.

2. Teaching Without a Degree

Not all online teaching requires formal qualifications. If you’re good at coding, cooking, digital marketing, crafts, or fitness, you can teach skills-based courses. Many learners prefer practical skills taught by real practitioners.

Creating and Launching Your First Online Course

Turning your knowledge into a structured online course can be highly rewarding. Focus on high-demand niches, create clear learning objectives, and price competitively in Pula.

1. Identify Your Niche

Focus on profitable niches relevant to Botswana:

• Setswana for foreigners (expats, investors, or tourists)

• Entrepreneurship & Finance (budgeting, small business management, raising capital)

• Agriculture Skills (solar irrigation, farming, agro-processing)

• Job-Seeker Skills (CV writing, interview prep, digital literacy)

2. Structure and Record Your Course

• Break content into short modules (5–10 minutes each).

• Use free/affordable tools like Zoom, Loom, or OBS Studio for recording.

• Add PDF worksheets, quizzes, and assignments for engagement.

• Ensure good audio & lighting—students won’t tolerate poor quality.

3. Pricing in Pula

• Start with BWP 100–500 per short course.

• Offer installments or Orange Money payments for local learners.

• Research competitor pricing on Udemy, Teachable, and Dithutong to stay competitive.

Platforms for Teaching and Selling Courses

The platform you choose can impact how many students you reach and how easily you can collect payments in Pula. Here’s a mix of international and local options:

International Platforms

• Udemy – Huge global audience, but commission fees apply.

• Teachable – Build your own online school with full control.

• Coursera – Great for academic partnerships, though harder to join.

Local Platforms

• Dithutong – Botswana’s e-learning marketplace. Payouts in Pula, local marketing, and a growing audience of Batswana learners.

• Botswana Open University (BOU) – Offers partnerships and adjunct roles.

• University of Botswana – Sometimes collaborates on specialized short courses.

Tip: Early adopters on local platforms like Dithutong gain higher visibility since there’s less competition compared to Udemy.

Making Money Teaching Online

Online teaching can provide multiple income streams, from live tutoring sessions to pre-recorded modules sold repeatedly.

1. Live Tutoring

Charge BWP 30–200 per hour depending on subject and expertise. Popular in-demand subjects:

• English Language (local and international)

• Math & Science tutoring for secondary school

• Tech skills like coding and graphic design

2. Pre-Recorded Courses

Create once, sell many times. This is passive income—your courses earn while you sleep.

3. Coaching & Mentorship

Package premium offerings like career mentorship or business coaching at higher prices.

4. Side Hustle vs Full-Time

• Part-time: Start small, evenings/weekends.

• Full-time: Transition once you’ve built a consistent student base and multiple income streams.

Free and Affordable Options

If you’re just starting, explore cost-effective approaches to both teaching and learning.

Free Online Courses in Botswana

• Botswana Open University (BOU) provides free distance learning resources.

• Coursera & EdX offer free entry-level courses with optional paid certificates.

• Dithutong has free mini-courses for Batswana instructors and learners.

Free Platforms for Teachers

• Start by teaching via YouTube, Facebook Groups, or WhatsApp Classes.

• Once you grow your audience, move to a structured platform for monetization.

Conclusion

Teaching online in Botswana offers a fantastic pathway to share your knowledge, earn in Pula, and reach students both locally and globally. From niche course creation to leveraging established platforms, the opportunities are endless when you combine strong instructional methods with effective marketing.

If you’re ready to earn from your expertise, don’t wait. Become an online teacher in Botswana and start impacting lives—and your income—today!

Recommended Reading

• Best Online Digital Marketing Courses in Botswana: Free & Paid for All Levels
• Top Online Courses for Job Seekers in Botswana (2025 Guide)

FAQs: Common Questions About Teaching Online in Botswana