Mokgweetsi Masisi was on Friday inaugurated as Botswana's president following the ruling Botswana Democratic Party's win in last month's general election.

The 58-year-old took the oath of office at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Arena in the capital, Gaborone.

The swearing-in was Botswana's first to be held away from the Parliament building.

"I promise I'll continue to serve, honour and protect you & Botswana with diligence, dignity, faith and humility. To create the Botswana that we all dream of, let's pack away our individual party regalia, and embrace patriotic partnerships and collaboration that this new beginning offers," President Masisi said.

BDP won the October 23 vote after securing 38 of the 57 seats in the National Assembly, while the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change won 15.

Various leaders from across the continent attended the inauguration ceremony, including Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zambian President Edgar Lungu and representatives of other SADC Heads of State and Government.

While BDP secured a big win in the general election, many analysts had predicted a tighter race after former President Ian Khama broke away and announced his support for the opposition coalition instead.

The ruling party has been in power since the southern African country attained its independence in 1966.

Masisi banked on his record on tackling corruption, such as making the declaration of assets obligatory for public sector officials. He is also credited with overseeing a reduction in bureaucracy for small businesses.