AGP Executive Report

Mining and Jobs: Opening Botswana’s Mining Show on Tuesday, Minister Moeti Mohwasa said mineral wealth must translate into skills, jobs and broader economic diversification, not just extraction. The government also wants transport links to turn Botswana from landlocked to “landlinked.” Public Safety: The Botswana Defence Force confirmed a service member died in an incident involving a service rifle at Glen Valley Barracks on October 26. Investigations are underway, and the BDF urged the public not to speculate. Fuel Costs: Petrol rose by P1.54 a litre and diesel by P2.83 on October 23, reaching P19.75 and P23.76 respectively, as global fuel costs climbed. Public Finances: Botswana recorded a P2.5 billion surplus in the first quarter of 2026/27, ending 11 straight quarters in deficit. Spending cuts helped deliver the turnaround, but its durability remains uncertain. China Ties: President Duma Boko’s recent China visit produced agreements on mining, agriculture and other areas. The key test will be turning them into investment, jobs and new markets as diamond demand weakens.

Indigenous Rights: Roy Sesana, 97, has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Botswana for decades of advocacy for San communities’ rights to ancestral lands. President Duma Boko attended the ceremony, as his government advances plans to address long-standing grievances in the Central Kalahari. Recruitment Warning: Russia is increasingly recruiting African men for its war in Ukraine, often with promises of civilian jobs, according to reports citing Ukrainian intelligence and a UN inquiry. Botswana has urged men not to accept suspicious work offers. Economic Support: The African Development Bank approved a US$503.75 million package for Botswana to ease economic pressures, support reforms and promote jobs and private-sector growth. Diamond Industry: Minerals Minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo addressed global industry leaders at the Dubai Diamond Conference as the sector seeks ways to revive demand and create new markets. Drought Preparedness: Government has set up a presidential task force to prepare for El Niño risks to food and water security, while southern African forecasts warn of worsening drought. Politics: The BCP’s win in the Sefhophe ward by-election dealt the ruling UDC a setback, though analysts caution against reading it as a forecast of the 2029 election.

Diamond Industry: Minerals Minister Bogolo Kenewendo addressed the Dubai Diamond Conference as global leaders discussed reviving demand and value in a sector vital to Botswana’s economy. Economic Support: The African Development Bank approved a US$503.75 million loan to help Botswana manage energy-cost pressures, support reforms and create jobs, particularly for young people and women. Drought Preparedness: Botswana is on high alert for El Niño, with a presidential task force coordinating plans to protect household water and food security. Athletics: The Athletics Integrity Unit has ordered three out-of-competition tests for Botswana athletes seeking to compete at the 2027 World Championships, citing past testing failures. Politics: The BCP’s Sefhophe by-election win has intensified debate over the UDC coalition’s standing and the opposition’s prospects ahead of 2029.

Energy and Jobs: The African Development Bank approved a US$503.75 million loan to help Botswana absorb energy-cost pressures, support economic reforms and create jobs, particularly for women and young people. The programme also aims to expand support for small businesses as the diamond downturn weighs on the economy. Public Health: Botswana has launched a malaria and neglected tropical diseases council as cases surge, with President Duma Boko calling for stronger coordination and more domestic funding as donor support declines. Politics: The Botswana Congress Party’s Sefhophe by-election win has sharpened tensions within the opposition, with some BNF members blaming the Botswana Patriotic Front’s decision to contest for the UDC coalition’s defeat. Banking: Commercial banks’ total assets rose 1.8% to P146.5 billion in 2025, a slowdown from the previous year; loans and advances grew 3.3% to P90 billion. Marriage Rights: The High Court will deliver judgment on April 2, 2027, in a challenge by two women seeking the right to marry.

Leadership and Delivery: Online criticism of President Duma Boko is growing, with some citizens demanding tangible progress on jobs, the economy and living costs; the debate does not represent all Batswana. Diamonds and Diversification: De Beers sent $75 million to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund, which has received initial funding of N$1.1 billion. But diamond output fell to 4.8 million carats in the third quarter as Orapa underwent maintenance, underscoring the challenge of reducing reliance on the sector. Trade and Growth: Botswana approved a temporary export window for cattle and meat products. Its experience after graduating from least-developed-country status offers a warning: resource wealth can cushion trade shocks, but does not itself deliver diversification. Politics: The BCP toppled the UDC in the Sefhophe by-election, a notable local result amid shifting party dynamics. Young Zebras: Botswana’s Under-15 side opened the World Cup in Azerbaijan with a 7-1 defeat to Mali and will need a sharp recovery.

Youth Football: Botswana’s under-15 side lost 7-1 to Mali at the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan. Digital Infrastructure: The African Telecommunications Union has advanced plans for an IPv6 testbed in Botswana, with BOCRA selecting a university to host it. Mining: Four people died in a head-on collision at Khoemacau mine. De Beers also transferred BWP1 billion to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund to support economic diversification and job creation. Diamond Economy: De Beers’ global output fell 11% in the third quarter, with Botswana’s production down to 4.8 million carats amid planned maintenance at Orapa. Business: Famous Brands reported a 14.8% fall in Botswana restaurant sales, citing weak consumer demand amid pressure in the diamond sector.

Youth Football: Botswana’s U15 side lost 7-1 to Mali at the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup in Azerbaijan. Digital Infrastructure: The African Telecommunications Union has advanced plans for an IPv6 testbed in Botswana, with BOCRA selecting a university to host it. Livestock Exports: Government approved a temporary export window for live cattle for six months and meat products for 12 months, with eligibility and permit limits. Diamond Economy: De Beers has transferred an initial BWP1 billion to the Diamonds for Development Fund to support diversification and job creation. Botswana’s diamond output fell to 4.8 million carats in the third quarter, largely due to planned maintenance at Orapa. Rule of Law: Botswana ranked 49th globally and fourth in Africa in the 2026 Rule of Law Index.

Diamond Diversification: De Beers has transferred BWP1 billion to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund, giving the initiative its first major funding as it prepares investments aimed at creating jobs and growing industries beyond mining. Angola’s president has also urged Botswana and other African producers to coordinate efforts to protect natural diamonds from synthetic competition. Cattle Exports: Botswana has approved a temporary export window for live cattle until April 2027 and for meat products until October 2027, with eligibility rules and permit quotas limiting who can take part. Global Health: Botswana has nominated Armenian paediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan to run for WHO director-general, whose successor will be chosen ahead of the current chief’s term ending in 2027. Business Pressures: Famous Brands says Botswana restaurant sales fell 14.8% as diamond-sector weakness weighed on consumer demand. Namibia’s broad unemployment rate is 52.7%, compared with 22% in Botswana, according to the figures cited in a regional comparison.

African Football: Orlando Pirates advanced to the CAF Champions League group stage, beating Namibia’s African Stars 5-0 on aggregate after the first leg in Gaborone. Diamond Diversification: De Beers has transferred an initial BWP1 billion to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund, which aims to finance new industries and jobs. Livestock Exports: Botswana approved temporary export windows for live cattle, meat and meat products, with eligibility rules and permit limits. Global Health: Botswana has nominated Armenian paediatric oncologist Dr Gevorg Tamamyan for the WHO director-general role. Business: Famous Brands’ SADC revenue fell 18%, with weak sales in Botswana linked to pressure in the diamond sector. Athletics: Botswana is mourning sprinter Leaname Maotoanong, a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and former national team athlete, who died aged 35. Hospitality: Gaborone’s Hotel 4:30 won three awards at the 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Mining: Botswana has introduced its first electric haulage trucks, bringing lower-emission equipment to the country’s mining industry. Public Health: President Duma Boko has launched a national malaria and neglected tropical diseases council, targeting malaria-free certification by 2029. Athletics: Botswana is mourning former sprinter Leaname Maotoanong, who won Commonwealth and African relay gold medals. He was 35. Diamonds: De Beers has transferred $75 million to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund, as the government seeks to raise its stake in the company to 25%. Business: Famous Brands plans to cut its Botswana Retail Group holding from 51% to 30% after persistent losses and a R40.9 million impairment. Fuel: BERA says restored levies could rebuild the National Petroleum Fund by more than P1.5 billion over six months. Investment: The Botswana Stock Exchange is set to serve as a regional trading hub for the Dangote refinery share offer, with local depository receipts planned.

Malaria Push: President Duma Boko has launched a national council to coordinate malaria and neglected tropical disease efforts, pledging to secure malaria-free certification for Botswana by 2029. Khoemacau Crash: Four men died and nine people were injured when a bus and a combi collided near the mine; police are investigating the cause. Diamond Diversification: De Beers has transferred P1 billion to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund, which will support projects beyond mining. De Beers Deal: Botswana is seeking to raise its stake in De Beers to about 25% as private investors pursue control of the diamond company. Fuel Fund: Restored levies could bring more than P1.5 billion into the National Petroleum Fund over six months; BERA says their return does not automatically mean higher pump prices. Markets: The Botswana Stock Exchange has been selected as a regional trading hub for the Dangote refinery IPO, with a proposed offer of up to US$500 million in Botswana Depository Receipts, subject to regulatory approval. Business: Famous Brands plans to cut its stake in Botswana’s Retail Group after persistent losses and a R40.9 million impairment.

Cattle Exports: Government has reopened live cattle exports for six months but raised the levy tenfold, from P30 to P300 a head, drawing concern from farmers still reeling from foot-and-mouth restrictions. Gaborone Sanitation: WUC and Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng are trading accusations as sewage smells and cleanliness problems continue in the capital. Rights: The High Court is due to hear a challenge to Botswana’s ban on same-sex marriage, brought by a couple whose application to register their marriage was refused. Public Services: BOPEU wants the 2027/28 budget to protect workers’ real wages and ease pressure from rising household costs. Land Governance: The BCP is challenging PEEPA’s role in recruiting Land Board members, warning that appointments could face legal challenges. Diamonds: Botswana’s third-quarter output fell 20% year-on-year to 4.83 million carats, with planned Jwaneng maintenance likely to weigh further on production. Foreign Relations: President Duma Boko says Botswana will pursue partnerships based on national interests, as his defence of closer China ties draws criticism from Taiwan. Energy Investment: Aliko Dangote’s planned fuel distribution network could extend to Botswana through Namibia, following his group’s acquisition of a 25% stake in Kenya’s pipeline network.

Tax and Investment: Jersey says negotiations are ongoing on a double-taxation agreement after officials returned from talks in Botswana. Diamonds: De Beers has paid its first P1 billion into Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund to support economic diversification and jobs. Separately, Botswana’s Q3 diamond output fell 20% year-on-year to 4.83 million carats, partly due to planned maintenance at Orapa. Capital Markets: Botswana is set to host a regional hub for Dangote Refinery’s $500 million share offer, with Access Bank Botswana taking a depositary role on the BSE. Healthcare: The government is exploring digital tools, including AI, to improve coordination between public and private providers as it prepares the National Health Insurance scheme. Politics: The BCP won the Sefhophe by-election with 800 votes, defeating the UDC, which received 705; medicine shortages were among the concerns raised during the campaign.

China Ties: President Duma Boko says Botswana and China have upgraded relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, with plans to deepen cooperation in mining, health, education, agriculture and digital technology. Minerals: Boko-backed Okavango Circle aims to help Africa capture more value from its critical minerals through investment, technology and local industry. Fuel Prices: Botswana petrol costs P21.86 a litre, about R8.39 less than in South Africa, despite heavy reliance on South African imports; prices have not changed since July. Markets: Botswana is positioning itself as a regional hub for Aliko Dangote’s refinery share offer, with Access Bank Botswana taking a depository role for the listing on the Botswana Stock Exchange. Business: Famous Brands lifted its interim dividend 4.9% despite lower operating profit and earnings, citing weaker performance in Botswana among the pressures. Sport: The Botswana Golden Grand Prix has regained Gold status for 2027, with the Gaborone meet set for April 24.

China Partnership: President Duma Boko says Botswana and China have upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, with plans to expand cooperation in mining, trade, health, education and digital technology. Mineral Wealth: Boko has launched the Okavango Circle, a platform aimed at helping Africa gain more value and influence from its critical minerals. Separately, NexMetals says its Selebi copper-nickel project now has 8.95 million tonnes of indicated and 41.95 million tonnes of inferred resources. Trade Pressure: Botswana’s exports fell P10.1 billion in the first seven months of 2026, while the trade deficit widened to P17.6 billion. A sharp drop in diamond earnings drove the decline. Investment: Access Bank Botswana has opened the Dangote refinery share offer to local investors at P5.85 per depository receipt, as Botswana hosts part of the refinery’s planned regional fundraising. Diamonds: De Beers’ third-quarter output fell 11% year-on-year to 6.8 million carats; Botswana production dropped to 4.8 million carats amid planned maintenance at Orapa.

China Partnership: Botswana and China are expanding healthcare and education ties, including plans for Chinese medical teams, equipment and hospital partnerships. The new strategic partnership also aims to improve access for Botswana’s diamonds in China. Investment: Botswana is set to host a regional hub for Dangote Refinery’s US$500 million share offer, extending the country’s role in cross-border investment. Public Finances: Foreign assets climbed to P63.21 billion in July, while a parliamentary report warns that unfinished projects, overpayments and weak oversight are leaving taxpayers with the bill. Beef Trade: South Africa has proposed safeguards that could allow imports from Botswana’s foot-and-mouth-disease-free zones; trade depends on agreement between the two countries. Football: FIFA is putting up P2.76 million for the BFA’s long-delayed academy, with trials planned ahead of a January 2027 opening. The association could also receive about P10 million in annual CAF funding.