AGP Executive Report

China Partnership: President Duma Boko and Xi Jinping elevated Botswana-China ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in Beijing. They outlined cooperation in trade, digital technology, agriculture and mining, with Xi saying African resources belong to Africans and should bring greater local value. De Beers: Botswana is nearing a deal with the preferred buyer that could raise its stake in the diamond miner from 15% to about 25%. Talks are ongoing and no agreement is final. Olympic Qualifier: Botswana’s Mares were knocked out of the LA 2028 women’s football qualifiers after Tanzania won the second leg 6-0, taking the tie 7-0 on aggregate.

China Visit: President Duma Boko has arrived in Beijing for a state visit running until October 17, with talks expected to build on the countries’ strategic partnership and cooperation in energy, mining, education and health. Fuel Security: Botswana Oil has received its first 20-million-litre diesel shipment from Oman’s OQ Trading, delivered through Mozambique and opening an alternative supply route. Education: BOSETU is urging the effective enforcement of employment laws, collective agreements and court rulings, saying teachers’ job security, welfare and professional development need attention. Export Growth: Trade Minister Tiroeaone Ntsima says local businesses should use Botswana’s market to test and improve products before expanding abroad. Copper Investment: Talonx Resources has appointed former MOD Resources executive Steve McGhee to its board as it advances the Kihabe project in north-west Botswana.

Fuel Security: Botswana Oil has received its first diesel shipment from Oman’s OQ Trading: about 20 million litres delivered through Mozambique’s Port of Matola, opening an alternative supply route. Export Drive: Trade Minister Tiroeaone Ntsima urged businesses to use the local market to refine products before pursuing export orders, as Botswana seeks to broaden its economic base. Economy: Exports reached P5.16 billion in July, led by diamonds and copper, but the two minerals still made up more than 83% of earnings. The economy grew 8.7% in the second quarter as diamond production rebounded. Rural Connectivity: A P34.5 million broadband project has installed 12 coverage sites along the Trans-Kalahari Highway, with further network sharing expected to extend access. Banking: BBS Bank’s half-year loss widened to P71.5 million, which management partly attributed to investment in its transformation.

China Visit: President Duma Boko is visiting China from October 12 to 17, seeking stronger cooperation in trade, digital technology and renewable energy, as well as investment that could help Botswana expand manufacturing. Public Service Dispute: A union has asked the High Court to rule that government must negotiate, not merely consult, over its Leadership Transformation Programme, arguing it bypasses an existing exit policy. Prosecutorial Powers: Businessman Bakang Seretse is challenging the legal basis for delegated authority within the DPP’s office in a case tied to his 63-count prosecution. Economic Outlook: Botswana’s 8.7% second-quarter growth was driven largely by a diamond rebound, while household consumption fell 7.3%; Moody’s also expects Botswana’s government debt to rise sharply. Local Affairs: Sefhophe is seeing heightened campaign activity ahead of its by-election, while Tutume recorded 128 unlawful-entry cases, up from 122 in the previous reporting period. Public Health: Councillors are pressing government to implement the dormant 2021 Tobacco Control Act, citing youth vaping and exposure to second-hand smoke.

China Visit: President Duma Boko heads to China from October 12 to 17, seeking deeper cooperation in trade, renewable energy, digital technology and mineral processing. He says Chinese expertise could help Botswana move beyond raw diamond exports and build manufacturing. Regional Trade: Botswana, Namibia and South Africa have pledged to attract investment along the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, with officials calling for action to turn the route into a jobs and business gateway. Economic Reality: Botswana’s economy grew 8.7% in the second quarter, driven by a sharp mining rebound, but household consumption fell 7.3% and manufacturing contracted—raising questions about whether growth is reaching families. Business: BPOPF will fully underwrite Letshego’s P800 million share offer as the lender cuts debt and refocuses on a smaller regional business anchored in Botswana. Culture: Ngamiland master weaver Shakunona Parata took Okavango basketry to Venice, presenting a sculptural collaboration with Mabeo Studio at the Homo Faber craft biennial.

China Visit: President Duma Boko heads to China from October 12 to 17 for talks with Xi Jinping, in his first visit there since taking office. The trip is expected to deepen the countries’ strategic partnership, with Boko also visiting Fujian. State Finances: The Botswana Development Corporation swung back to profit, recording P20.5 million after a P167.7 million loss the previous year, helped by higher income and lower costs. Wildlife: Botswana’s plan to relocate surplus elephants faces a cost barrier: Mozambique withdrew after learning it would have to pay to transport the animals. Regional Health: South Africa says it is coordinating with Botswana and Namibia to tackle foot-and-mouth disease, with cattle movements and meat exports restricted pending biosecurity agreements. US Visas: Gaborone is among 25 African missions whose routine US visa services have shifted to regional hubs; the change affects processing, not embassy operations.

China Visit: President Duma Boko heads to China from October 12 to 17 for his first state visit there, with talks planned with President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders. The trip is expected to deepen the countries’ strategic partnership. Wildlife: Botswana’s elephant relocation plans face a major cost hurdle: Mozambique withdrew interest after learning it would have to cover transport. Public Finance: The Botswana Development Corporation swung back to profit, posting P20.5 million after tax for the year to June, following a P167.7 million loss the previous year. Regional Diplomacy: Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi joined an African Union panel urging concrete progress in eastern DRC peace efforts. Economic Outlook: Moody’s has turned positive on sub-Saharan Africa, but flagged Botswana among the countries facing a sharp rise in debt as weak diamond demand weighs on revenues.

China Visit: President Duma Boko heads to China on October 12–17 for his first visit there as president, including talks with Xi Jinping. Beijing says the trip aims to deepen the countries’ strategic partnership. Economic Turnaround: The Botswana Development Corporation returned to profit, recording P20.5 million after tax for the year to June, following a P167.7 million loss the year before. Higher income, lower costs and reduced credit charges drove the recovery. Elephant Relocation: Botswana’s plans to move surplus elephants abroad are stalled by transport costs. Mozambique withdrew interest after learning it would have to cover the expense. Livestock Risks: South Africa says regional cooperation with Botswana and Namibia is vital to containing foot-and-mouth disease. The resumption of red-meat imports depends on agreement over biosecurity protocols. Land Governance: Government is weighing a proposal to replace local land boards with a central Land Commission, but key details remain unclear. Regional Ties: Botswana and Mozambique agreed to elevate their cooperation framework to a presidentially chaired Binational Commission, aimed at strengthening trade and tracking the delivery of joint agreements.

China Visit: President Duma Boko will make his first state visit to China from October 12 to 17, with talks expected to strengthen ties between the strategic partners. Diplomacy: Botswana and Mozambique have upgraded their cooperation framework to a presidentially chaired Binational Commission, aiming to turn agreements into results on trade and regional opportunities. Foot-and-Mouth Disease: South Africa says close coordination with Botswana and Namibia is vital to contain outbreaks; cattle movements and imports remain restricted pending biosecurity agreements. Citizen in Ukraine: Botswana is seeking the return of one citizen held in Ukraine after fighting for Russia; African governments say some recruits were lured by false promises of civilian jobs. Land Governance: Government is weighing a major overhaul that could replace local land boards with a central Land Commission, though details remain unclear. Football: Mochudi Centre Chiefs meet Township Rollers on Saturday in Gaborone, with Chiefs carrying a four-match unbeaten league run in the rivalry.

Diplomacy: President Duma Boko will make a state visit to China from October 12 to 17, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. Diamonds and Sport: De Beers and the government have extended their partnership with Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo for three years, linking his road to LA28 with efforts to promote Botswana’s diamonds and their contribution to the economy. Jobs and Ownership: Retail businessman Lincoln Motsa says local entrepreneurs and experienced workers are ready to take over more of the sector under proposed citizen-empowerment rules, but need access to finance. Unemployment: World Bank estimates put Botswana’s 2025 jobless rate at 24.5%, fourth-highest among countries with comparable data. Ukraine War: Botswana is seeking the return of one citizen captured while fighting for Russia; African governments say some recruits were lured by false civilian job offers and are asking Ukraine to treat them as trafficking victims.

Cooperative Finance: Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe’s delegation visited a Kenyan savings and credit cooperative to study governance, digital services and ways to strengthen Botswana’s SACCO sector. Livestock Exports: Botswana is negotiating animal-health agreements with several countries to open new markets for farmers squeezed by foot-and-mouth restrictions. Public-Sector Pay: Six unions want government allowances reviewed, with some potentially folded into basic salaries; BOFEPUSU is also seeking ILO help over strained labour relations. Intelligence Oversight: The BCP is challenging the reported extension of DIS chief Peter Magosi’s contract, citing past calls for reform and ongoing scrutiny of the agency. Borrowing Outlook: Moody’s has turned positive on sub-Saharan Africa’s outlook, while still flagging debt risks; Botswana remains one of only two rated investment-grade countries in the region. Wetlands: Researchers studying the Okavango Delta say shifts in rare Slaty Egret nesting patterns could offer clues to changing conditions across the ecosystem.

Biotechnology: Bio Usawa has launched a Botswana subsidiary, positioning the country as its Southern African hub for partnerships, skills development and future biomanufacturing. Zebras: Botswana returned unbeaten from its AFCON 2027 qualifiers in North Africa, drawing 2-2 with Libya and Tunisia under interim coach Thaloba Nthaga. Athletics: Collen Kebinatshipi has been nominated for World Athlete of the Year after a record-setting 400m season. Electricity: Domestic generation hit a 10-year high in the second quarter, up 56.6% year on year, while power imports fell 59.4%. Capital markets: The BSE could host a regional trading venue for a Dangote refinery depositary receipt, putting Botswana at the centre of a proposed Southern African investment route. Public accountability: Former BQA deputy CEO Gillian Mmolotsa faces two corruption charges, including an allegation that she received P20,000 linked to an accreditation process. WHO race: Dr Gevorg Tamamyan says he personally sought Botswana’s support for his nomination to lead the WHO. Public service: Botswana joins an Oxford-linked African leadership programme for the first time, with public servants set to take part in a six-month course.

Regional Diplomacy: Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi joined AU talks with AFC/M23 rebels in eastern DRC, calling for respect of the ceasefire, civilian protection and humanitarian access as fighting continues. Athletics: Collen Kebinatshipi is nominated for World Athletics’ Men’s Athlete of the Year after a record 400m season, including a national-record 43.39 seconds and six sub-44 runs. Capital Markets: The BSE could host the central Southern African trading venue for a Dangote refinery-linked depositary receipt, putting Botswana at the centre of the proposed regional arrangement. Civil Liberties: The BCP says activists’ arrests over Facebook comments test the UDC government’s pledge to protect freedom of expression. Small Business: Vice-President Ndaba Gaolathe visited Kenya to study its approach to cooperatives and small businesses, including finance and market access. WHO Race: Armenian doctor Gevorg Tamamyan says he personally sought Botswana’s backing for the WHO director-general post and met President Duma Boko in August. Fiscal Outlook: Moody’s turned positive on sub-Saharan Africa but expects Botswana’s debt to rise sharply amid weak diamond demand.

FMD Response in Focus: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says government is stepping up containment of foot-and-mouth disease, with 127 cases on 15 farms and 20 surveillance teams plus roadblocks to protect herds and meat export markets. Political Pushback: Opposition leader Panduleni Itula demands a fully costed FMD recovery plan, including fencing milestones and disclosed emergency contracts, as a fence procurement dispute continues. Botswana Water Reassurance: The Water Utilities Corporation says routine testing shows treated water meets drinking standards amid a diarrhoea scare, with cases reported across several towns including Gaborone and Francistown. Child Protection Commitments: Government-linked commitments align with SDG 16.2 and Vision 2026, strengthening efforts to end violence and exploitation of children. Green Mark for Business: BITC launches the Green Mark to push sustainability in local firms and help them compete as global markets demand responsible production. Energy Update: Botswana reports a 56.6% jump in electricity generation in Q2 2026, cutting reliance on imports. World Athletics Nominations: Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi and Agnes Ngetich (plus Sebastian Sawe) earn World Athletics Athlete of the Year nominations. Sports Discipline: CAF punishes Zimbabwe after a fan death and pitch invasion, ordering their next home match behind closed doors. Regional Justice Role: Namibia takes chair of a southern and eastern Africa judicial administrators’ body, with Botswana named treasurer general.

Botswana Economy Watch: Statistics Botswana says the economy grew 8.7% in Q2 after a 5.2% contraction a year earlier, marking two straight quarters of growth for the first time since 2023—an important signal for a country still feeling the strain. Investment Climate: In Bloomberg’s 2026 Africa investment risk ranking, Nigeria jumped four places to 8th, while Botswana slipped two places as its growth outlook weakened. Regional Health & Diplomacy: China is set to push a late candidate for WHO leadership, aiming to fill the vacuum left by the US; meanwhile, AU facilitators met AFC/M23 leaders in Goma as the DRC conflict continues. FMD Shock to Livelihoods: Namibia’s foot-and-mouth outbreak has triggered an EU suspension of Namibian beef imports, with Botswana among affected neighbours—raising fresh pressure on the region’s livestock trade. Water Security: ORASECOM has started the Fourth Joint Basin Survey (JBS4) for the Senqu River system, running to Dec 15, to track water quality and ecosystem health across Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. Sports & Youth: Botswana’s Young Zebras take on Seychelles in the second leg after a 2-1 first-leg lead, with Losika Ratshukudu starring.

Botswana-EU/Trade & Health: The EU suspended Namibian beef imports after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, a move that could ripple across southern Africa’s livestock trade and jobs. Regional Conservation: Angola, Namibia and Botswana renewed efforts to protect the Cubango-Okavango basin, stressing the river system as one connected resource from Angola’s highlands to Botswana’s delta. Botswana Business & Finance: Letshego Africa is seeking P800m from shareholders to cut expensive borrowing costs and diversify funding, with major backing from Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund. Botswana Politics & Oversight: The Botswana Congress Party is calling for changes at the Directorate of Intelligence and Security as Director General Peter Magosi’s contract nears expiry. Wildlife News: India’s Kuno National Park welcomed five new cheetah cubs, with the father from Botswana—marking the start of a Botswana lineage in India. Sports: Mochudi Centre Chiefs host Township Rollers in a high-stakes Botswana Premier League derby as both chase early momentum.