AGP Executive Report

AFCON 2028 Bid: South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe have officially submitted a joint bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2028, with COSAFA confirming the move and Botswana FA president Tariq Babitseng saying the trio will meet to iron out any issues—potentially bringing AFCON back to Southern Africa for the first time since 2013. Regional Trade Pressure: A Southern African Transport Conference study puts cross-border disruption at about R15–R16 billion a year, with border queues at major gateways running from 7 to 70 hours, including extreme delays at Beitbridge. SADC Tourism Jobs: SADC says tourism could create an extra 3.17 million jobs from 2024 to 2034, projecting employment rising to about 10.73 million by 2034. Botswana in the Spotlight: EFF leader Julius Malema praised Botswana’s diamond model, claiming it funds free education, student allowances and broader social development. Sport—Commonwealth Games: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo is among notable absentees as Glasgow 2026 continues, while Botswana-linked results also feature in lawn bowls and other events. Karate Success: 13-year-old Aspirito van Neel won double gold (kata and kumite) at the Gaborone International Open Karate Championship.

Football Governance: Highlanders FC board chairman Luke Mkandla survived an ouster attempt after an Extraordinary General Meeting ended without a resolution, amid claims the meeting was “guided” and allegations including missing US$40,000 from a pre-season tour, unpaid player salaries, and governance breaches involving the suspended CEO. Regional Security: The U.S. warned Lesotho is vulnerable to transnational organised crime, pointing to methamphetamine networks reaching across Southern Africa, including arrests involving nationals in South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana. Diamonds & Courts: A diamond polisher at KGK Diamonds Botswana appeared in court accused of maliciously scratching a diamond worth nearly P300,000 in a suspected sabotage plot. AFCON 2028 Bid: South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe submitted a joint bid to host AFCON 2028, with officials saying a preliminary meeting will iron out issues. Sports (Botswana): Young George karateka Aspirito van Neel won double gold at the Gaborone International Open Karate Championship. Wildlife Tragedy: A Botswana Delta honeymoon canoe tour ended in tragedy after a hippo attack killed a newlywed woman in front of her husband.

Diamonds & Jobs: De Beers’ decision to pause production at its Venetia mine for two years adds fresh pressure to an already battered diamond market as demand weakens and synthetic stones reshape buying habits. Cross-Border Trade: South Africa’s immigration crackdown on drivers is disrupting lucrative routes, with transporters warning enforcement could choke regional commerce and push the industry to seek relief. AFCON Bid: South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe have submitted a joint bid to host AFCON 2028, with a preliminary meeting planned to iron out issues—aiming to bring the tournament back to Southern Africa after 15 years. Botswana Business & Value Addition: BEMA and BaMangwato leadership sign an MoU to pilot community-owned enterprises across seven districts, targeting agro-processing, leather, tourism, renewable energy and other export-ready value chains. Transport & Safety: A bus crash involving passengers travelling from Botswana to Harare left survivors stranded after the fatal collision, while Ford recalls certain Ranger and Everest models sold in Botswana over a transmission fault risk. Regional Security: Reports continue to flag Russia’s alleged recruitment tactics targeting Batswana, raising concerns about forced enlistment and citizen safety.

AFCON Push: South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe have officially submitted a joint bid to host AFCON 2028, with Botswana Football Association/COSAFA president Tariq Babitseng saying the bloc has the infrastructure and vision to make it happen. Road Safety Shock: Passengers on a bus travelling from Botswana to Harare say they were stranded after a fatal crash on the Bulawayo–Harare Road that killed Highlanders FC executives and an unidentified woman. Visa Shake-up: The U.S. plans to consolidate routine visa services across Africa into regional hubs from Aug. 1, 2026, with Gaborone and Harare among posts set to stop routine processing. Vehicle Recall: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission says certain 2017–2020 Ford Ranger and Everest models (10R80 transmission) may lose drive; software updates will be done free for affected owners, including vehicles exported to Botswana. Security Warning: Ukraine alleges Russia is recruiting foreign tourists, including Africans, into its occupation army through document seizures and forced enlistment. Mining Update: Arc Minerals reports an 18km extension of an inferred copper target at its Virgo project in Botswana, with drilling expected in early August. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s Kemorena Tisang won gold at the African Championships, while Kipkorir Rotich eyes Commonwealth Games redemption after a fall cost him a medal.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): Botswana’s presence was felt at the opening ceremony as athletes from 74 nations entered the arena, with the Games’ start marked by King Charles and Queen Camilla’s surprise Tardis arrival. Bowls Upset: Fiji’s Rajnesh Prasad stunned England’s Sam Tolchard in the men’s singles, while Fiji’s women beat Botswana in pairs. Climate & Food Security: A super El Niño is forecast to intensify extreme weather across southern Africa, putting Botswana and neighbours among the most exposed and raising fears of a wider food crisis. Botswana Youth & Jobs: Botswana acceded to the African Youth Charter, aiming to unlock youth empowerment and employment support across the AU framework. Tax Reform: Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) is rolling out major tax changes to boost domestic revenue as mineral earnings decline. FMD Update: Government says Foot and Mouth Disease is being suppressed in key areas, with vaccination and containment fencing underway. Digital Access: A new digital centre was launched at Sankoyo Primary School to expand rural internet access and digital literacy. Diamonds Watch: De Beers reported a sharp jump in rough diamond production, driven by resumed operations at Orapa in Botswana, even as the diamond market remains under pressure.

Botswana Medicine Crisis: MPs and health officials clashed at the Public Accounts Committee hearing over medicine shortages, expired drugs and blame-shifting between the Ministry and Central Medical Stores, with Lobatse MP Kamal Jacobs alleging patients are “paying with their lives.” Youth & Jobs: Botswana has formally acceded to the African Youth Charter, a move aimed at boosting youth empowerment, employment and participation in decision-making. Tax Overhaul: Botswana Unified Revenue Service reforms are set to modernise tax administration and raise more domestic revenue as mineral earnings decline, targeting a higher tax-to-GDP path. FMD Battle: Minister Edwin Dikoloti says Foot and Mouth Disease cases in parts of the North East have been suppressed through vaccination, while more complex zones are being tackled via further rounds and containment fencing. Regional Trade & Transport: Botswana and Namibia are advancing the Trans Kalahari Railway with bilateral talks focused on a freight corridor linking Botswana to Walvis Bay. Sport & National Pride: Team Botswana has arrived in Glasgow targeting seven medals at the Commonwealth Games, while Botswana’s tennis women marked a milestone with a first Billie Jean King Cup win.

Mining & Investment: Vantage Metals has kicked off its maiden diamond-drilling programme at its Kalahari copper project in Botswana, targeting three priority areas and planning an initial 5,000m–10,000m campaign through at least October. Copper Update: Cobre Limited says progress continues in Botswana, including an Equinor collaboration on in-situ copper recovery at Ngami, commissioning work at the NCP ISCR well field, and follow-up drilling at Okavango and Kitlanya with encouraging copper-silver results. Economic Diversification: President Duma Boko toured a hemp trial in Mochudi and says industrial hemp could cut Botswana’s dependence on diamonds while creating jobs and business opportunities. Trade & Mobility: Botswana is listed among African countries whose citizens can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days, according to South Africa’s official exemption list. Governance & Rights: The Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana has applied to join a High Court constitutional case that could pave the way for legal recognition of same-sex marriage. Public Health Pressure: MPs grilled health ministry officials over medicine shortages, with allegations that patients are dying due to failures in supply and management. Vehicle Safety: South Africa’s NCC recalls Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX600 models over fuel leak and engine defect risks—some exported to Botswana and Namibia.

Same-Sex Marriage Case: The Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana has applied to join the High Court constitutional challenge that could make Botswana only the second African country to legally recognise same-sex marriage, with a decision on admission expected Sept. 4. Vehicle Safety Recalls: The National Consumer Commission has announced recalls affecting Nissan Qashqai (fuel leak risk) plus Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX600 (engine defect that can cause stalling), urging owners to visit authorised dealers for free repairs. Mining & Diamonds: Botswana is weighing whether to take majority ownership of De Beers as Anglo American moves to sell its stake ahead of a Q4 2026 deadline, with lab-grown diamonds adding pressure to the traditional model. Economic Diversification Push: Botswana Development Corporation is moving ahead with dairy expansion, importing 1,000 high-yield dairy cattle from Brazil, starting with 200 pregnant Girolando cows for Milk Valley Farm. Governance & Corruption: A new Ibrahim Index of African Governance report places Botswana sixth in Africa on anti-corruption, warning of an “increasing deterioration” trend. Sports & Policy: Botswana’s Parliament gets a push for independence under Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse, while Botswana Football Association wraps a FIFA Forward workshop focused on stronger governance.

Debt Watch: Botswana’s debt is estimated at P90bn (33% of GDP) as of Dec 2025, with Bank of Botswana projecting debt-to-GDP could hit 44.7% by 2026/27—above the 40% ceiling—if deficits keep widening. Road Safety: Government plans to amend the Road Traffic Act to criminalise driving under the influence of illicit drugs, expanding DUI enforcement beyond alcohol. Russia Recruitment: Botswana again warns citizens are being deceptively recruited and coerced to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine, saying the numbers are rising. Legal Developments: Botswana’s High Court hears applications to join or act as amicus in the constitutional challenge seeking to legalise same-sex marriage, with religious groups opposing. Justice Delays: The Ramantosha triple murder trial in Molepolole Magistrates Court is postponed again, now set for 14–15 October. Court Case: A Gaborone High Court convicts Tshegofatso Molefe of attempted murder over a 2014 arson attack, sentencing details to follow. Business & Tech: Cassava Technologies expands secure cloud resilience after Africa Data Centres is designated a Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro peering location in Johannesburg. Sports & Culture: Botswana-based luxury designer Delayna Scott is featured after migrating from Guyana, while local entertainment news spotlights the Ga Maila Leteisi Affair in Kanye on 28 November.

Road Safety Law Update: Botswana is set to amend the Road Traffic Act to criminalise driving under the influence of illicit drugs, widening impaired-driving offences beyond alcohol. Visa and Diplomacy: Botswana says it remains open to future visa-free travel talks with China after China’s expanded unilateral visa-free list left African countries, including Botswana, out. Electricity Costs: BERA has approved a 9% electricity tariff increase for 2026/27, effective August 1, adding pressure to already stretched household budgets. Parliamentary Reform Push: Former Speaker Phandu Skelemani backs Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse’s call for an independent Parliament free from executive control. Forced Recruitment Warning: Botswana warns citizens about fraudulent job offers that lure people to Russia and then force them onto the front lines. Justice Delays: The Ramantosha triple murder trial in Molepolole Magistrates Court faces another postponement, with suspects still on bail. Child Protection: BONELA reports child marriages persist in parts of Botswana, linking the practice to school dropouts and early pregnancies. Business & Tech: Cassava Technologies expands cloud resilience via Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Metro in Johannesburg.

Commonwealth Games 2026: Glasgow will host the pared-down Commonwealth Games after Victoria, Australia, pulled out. Sports & Economy: Only 10 sports will be contested, with about 3,000 athletes expected, using venues from the 2014 Games—still a boost for the local economy. Cost of Living: Botswana households and businesses face higher electricity bills after BERA approved a 9% tariff increase for 2026/27, effective August 1. Parliament Watch: Former Speaker Phandu Skelemani urged President Duma Boko and lawmakers to back Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse’s push for an independent Parliament. Dairy Push: Milk Valley Farm begins expanding local milk production with the arrival of 200 pregnant Girolando cattle, part of a 1,000-herd plan. Banking: Botswana Savings Bank reported a sharp profit drop to BWP 0.4m as liquidity pressures and funding costs bite. Diamonds Deal: Anglo American named the Global Diamond Consortium (led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny) as preferred bidder for its diamond business; Botswana is assessing options under its 15% stake and rights. Russia Recruitment Warning: Botswana again warned citizens about deceptive recruitment into Russia’s Ukraine war, saying distress calls are rising “at an alarming rate.” Regional Anti-Corruption: Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe reaffirmed cross-border anti-corruption cooperation at African Anti-Corruption Day in Victoria Falls.

Russia-Ukraine Recruitment: Botswana says the number of Batswana being lured into fighting for Russia is rising “at an alarming rate,” with officials citing “heartbreaking calls” from people already on the frontline. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria has taken the xenophobia crisis in South Africa to ECOWAS, urging the matter be escalated to the African Union. SADC Animal Health: SADC is pushing a unified plan to tackle foot-and-mouth disease, including cross-border vaccination coordination and a transboundary animal disease framework. De Beers Deal Watch: Anglo American has named a preferred bidder for an 85% stake in De Beers, with Botswana holding 15% and assessing options amid diamond market pressure. Transport Infrastructure: Botswana and Namibia say talks on the Trans Kalahari Railway are progressing toward technical and financing discussions in Kasane. Public Service Hiring Freeze: Government has frozen new public service posts, redeploying staff from overstaffed ministries to shortages. Media & Tech: eMedia launches Openview Stream, a free ad-supported streaming service rolling out first to Botswana and other markets. Sports: Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos confirm 20 countries including Botswana; Botswana also features in regional tennis and pre-season football fixtures.

Botswana-Russia Warning: Botswana’s Ministry of International Relations says the number of citizens being lured by fake job offers and then forced into combat for Russia in Ukraine is rising “at an alarming rate,” urging people to verify offers before travelling. De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana says it is engaging Namibia and Angola over possible changes to Anglo American’s De Beers stake, aiming to secure an “optimal” increased holding within legal and financial rules. Railways Crisis Funding: Government secured P450 million to clear Botswana Railways debts after strike action, with urgent focus on loan deductions allegedly not remitted. Private Health VAT Pushback: Doctors, dentists and medical practitioners warn VAT on private healthcare could make treatment unaffordable and worsen strain on the public system; a fast-growing petition is challenging the move. Blood Supply Alarm: WHO flags structural weaknesses in Botswana’s blood transfusion service, citing fragmented coordination, ageing equipment, weak information systems and recurring shortages. Food Poisoning Lawsuit: Court documents show Gaborone City Council inspected and fined Spar Broadhurst after a customer alleged illness from expired mabele mageu. Business Pressure: Business Botswana warns that tax and labour reforms rolled out together could trigger job losses and closures unless phased carefully. SADC Standby Force: Botswana is set to host a logistics depot for the SADC Standby Force, now 68% complete, to boost regional response capacity.

Ukraine War Fallout: Botswana has warned of an “alarming” rise in citizens being lured by fake job offers to Russia and then forced into active combat in Ukraine, urging people to verify overseas employment before travelling. Health System Pressure: A WHO assessment says Botswana’s blood transfusion services face serious weaknesses—fragmented coordination, ageing equipment, weak information systems and recurring shortages—raising risks to safe blood supply. Healthcare VAT Backlash: Botswana’s doctors, dentists and medical practitioners are pushing back against proposed VAT on private healthcare, warning it could make treatment unaffordable and worsen strain on public services; a fast-growing petition is also challenging President Duma Boko’s “human rights” agenda. Regional Security Build-Up: Botswana is hosting a SADC Standby Force logistics depot, now 68% complete, aimed at boosting regional response to security threats, disasters and trafficking, among others. Economy & Diamonds: Botswana is weighing options around Anglo American’s De Beers sale process, with reports naming a consortium led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny as preferred bidder. Sports & Talent: CRDB Bank plans a football academy to nurture talent from Tanzania’s Imbeju Ndondo Cup, while Botswana’s Lee Eppie and others featured in recent regional and international sport coverage.

Russia-Ukraine Recruitment Trap: Botswana warns an “alarming” rise in citizens being lured into Russia’s war through deceptive job schemes, then forced into active combat, with the foreign ministry saying it receives distress calls from people already on the frontline. Visa Rules Watch: Russia has published its 2026 visa-free entry list, where South Africans can travel visa-free on any passport type, while most other African countries are limited to diplomatic or service passports; separate reports also show Taiwan’s 2026 eVisa includes only one African country. Diamond Deal Looms: Botswana is weighing its options as Anglo American moves toward a decisive sale of its De Beers stake, with a preferred bidder identified and Botswana’s right of first refusal central to the outcome. Public Trust & Misinformation: Botswana’s Vice President urged communicators to strengthen trust by promoting accurate information and fighting misinformation at a regional Effective Communicators Conference. Regional Sports Moment: Nigeria’s women’s tennis team earned a historic promotion to Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Group II after beating Botswana 2-1 in Gaborone. Banking Recognition: Access Bank won 16 Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, including honours tied to Botswana and other African markets.

Forced Recruitment Watch: Botswana says an “alarming” rise in citizens being tricked into fighting for Russia has been reported, with the foreign ministry urging people to verify job offers and warning that recruits are forced into active combat. Diamond Deal: Anglo American has named the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as preferred bidder for De Beers, while Botswana weighs whether to use its right of first refusal alone, with the bidder, or with a third party. APRA Leadership: The African Public Relations Association re-elected Arik Karani as president, Michele Mekeme as vice president and Omoniyi Ibietan as secretary general in Swakopmund, Namibia. Regional Trade: Botswana and Namibia reaffirmed plans to deepen trade links after a Walvis Bay port visit focused on the Botswana Dry Port and the Trans-Kalahari Corridor. Visa Updates: Taiwan listed only one African country for its 2026 eVisa, while Iran published its visa-free tourism list naming six African states. Sports & Culture: Botswana’s Gaborone Book Festival returns 20–22 August, and Botswana’s street dancer Alvan-Michael Okere won a ticket to the Red Bull world final in Switzerland.