AGP Executive Report

Public Health Pressure: A Botswana infant with severe scald burns was reportedly turned away at a public clinic due to missing medicines, forcing a rushed trip to a private hospital in Gaborone—highlighting fears about medicine shortages and emergency care access. Sports Development: Botswana Boxing Association says it’s shifting from “moments” to systems, rolling out governance reforms and a 2025–2028 strategic plan to grow athletes and make boxing more competitive. Chess on Home Soil: Botswana will host the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships at Debswana Jwaneng Mine (June 18–27), a World Cup qualifier that brings strong titled players and puts Botswana in the continental spotlight. Regional Democracy: President Duma Boko praised the ECF-SADC for strengthening trust in electoral processes, urging continued work to deepen democratic institutions across Southern Africa. Digital & Security Context: A report notes Botswana’s digital fraud rate remains the lowest in Africa, even as criminals adapt.

Public Health Crisis: A Botswana infant with severe scald burns was reportedly forced to travel over 50km from Mankgodi to Bokamoso Private Hospital after a government clinic lacked key medicines—highlighting fears that medicine shortages and emergency care gaps are putting lives at risk. Creative Industry Warning: A Botswana Gazette opinion piece argues that agencies chasing “client happiness” can end up delivering safe, forgettable work, warning that comfort-focused processes kill truly distinctive branding. Regional Diplomacy: Botswana President Duma Boko praised the SADC Electoral Commissions Forum (ECF-SADC) for strengthening trust in democratic processes, urging continued support for stable institutions across Southern Africa. Sports Development: Botswana will host the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships at Debswana Jwaneng Mine (June 18–27), a World Cup qualifier expected to boost local chess and tourism. Governance & Sport: The Botswana Boxing Association says it is pushing governance reforms and long-term athlete development under its 2025–2028 strategic plan. Tourism Pressure: Botswana authorities say more Batswana are choosing Namibia for tourism, prompting a fact-finding push to understand what Namibia offers that local destinations don’t.

Botswana Tourism Watch: Botswana authorities are alarmed that more Batswana are choosing Namibia for holidays, with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism probing why locals are shunning domestic trips despite Namibia’s wildlife draw. Regional Governance: President Duma Boko praised the SADC Electoral Commissions Forum (ECF-SADC) for strengthening citizens’ trust and stability in elections across Southern Africa. Sport Development: The Botswana Boxing Association says it is shifting to long-term systems—governance reforms and athlete development—under its 2025–2028 strategic plan. Chess on the Map: Botswana will host the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships at Debswana Jwaneng Mine (June 18–27), with 25 countries confirmed and the event serving as a World Cup qualifier. Women’s Rugby Milestone: Botswana Rugby Union will stage the country’s first women’s 15-a-side match, an exhibition between BDF Cheetahs and Jwaneng. Public Safety & Justice: The BDF confirmed two unexplained deaths at 2 Brigade Group in Francistown, while a high-profile BDF captain’s double murder case remains stuck in pre-trial delays.

Xenophobia Call-Out: A fresh debate is brewing in South Africa after reports that major business leaders and corporate executives have stayed largely silent during repeated xenophobic attacks—despite the violence hitting workers, customers, investors and regional stability. Banking Ambition: Access Holdings says it has completed about 20 acquisitions in four years and now wants to be measured against Africa’s biggest bank, Standard Bank, as it shifts focus to profitability and investor returns. Botswana–SADC Democracy: President Duma Boko praised the ECF-SADC for strengthening citizens’ trust in electoral processes and promoting stability across the region. Tourism Pressure: Botswana officials say more Batswana are choosing Namibia for tourism, prompting a fact-finding mission to understand what’s pulling travellers away from local destinations. Defence Update: The BDF confirmed deaths of two service members in Francistown and said investigations are underway, urging the public to avoid speculation. Women’s Rugby Milestone: Botswana Rugby Union announced the first-ever women’s 15-a-side match in the country, with BDF Cheetahs set to face Jwaneng. Oil & Jobs Plan: Botswana’s Seth Resources Petroleum unveiled plans for a Chobe-based refinery and large storage facility, aiming to turn the district into an energy hub without producing crude oil locally.

Retail & Jobs: Spar is pushing harder into own-brand products, aiming to lift margins and reignite growth after disappointing interim results, with private label targeted to rise from about 22% of sales toward 30%. Finance & Integration: Alexforbes says it is consolidating fund administration platforms across Namibia, South Africa and Botswana into one system, decommissioning legacy platforms to cut costs and improve client service. Justice & Security: The BDF murder case against Captain Mogomotsi Sepopa remains stuck at pre-trial stage, with the matter set for a Case Management Conference on 9 November after further pre-trial steps. Defence Update: The BDF confirmed two service members died under unexplained circumstances at 2 Brigade Group in Donga, Francistown, as investigations continue amid social media speculation. Sports Milestone: Botswana Rugby Union is set for the country’s first women’s 15-a-side exhibition match, with BDF Cheetahs taking on Jwaneng. Tourism Watch: Botswana authorities are concerned more Batswana are choosing Namibia over local tourism and are investigating what Namibia offers that is missing at home. Digital Fraud: TransUnion reports Botswana’s suspected digital fraud rate is 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025, the lowest across African markets in its study. Energy Ambition: Seth Resources Petroleum unveiled plans for a crude oil refinery and large storage facility in Chobe District, positioning Botswana as a regional petroleum hub without producing oil.

Procurement Crackdown: Botswana’s Industry and Commerce Minister warned against abuse of procurement price exemptions, saying some public entities are bypassing the National Standard Price List through vague “special circumstances,” undermining value for money. Digital Safety: TransUnion reports Botswana’s suspected digital fraud is still the lowest in Africa at 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025, though fraudsters are shifting to higher-trust scams targeting account creation and logins. Energy Theft Hits Francistown: Botswana Power Corporation says cable theft and vandalism in Francistown have reached 624 incidents since April 2025, costing about P6.864 million and causing frequent blackouts. Local Football & Community Sport: TAFIC’s management deal has ended, with Petro Hyper stepping away and the society taking full control again. Aviation & Tourism Push: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa, drawing about 450 delegates to boost air connectivity and tourism partnerships. Royal Engagement: Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso confirmed her participation in the 10th Anniversary Desert Bush Walk in Jwaneng, alongside President Duma Boko. Sports Spotlight: Letsile Tebogo won the 200m at the Bislett Games in Oslo, with Botswana’s sprint scene staying in the global spotlight.

Judicial Retirement Row: Botswana’s region is watching Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court turmoil as protests grow over a proposed increase in the retirement age for Superior Court judges—sparking claims of “serious disunity” and pushing the government to clarify cabinet status. Repatriation Relief: Botswana’s Ministry of International Relations is considering a national repatriation fund to help families cover the steep costs of bringing deceased Batswana home from abroad, with current expenses often exceeding P100,000. Diplomacy & Traditional Status: Bakgatla leader Kgosi Kgafela II has asked President Duma Boko for appointment as High Commissioner to South Africa while also seeking recognition as a king under Botswana law, raising questions about immunities and constitutional fit. De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana is courting the UAE and Oman to help acquire more of the De Beers stake as diamond revenues face pressure. Tech & AI Access: Google is expanding “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Botswana and other African markets, aiming to make browser AI more widely available. Aviation Spotlight: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa, bringing about 450 delegates to push new airline routes and boost tourism and trade connectivity. Energy Regulation Profile: BERA CEO Dr Never Tshabang explains how the regulator is balancing energy transitions with supply security amid market shocks. Local Industry Policy: In Selebi-Phikwe, officials say delays in gazetting a 30% local off-take policy are scaring off investors and slowing industrial growth.

Aviation & Tourism: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa, opened by Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, drawing about 450 delegates from 50+ airlines, airports and policymakers to push new routes and partnerships that could boost connectivity and the visitor economy. Public Health at Borders: Botswana’s Ministry of Health says Ebola screening at Tlokweng has seen isolated refusals by a small number of travellers, but insists the situation is under control and being managed through awareness and monitoring. Power Supply Watch: Botswana is unlikely to face major winter load shedding, with officials pointing to improving generation capacity and stabilisation at Morupule B, though demand peaks still require careful management. Wildlife Crime: Two pangolin traffickers in South Africa’s North West were sentenced to eight years after being convicted for smuggling a Temminck’s pangolin, underscoring tougher enforcement against wildlife trafficking. Sports (Botswana Spotlight): Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo advised teen sprinter Gout Gout to race “age mates” and avoid getting too comfortable with seniors after Gout finished sixth in Oslo. Tech & AI: Google expanded “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Botswana and other African markets, bringing built-in AI search and help to more users. Business (Regional): Marubeni moved closer to buying TiAuto Investments (Tiger Wheel & Tyre’s parent) in a deal reported around R2.6bn, signalling deeper Japanese involvement in Southern Africa’s automotive aftermarket.

De Beers Deal Push: Botswana is looking to the UAE and Oman to help finance the acquisition of a bigger stake in De Beers, with President Duma Boko saying the Gulf partners have “claimed that spot” as talks continue amid softer diamond demand and competition from synthetic stones. Power Supply Watch: Botswana says major winter load shedding is unlikely this year, pointing to improved stability at Morupule B Power Station and better generation performance heading into June–July. Health Screening Tension: The Ministry of Health reports isolated resistance to Ebola screening at the Tlokweng Border Post, stressing cases are being monitored and that awareness efforts are ongoing. Wildlife Crime Sentencing: Two pangolin traffickers in South Africa were sentenced to eight years after being convicted for smuggling a Temminck’s pangolin, underlining the region’s crackdown on illegal wildlife trade. Sports Spotlight (Botswana): Letsile Tebogo won the men’s 200m at the Oslo Diamond League in 19.84, while Sinesipho Dambile took second (20.12) and Gout Gout finished sixth (20.60) in his debut. Labour & Mental Health: BOFEPUSU condemned Choppies Botswana’s planned retrenchments as workers’ betrayal after a minimum wage pledge, while researchers say a youth-led mental health intervention model shows promise for teens in Botswana.

UAE-backed mega-project: Albaddad Holding has launched “New Botswana City” in Gaborone with Botswana Development Corporation, a 1.24 million sq m mixed-use development worth about US$1.9bn across three phases, including 51 residential towers, commercial blocks and five international hotels—aimed at boosting trade, tourism and investment. Labour pressure in diamonds: Botswana Diamond Workers Union plans a nationwide campaign for “decent work and dignity,” pushing for higher wages, stronger protections and better localisation, after complaints that many workers in cutting, polishing and processing earn as little as P1,900–P3,000 monthly. Debt spotlight: The IMF says Botswana has the fastest-growing government debt surge globally, with debt shifting from a net asset position in 2001 to projected gross debt of about 45.2% of GDP in 2026, raising questions about household impacts. Jobs and skills gap: Higher Education Ministry says graduate unemployment is driven by a mismatch between skills produced and what industry needs. Digital enforcement gap: Government admits it can’t effectively unmask fake Facebook accounts, citing limits in cybercrime capacity and delays in fully operationalising the Cybersecurity Act. Mining court relief: Mineworkers at Mupane Gold Mine get a boost as the Court of Appeal rules in favour of Nova Africa and the liquidator, ending legal challenges from rival bidder Ulsan Botswana. Sports warning: BNOC calls school sports an urgent national crisis, warning Botswana risks losing a generation of athletes without organised school programmes. Business outlook: BMI warns Botswana’s banking sector may stay stable but face tighter conditions, weaker growth and rising macro-fiscal risks. Regional wildlife research: UW researchers return to northern Botswana to study how heatwaves and droughts are changing lions and African wild dogs’ behaviour and reproduction. Transport investment: Sunlux Solar breaks ground on a P14m solar manufacturing facility in Tlokweng, targeting about 160 jobs, mostly for women and young people. Corporate deal with local footprint: Marubeni has acquired TiAuto Investments, owner of Tiger Wheel & Tyre, which operates stores across Botswana and other southern African countries.

UAE Investment Push: Albaddad Holding has launched its $1.9bn “New Botswana City” in Gaborone with BDC, a massive mixed-use plan spanning 1.24 million sq m across three phases, including hotels, offices, residences and an international convention/exhibition hub. Sports Governance & Talent Pipeline: The BNOC warns school sports are absent and calls it a “national crisis,” saying Botswana risks losing a generation of athletes unless school programmes are revived. Court Timeline for Doping Case: Botswana’s High Court has set an August 10 hearing for provisionally suspended athletes after confusion over an earlier date and criticism of the court process. Banking Outlook: BMI says Botswana’s banking sector is likely to stay stable but face pressure from weak growth, tighter monetary policy and diamond-sector uncertainty. Local Industry Jobs: Sunlux Solar broke ground on a P14m Tlokweng manufacturing facility expected to create about 160 jobs, with 80% for women and youth. Education Skills Gap: Higher Education Ministry says graduate unemployment is driven by a mismatch between skills taught and what industry needs. Football Reality Check: Botswana’s club collapses highlight how fragile funding and short-term ambition are in the local game. Wildlife Research in the North: UW researchers are returning to northern Botswana to track how lions and African wild dogs respond to climate change and heatwaves.

Housing & governance shake-up: Botswana’s Minister Ramogapi has fired the entire Botswana Housing Corporation board, adding pressure to an already sensitive housing sector. Local politics turns tense: In Palapye, councillors moved to topple PDC chair Kabo Ketshogile, replacing him with BPF’s David Ikanyeng, before the minister suspended the council and all committees over governance failures. Big investment push: UAE-backed Albaddad has launched the $1.9bn “New Botswana City” project in Gaborone, with a first phase focused on an international convention and exhibition facility. Jobs and local industry: Sunlux Solar broke ground on a P14m manufacturing plant in Tlokweng, targeting about 160 jobs, with most roles for women and youth. Public safety controversy: Botswana Police have denied claims that the City Police Unit has been suspended, amid allegations of resource shortages and political fallout. Social crisis spotlight: GBV cases topped 7,500 in the first quarter of 2026, with rape and defilement figures remaining alarmingly high. Competition & trade: CCA cleared CFAO Healthcare’s acquisition of 75% of Medswana, while Botswana’s digital economy faces calls for deeper structural reform beyond online visibility.

Electoral Boundaries: A Commonwealth Observer Group says Antigua & Barbuda must urgently review constituency boundaries, warning voter-number disparities since 1984 could undermine equal suffrage and public confidence. Mining Livelihoods: An Al Jazeera report highlights how diamond-sector retrenchments are pushing some Botswana workers into debt and survival mode after sudden job losses. Wildlife & Elephants: KAZA states meet in Victoria Falls to align on wildlife conservation and elephant trade, with CITES-linked discussions expected to dominate. Financial Integrity: Botswana’s acting finance minister urges SADC to strengthen anti–money laundering and counter-terror financing cooperation, noting vulnerabilities from trade, food, energy and fiscal shocks. Flag Fraud Row: Botswana distances itself from a US-targeted “Botswana-flagged” oil tanker, citing vessel registration/operation claims as false and flag-fraud concerns. Big Investment Push: UAE firm Albaddad and Botswana Development Corporation launch “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a $1.9bn mixed-use project. Sports Governance: Botswana netball faces fallout over match-fixing allegations, with men’s finals reportedly cancelled. Regional TVET: Private colleges are positioned to drive Botswana’s TVET revolution as capacity constraints persist.

New Botswana City Deal: Botswana has signed a roughly $2bn agreement with UAE’s Albaddad Group to build “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a mixed-use development covering 1.24 million sq m with exhibition and trade facilities, hotels, offices, retail and residential towers; Albaddad will finance the full project while Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) contributes land and takes an initial 5% stake, aiming to grow it to 26%. PPC Turnaround Payoff: Cement giant PPC says its turnaround is continuing to bite, reporting a 31% jump in EBITDA to about R2.1bn for the year to March 31, with earnings per share up 75% and a 72% dividend increase, as margins expand under its “Awaken the Giant” strategy. Climate Risk, More Extreme Weather: A report links more frequent intense storms and heavy downpours to global warming from fossil-fuel emissions, warning that local impacts depend on preparedness even when the timing can’t be predicted precisely. Netball Crisis: Botswana netball is in turmoil after match-fixing allegations led to the cancellation of men’s league finals, with clubs questioning how the issue was handled and whether proper processes were followed. Energy/Finance Watch: Botswana’s sovereign debt pressures remain in the spotlight after coverage noted that only Botswana saw a steeper debt rise than the UK, tied to the diamond downturn and fiscal strain.

De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana is in discussions with the UAE and Oman over a possible enlarged stake in De Beers, as President Duma Boko weighs options after Anglo American moves to sell its 85% holding—an issue that matters for a country where diamonds drive most export earnings. Business Outlook: A Bank of Botswana survey says firms are bracing for tighter conditions, with weaker government spending and rising costs, while exchange-rate pressures and geopolitical risks are weighing on operations. Mining Transformation: Botswana’s mining leaders will meet in Gaborone for the Future of Mining Summit 2026, focusing on investment, beneficiation and how to unlock exploration finance. Media Policy: Parliament is set to consider a Media Development Fund and Media Council structure to support Botswana’s struggling media sector. Sports & Talent: Botswana cricket’s Motlhanka marks a breakthrough with a maiden T20I hundred in World Cup qualifiers, while local football continues to track CAF/FIFA stadium readiness. Conservation & Culture: Goo-Moremi Resort receives giraffe tracking equipment, and Ghanzi leaders renew calls to revive the Kuru Dance Festival. Health (Regional): Zimbabwe’s cancer equipment upgrade is linked to a sugar tax funding stream, highlighting how public health levies can translate into treatment capacity.

Business Outlook: Botswana firms say government spending is tightening and borrowing costs are rising, with the Bank of Botswana’s March 2026 survey pointing to an unfavourable exchange-rate environment and cost pressures ahead. Mining & Investment: A Future of Mining Summit 2026 in Gaborone (29–30 June) will focus on transforming the sector, boosting beneficiation, and tackling the exploration investment gap. Finance Leadership: Capricorn Group says Bank Gaborone MD Olebile Makhupe will step down, with an acting MD to be appointed and a permanent recruitment process underway. Sports & Facilities: Botswana’s National Sports Stadium is in the spotlight as Zimbabwe pushes for CAF/FIFA clearance ahead of major qualifiers. Culture & Tourism: Ghanzi leaders are calling for the return of the Kuru Dance Festival to revive San cultural heritage and local tourism. Conservation: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment to strengthen monitoring and visitor education. Arts & Society: A formal repeal in Botswana removes outdated criminal provisions affecting LGBTQI+ people, a move framed as a major step for dignity and safety.