AGP Executive Report

Zambia Inauguration Under Tension: Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term after a disputed Aug. 13 election, with his main rival Brian Mundubile detained on treason charges as vote-rigging allegations and concerns about tallying processes linger. Regional Diplomacy: Botswana President Duma Boko attended the Lusaka swearing-in, while Namibia’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said cooperation plans will push infrastructure links involving Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. Botswana Cyber Alarm: Researchers warn of long-running cybercrime targeting Batswana, including exposed Hungry Lion customer credentials and broader scams that prey on mobile money users. Mining & Jobs Push: Epiroc secured major underground equipment orders for MMG’s Khoemacau copper expansion in Botswana, while Galvanising Botswana moves toward a downstream steel-processing push. Finance Watch: BIHL core earnings jumped 102%, and Botswana’s new tax laws aim to broaden the tax base amid fiscal pressure. Health Data Focus: Botswana joined a UN/ECA workshop training health ministries to frame spending as investment using national data. Road Safety: A Molepolole man died in a head-on collision after one vehicle allegedly veered into the opposite lane.

Zambia Inauguration Watch: Hakainde Hichilema is set to be sworn in for a second term at Lusaka’s National Heroes Stadium, after a disputed Aug. 13 election and the treason detention of his main rival Brian Mundubile, who has been moved to Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison; observers raised concerns about tallying and verification, while Botswana President Duma Boko is among confirmed regional dignitaries. Botswana Politics & Accountability: Botswana citizens are publicly venting on social media, accusing President Duma Boko of prioritising image and fashion over delivering promised jobs, lower living costs and faster service improvements. Court Ruling—Malawi Officer vs SADC Posting: A Malawian police officer lost a High Court bid to challenge the withdrawal of her SADC Secretariat secondment in Gaborone, with the court saying the dispute is employment/contractual, not suited to judicial review. Regional Crime Links: Two Zimbabweans were arrested in Botswana over a Maun robbery allegedly involving P375,000+; they face charges and are remanded pending further investigations. Inflation Pressure: Bank of Botswana Governor Lesego Moseki warns businesses and households to brace for ongoing inflation from fuel and electricity costs, global tensions, and foot-and-mouth-related livestock movement limits. Health Regulation Update: BOMRA CEO Dr Seima Dijeng says Botswana’s new medicines law is still “in waiting” as regulators draft the rules to make it work in practice.

Police Leadership: Botswana’s policing ecosystem is in motion after CP Samuel Etaifo Erale assumed duty as 25th Commissioner of Police for Delta State Command in Nigeria. Public Safety: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission announced a Ford Ranger Double Cab recall over side-curtain airbag/B-pillar trim risks, with some affected vehicles exported to Botswana. Economy & Cost of Living: Bank of Botswana Governor Lesego Moseki warned inflation pressures are likely to persist as fuel and electricity costs rise and livestock movement restrictions bite. Midterm Promises: Government’s midterm progress report says social protection and arrears settlement have improved, but key pledges like pensions and student allowances still fall short. Health Policy: BOMRA is working on rules to make Botswana’s new medicines law operational, aiming for a system both Botswana and trading partners can trust. Sports: ZESCO Ndola Girls coach Florence Mwila said the COSAFA qualifier final loss to Mamelodi Sundowns “was not part of the plan,” while Sundowns secured a CAF Women’s Champions League spot. Business & Investment: Continental Reinsurance Botswana appointed Poneso Ndonje as Managing Director from 1 September 2026. Regional Crime: Two Zimbabweans were arrested in Botswana over a Maun robbery worth over P375,000.

Wildlife & Borders: A 27-year-old Botswana man, Tholego Gaebolae, was arrested after SANDF patrols spotted him crossing the Limpopo River into South Africa near Groblersbrug with a live pangolin in his bag; he failed to produce a passport and was charged with possession of a specially protected wild animal and immigration offences, then remanded with a bail application set for 17 September. Courts & Rights: The High Court in Gaborone ordered the release of late intelligence chief Isaac Kgosi’s property, slamming the State’s “indefinite” freeze as an abuse of law after nearly seven years. Business Climate: The Bank of Botswana’s survey says firms are most worried about rising borrowing costs and tighter collateral rules, with capital-heavy sectors feeling the squeeze. Local Economy: Francistown businesses recorded about P31m turnover in three months, with services leading at 73.8%, as the city pushes advisory support and funded projects. Public Services & Procurement: Air Botswana plans to appoint a Dubai firm for aircraft lease consultancy without a competitive tender, citing scarce expertise. Culture & Community: Dithubaruba Cultural Festival 2026 in Molepolole is set for 5 September after Absa renewed title sponsorship with a multi-year boost.

Border Security & Wildlife Crime: A 27-year-old Botswana man, Tholego Gaebolae, was arrested in South Africa after SANDF patrols spotted him crossing the Limpopo River near Groblersbrug with a live pangolin in his bag; he failed to produce a passport and was remanded for a bail application on 17 September. Extradition Tensions: Botswana’s President says South Africa is protecting some Botswana fugitives wanted for serious crimes, arguing extradition is blocked where the death penalty could apply. Governance & Procurement: Air Botswana plans to appoint ACC Aviation as its aircraft lease consultant without a competitive tender, citing limited specialised expertise. Diplomacy: The Sahrawi Ambassador to Botswana, Mr El-Hiba Abbas, has died after illness. Local Community Policing (Zimbabwe): Zimbabwe’s ZRP relaunched its client service charter in Plumtree amid calls to tackle rising crime. Sports (Regional Women’s Football): Mamelodi Sundowns won the CAF Women’s Champions League–COSAFA Qualifier in Gaborone, beating ZESCO Ndola Girls 2-1; hosts Gaborone United took third. Culture & Business: Dumela Creative Stock is returning to help Botswana-based creators sell photos, video and audio beyond local borders.

Botswana–Zambia Diplomacy: President Duma Boko has congratulated Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema on re-election, stressing shared values and deeper ties under regional integration. Sports (Women’s Football): Silver Strikers Ladies’ COSAFA/CAF Women’s Champions League run ended in heartbreak in Gaborone, losing 0-4 to hosts Gaborone United in the bronze play-off after a 0-0 first half. Health Tech Deal: Abu Dhabi’s M42 signed a 10-year partnership with Botswana’s Ministry of Health covering digital health transformation, national genomics and precision medicine. Trade & Industry Policy: Botswana is pushing “infant industry” tariff protection to spur local capacity, jobs and competitive manufacturing, linking it to the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme. Wildlife Crime: A 27-year-old Botswana national was arrested in South Africa for allegedly crossing into SA with a live pangolin, facing charges under wildlife protection and immigration law. Climate Watch: Southern Africa, including Botswana, faces increased chances of drier-than-normal rains in the 2026/27 season, with higher temperatures expected.

Diplomacy: Botswana President Duma Boko has congratulated Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema on re-election, pointing to shared history and pledging deeper ties under his leadership. Sports (Women’s football): Silver Strikers Ladies’ bronze hopes at the CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA qualifiers were hit after a 0-4 second-half collapse to Gaborone United Ladies, following their 1-2 semi-final loss to ZESCO Ndola Girls. Tech & health: Abu Dhabi’s M42 signed a 10-year partnership with Botswana’s Ministry of Health covering digital health transformation, national genomics and precision medicine. Energy & climate: Climate scientists warn Southern Africa—including Botswana—faces higher chances of drier-than-normal rains for Oct 2026–Mar 2027, while Botswana launched a 100MW solar PV plant at Mmadinare as part of its greener power push. Business & policy: Botswana is moving to tackle duplication across trade-related state institutions, and FNBB expects profit before tax to rise by P200m–P235m for FY ending June 2026. Regional sport media: DAZN secured LaLiga rights across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, with Botswana included.

DAZN Deal: DAZN has secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2028/29, bringing all 380 matches per season to 48 markets on live and on-demand platforms. Climate Watch: Southern Africa—including Botswana—faces increased chances of below-normal rainfall from October 2026 to March 2027, with above-normal temperatures also expected, linked to a strengthening El Niño. Local Economy: Botswana is pushing “infant industry” tariff protection, saying it must translate into jobs, investment and competitive manufacturing. Monetary Milestone: As Botswana marks 50 years of monetary sovereignty, Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe says the Pula’s future depends on building a broader, more productive economy. Energy Transition: Botswana launched a 100MW solar PV plant at Mmadinare, part of plans to raise renewables to 50% by 2030. Finance: FNB Botswana’s profit outlook points to a P200m–P235m rise before tax for FY ended June 2026. Trade Reform: The Trade Ministry says state institutions must stop duplicating and work as one delivery system. Agriculture Push: Botswana targets lifting agriculture’s GDP contribution from 2% to 6%, with horticulture projects in Kweneng rising sharply. Mining Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust reports paying R2.53bn to 26,300 claimants, with claims still processing as it enters its final three years.

Land & Property: Palapye District Council urged landowners to review the draft valuation roll now, using the Aug 7–Sept 4 public input period via palapye.thevalua.com, warning they should not wait for gazetting. Agriculture Push: Botswana targets lifting agriculture’s GDP share from 2% to 6%, with horticulture projects in Kweneng rising to 430 (420 operating) and output growing, alongside irrigation, digital tech and innovation plans. Mining Health Claims: Tshiamiso Trust says it has paid R2.53bn to 26,300 ex-miners and dependents under the silicosis and TB settlement, but claimants still complain about delays and access to medical examinations as the mandate enters its final three years. Ukraine–Botswana Cultural Links: Ukraine’s embassy in Gaborone launched a resilience-focused art exhibition and a University of Botswana research partnership running to Botswana’s 60th independence in September. Sports (Women’s Football): Silver Strikers Ladies’ CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifier run ended after a 2-1 loss to ZESCO Ndola Girls, with Carolyne Mathyola scoring for Silver. Consumer Business: Botswana Consumer Fair opened its 19th edition with a wider focus on trade, entrepreneurship and local enterprise beyond traditional exhibitions.

CAF Football: Silver Strikers Ladies’ historic CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifier run ended with a 2-1 semi-final defeat to ZESCO Ndola Girls in Gaborone; Carolyn Mathyola scored for Silver Strikers, who now head to the third-place playoff. Regional Mobility: South Africa expanded its 2026 visa-free list for 32 African nations, including Botswana, with stays reportedly ranging from 30 to 90 days—boosting travel, trade and cross-border business. Botswana Investment Spotlight: Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji (MeTL) met Botswana’s President, central bank governor and Botswana Stock Exchange leadership to discuss private-sector growth under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, with renewable energy and financial services on the table. Security & Crime: Botswana Police arrested suspects over a P375,000 robbery of three businessmen in Maun, including two Zimbabweans and a Motswana man, with the case linked to prior serious offences. Health & Governance: The Law Society of Botswana lost a bid to undo the Chief Justice’s order admitting South African Senior Counsel Reginald Willis in an FMD-related dispute, with the court stressing the national stakes for cattle movement and beef markets. Sports Development: Botswana launched the Ballin N Da Bush Safari Classic basketball tournament (Sept 28–30) in Gaborone, offering a US$100,000 prize purse and a pathway for local players.

Immigration Crackdown: Botswana police in Gaborone West arrested 52 foreign nationals for allegedly living in the country without valid documents, with more operations expected as authorities also probe suspected document fraud. Health & Policy: M42 signed a 10-year partnership with Botswana’s Ministry of Health to drive digital health transformation, a national genomics programme, precision medicine and a stronger medical supply chain. FMD Fallout: Botswana’s FMD vaccine shipment is set to reach Lesotho’s Botha-Bothe for cattle vaccination as the disease spreads, with vaccine supply prioritised for hotspots. Sports—Basketball: Botswana launched the Ballin N Da Bush Safari Classic (Sept 28–30, Gaborone) with a US$100,000 prize and a pathway for local players. Sports—Football: ZESCO Ndola Girls beat Malawi’s Silver Strikers 2-1 to reach the COSAFA final, while Silver Strikers are pushed into the third-place playoff. Business & Investment: MeTL’s Mo Dewji met Botswana leaders to explore new investments in renewable energy and financial services as the country pushes economic diversification. Crime: Three men were arrested over a P375,000 robbery of three Botswana businessmen in Maun, including two Zimbabweans.

Health & Tech Deal: UAE’s M42 signed a 10-year contract with Botswana’s Ministry of Health to roll out a national genomics programme, digitise health records and strengthen access to medicines—its first Africa government-level partnership. Football (CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA Qualifier): Mamelodi Sundowns booked a semi-final after beating Mozambique’s Costa do Sol 4-1, and will face hosts Gaborone United in a blockbuster clash; ZESCO Ndola Girls take on Silver Strikers in the other semi-final. Sports (Silver Ladies): Silver Strikers push for another historic run as they prepare to meet ZESCO Ndola Girls at Gaborone United Stadium. Mining & Licences: Verity Resources secured four prospecting licence renewals in eastern Botswana, extending tenure over Airstrip and Dibete copper-silver discoveries and the Maibele North resource. Capital Markets: BTC announced a nationwide Investor Day roadshow in Gaborone, Francistown and Maun to engage shareholders and investors. Labour Law Impact: Security firms warn Botswana’s new working-hour rules under the Employment and Labour Relations Act could raise staffing costs and force operational restructuring. Botswana-Oman Mobility: Omanis can enter Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days, while the arrangement is not reciprocal for Batswana. Wildlife Spotlight: Wildlife Photographer of the Year released previews of winning images ahead of the October exhibition.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year: The Natural History Museum in London has unveiled a sneak peek of 16 standout images from the 62nd Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest, with judges selecting 100 winning shots from a record 65,403 entries across 121 countries—full winners will be announced in October. Botswana Courts & Rights: Government is asking the High Court to rule on whether former politician Biggie Butale has legal standing before his challenge to the removal of Penal Code provisions that criminalised consensual same-sex relations. Immigration & Travel: Botswana has granted Omani citizens visa-free entry for up to 90 days, but the deal is not reciprocal for Batswana. Business & Investment: BTC will hold an Investor Day Roadshow in Gaborone, Francistown and Maun to engage shareholders and investors. Labour & Security: Botswana’s new working-hour rules are drawing pushback from security firms, which warn of higher staffing costs. Sports (Women’s Football): ZESCO Ndola Girls topped Group A after beating Gaborone United 2-0, setting up a semi-final clash. Crime: Police arrested three suspects, including two Zimbabweans, over a Maun robbery involving more than P375,000.

Immigration Crackdown: Botswana’s Labour and Home Affairs minister Pius Mokgware says a cartel is behind fake work and residence permits for foreigners, linked to hacked systems by 13 suspended ministry employees; the scam is also allegedly hitting microlenders and furniture shops, and government says it will intensify arrests and prosecutions. BDF Pension Dispute: Government has committed to ending the long-running Botswana Defence Force pension fight, citing an actuarial review and backdated statutory instruments to improve transfer values for members affected by the 2001 scheme shift. Crime Update: Police arrested two Zimbabweans and a Botswana national over a Maun robbery allegedly involving more than P375,000 in cash and property; investigators say one suspect was previously declared a prohibited immigrant. Health & Rights: A report claims Cuban doctors in Botswana receive only $1,000 of the $4,000 Botswana pays Havana, with restrictions on movement and social life. Business & Standards: BOBS is fast-tracking new standards for local manufacturers, including leather and even wood sawdust certification for poultry bedding. Sports: Silver Strikers Ladies made history by reaching the CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA Qualifier semi-finals after a 5-1 win over Nsingizini Hotspurs in Gaborone.

CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA Qualifier: Silver Strikers Ladies booked a semi-final spot after hammering Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs 5-1 at Gaborone United Stadium, with goals early and in bursts: Grace Kakangula (2’), Carlo Mathyola (45+3’ and 63’), Gladys Banda (50’), and Mathyola completing her hat-trick, while Nsingizini’s consolation came from Lucia (76’). CAF U-23 AFCON Qualifiers: CAF released the 2027 U-23 draw, with first-round two-legged ties starting 28 September and returns on 6 October; Botswana are set to face Seychelles in the first round. Citizenship & immigration: Botswana has started partial implementation of a multiple citizenship framework to tackle statelessness, including cases where children of mixed-status parents struggle to get identity documents and access education or work. Security: Botswana says it intercepted 22 citizens at airports in Botswana, South Africa and Ethiopia attempting to join Russia’s war, warning against deceptive foreign enlistment schemes. Health: WHO says Africa is making progress on key health targets despite deep funding cuts, noting countries including Botswana have met HIV 95-95-95 targets. Sports admin: Botswana Boxing Association introduced a P20 weight-in fee after BNSC subvention declines, aiming to keep tournaments compliant and fund awards.

Mining Skills Boost: Botswana and China-invested Khoemacau Copper Mining signed a deal to set up a Mining Centre of Excellence at Maun Technical College, aiming to close the mining skills gap by linking classroom training to workplace needs. Tax Reform Push: The AfDB says Botswana must diversify domestic revenue as diamond earnings weaken, urging stronger BURS capacity, better tax administration, interoperable digital systems, and tighter enforcement. Fuel Smuggling Crackdown: BURS and BERA launched joint action to curb illicit fuel trading and revenue leakages, warning losses could reach billions of pula. Property Market Focus: REIB will host a Real Estate, Compliance & Professional Practice conference in Gaborone to tackle gaps in estate agency and improve coordination across property transaction roles. Uranium Expansion: Orano won three new uranium prospecting licences in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert as the country looks beyond diamonds. Sports—COSAFA/CAF: ZESCO Ndola Girls topped Group A after beating Gaborone United 2-0, while Silver Strikers Ladies face a must-win after a 3-0 loss to Sundowns. Digital Safety: Village Digital Safety Botswana is warning that scams and fraud are reaching rural communities through phones and mobile money.