AGP Executive Report

China Visit: President Duma Boko is due in China from October 12 to 17 for his first visit there as president, including talks with Xi Jinping. The trip is expected to deepen the countries’ strategic partnership. Economic Turnaround: Botswana Development Corporation returned to profit, reporting P20.5 million after tax for the year to June, following a P167.7 million loss the previous year. Land Reform: Government is weighing a major overhaul that could replace local land boards with a central Land Commission, but key details remain unclear. Wildlife: Plans to relocate surplus elephants are stalled by transport costs, with Mozambique among countries that backed away from a proposed deal. Regional Ties: Botswana and Mozambique agreed to upgrade their cooperation framework to a Binational Commission led by their presidents. Diplomacy: Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi joined African Union peace efforts in eastern DR Congo, while Botswana is also seeking the return of a citizen held in Ukraine after fighting for Russia.

China Visit: President Duma Boko will make his first state visit to China since taking office, from October 12 to 17. He is due to meet President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders as the two countries seek to deepen ties. Football: Mochudi Centre Chiefs meet Township Rollers on Saturday night at the National Stadium. Chiefs have won three of their last four league meetings, with one draw. Foot-and-Mouth Disease: South Africa’s agriculture minister says Botswana, Namibia and South Africa need coordinated action against the disease. Livestock trade restrictions remain tied to agreement on biosecurity protocols. Regional Partnership: Botswana and Mozambique have agreed to elevate their cooperation framework to a presidentially led Binational Commission, aimed at improving trade and tracking joint commitments. Ukraine War: Botswana is seeking the return of one citizen held by Ukraine after fighting for Russia. African governments say some recruits were lured by false promises of civilian jobs. Land Governance: Government is weighing a proposal to replace local land boards with a central Land Commission, but key details about its powers and membership remain unclear.

China Visit: President Duma Boko will make a state visit to China from October 12 to 17 at Xi Jinping’s invitation. Diamond Partnership: De Beers and the government have extended their partnership with Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo for three years, linking his road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with efforts to promote Botswana’s diamonds. Citizen-Owned Retail: CEEC chair Lincoln Motsa says local entrepreneurs are ready to take over retail businesses, but need better access to finance as new empowerment rules take shape. Jobs: Botswana ranked fourth in the world for unemployment, at 24.5% in 2025 estimates. Ukraine War: Botswana is seeking the return of a citizen captured in Ukraine after fighting for Russia; African governments say some recruits were lured by false job offers. Regional Diplomacy: Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi joined AU facilitators in Kinshasa for talks aimed at advancing peace efforts in eastern DR Congo. Global Health: Botswana’s Gevorg Tamamyan is among candidates to lead the WHO, whose next director-general is due to be chosen in 2027.

Cooperative Finance: Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe led a Botswana delegation to Kenya to study SACCO governance, digital services and savings mobilisation, seeking lessons for strengthening local cooperatives. Labour Relations: BOFEPUSU is asking the International Labour Organization to intervene over strained relations with government, while six public-sector unions want allowances reviewed, with some potentially folded into basic pay. Intelligence Oversight: The BCP is challenging the reported extension of DIS chief Peter Magosi’s contract, questioning the decision amid calls for intelligence reform and active DCEC investigations. Livestock Exports: Botswana is negotiating animal-health agreements with several countries to open new markets and ease pressure on farmers affected by foot-and-mouth restrictions. Regional Diplomacy: Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi joined African Union mediators seeking a ceasefire in eastern DRC, but fresh fighting was reported in Masisi as peace efforts continued. Credit and Conservation: The AU has launched a credit rating agency aimed at improving how African borrowing risks are assessed; Botswana is among the region’s two investment-grade sovereign borrowers. In the Okavango Delta, researchers say changing Slaty Egret nesting patterns could signal wider environmental shifts.

WHO Race: Botswana-backed candidate Gevorg Tamamyan says he personally sought the government’s support for the WHO director-general post. China has also entered the race, nominating health official Song Li. Power Supply: Botswana generated 56.6% more electricity in the second quarter than a year earlier, reaching its highest output in a decade as imports fell sharply. Accountability and Rights: Former BQA deputy chief Gillian Mmolotsa faces two corruption charges, while the BCP says activists’ arrests over Facebook comments raise concerns about freedom of expression. Regional Diplomacy: Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi joined African Union mediators in talks with M23 in eastern DR Congo, urging ceasefire compliance and continued negotiations. Sport: Collen Kebinatshipi has been nominated for World Athlete of the Year after a record-setting 400m season; meanwhile, the Zebras returned unbeaten from AFCON qualifiers against Libya and Tunisia. Health Innovation: Biotechnology firm Bio Usawa has launched a Botswana subsidiary, planning to use the country as its Southern Africa hub.

Athletics: Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi has been nominated for World Athlete of the Year after a record-breaking season, including a 400m national record of 43.39 seconds and an unbeaten Diamond League campaign. Capital Markets: The BSE could become the regional trading hub for a proposed instrument tied to Dangote refinery shares, putting Botswana at the centre of a planned Southern African investment route. Civil Liberties: The BCP says police arrests and questioning of two party activists over Facebook comments raise doubts about the government’s commitment to free expression. Small Business: Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe visited Kenya to study its cooperative and small-business systems, including access to finance, markets and technology. WHO Nomination: Armenian doctor Gevorg Tamamyan says he personally sought Botswana’s backing for the WHO director-general race, adding to questions over the unusual nomination. Regional Diplomacy: Former president Mokgweetsi Masisi joined AU consultations with AFC/M23 leaders in eastern Congo, urging a ceasefire, civilian protection and humanitarian access.

World Athletics Awards: Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi and runner Sabastian Sawe are among nominees for the 2026 World Athletics Athlete of the Year, with Sawe also celebrated for his historic sub-two-hour London Marathon. FMD Response in Namibia: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Namibia is stepping up foot-and-mouth disease containment, citing 127 cases on 15 farms and new surveillance teams and roadblocks to protect farmers and meat export markets. Procurement Pressure: Opposition leader Panduleni Itula demands a fully costed FMD recovery plan and questions fencing procurement as a dispute over a veterinary cordon fence continues. Botswana Energy Update: Statistics Botswana reports electricity generation jumped 56.6% in Q2 2026, cutting imports and boosting energy independence. Child Protection Commitments: Botswana strengthens its child protection agenda, aligning pledges with national development plans and SDG targets. Regional Diplomacy: AU facilitators meet AFC/M23 leaders in Goma as talks continue amid reports of defections and clashes in North Kivu. Green Mark Push: BITC launches the Green Mark to urge businesses to adapt to sustainability-focused global markets.

Botswana Economy & Investment Mood: Statistics Botswana says the economy grew 8.7% in Q2, after a 5.2% contraction a year earlier—two straight quarters of growth, a rare turnaround. Regional Investment Rankings: Bloomberg’s 2026 Africa investment risk ranking shows Nigeria jumping four places to 8th, while Botswana slips two places as its growth outlook weakens. FMD Shock Across Borders: Namibia’s foot-and-mouth outbreak has triggered an EU suspension of Namibian beef imports, with Botswana named among affected southern African countries; Namibia says Cabinet approved a containment buffer zone and border fence repairs. Health Diplomacy: China is reportedly preparing a late bid for the WHO leadership, nominating Song Li, as the US steps back. Refugee Processing Pressure: Hundreds of asylum seekers have occupied Che Guevara Road in Botswana, after a court order requiring refugee reception offices to accept new asylum applications in person. Pension Funds: Botswana’s pension fund assets keep rising, with offshore equities driving gains. Sports: Botswana’s Young Zebras take a 2-1 lead into the second leg against Seychelles.

Weather & Agriculture: Zimbabwe’s Masvingo was hit by a destructive hailstorm driven by intense heat and a surge of moisture from Botswana, triggering violent convective storms with large hail, heavy rain, lightning and strong winds. Regional Conservation & Water Security: Angola, Namibia and Botswana renewed commitments to protect the Cubango-Okavango basin as one connected system, with talks in New York highlighting that most Okavango Delta water originates in Angola’s highlands. Botswana Business & Finance: Letshego is seeking P800m from shareholders to cut costly borrowing and shift toward a more diversified funding base, including deposits and listed debt. Public Health Diplomacy: Indonesia’s WHO director-general candidate Budi Sadikin urged the US to rejoin the agency, arguing it is “scientifically impossible” to handle pandemics alone. Logistics & Emissions: SMSA Africa Logistics added five Hino 300 diesel-electric hybrid trucks after a trial, citing fuel savings and lower emissions. Botswana in the Spotlight: A royal visit begins as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrive in Botswana for a special milestone marking 60 years of UK-Botswana friendship. Wildlife News: India’s Kuno National Park welcomed five cheetah cubs from KJP21, with the father from Botswana—marking the start of a Botswana lineage in India.

Mining & Investment: Jacaranda Natural Resources is lining up an $8m–$10m ASX IPO to fund gold and copper exploration and deals in Botswana and Queensland, with drilling planned at its Globe project. Royal Visit: The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrived in Gaborone for a special UK–Botswana milestone visit marking 60 years of friendship. Security & Governance: The Botswana Congress Party is calling for changes at the Directorate of Intelligence and Security, urging President Duma Boko not to renew DG Peter Magosi’s contract as it nears expiry. Energy Tender Dispute: Local contractors are challenging Botswana Power Corporation’s P30m Zero-Pula Connection tender, alleging corruption and kickbacks; the matter is before the Public Procurement Tribunal. Wildlife Milestone: Kuno National Park welcomed five cheetah cubs, taking India’s cheetah count to 60 and marking the start of a Botswana cheetah lineage in India. Public Safety: Consumer watchdogs warn that pensioners are increasingly targeted by scams, urging extra checks before payments or sharing personal details.

Hair & beauty fair fallout: Vendors and ticket holders travelling from Botswana and Zimbabwe were left stranded in Sandton after the African International Hair and Beauty Fair was cancelled, with organisers citing alleged non-payment; refunds are promised within seven days but some buyers say they received no advance notice and were not asked for banking details. Conservation row: Former president Ian Khama is pushing back against Botswana’s plan to kill elephants for 60th Independence celebrations, while the environment ministry says Khama has no authority to reverse government decisions. Independence elephant hunt backlash: Botswana approved the killing of 23 elephants for independence festivities, drawing criticism over conservation messaging, meat distribution and public health concerns. Investment push: BITC says it wants to mobilise P30bn in annual investment by 2029/30, target P10bn in exports and create 30,000 jobs a year. Labour market warning: HRDC warns prolonged unemployment is making graduates’ skills outdated and highlights a shift toward specialised, tech-driven roles. Finance update: Standard Chartered Botswana reports a 22% rise in half-year profit before tax while preparing for an anticipated ownership transition. Regional sports politics: Botswana withdraws from a joint 2028 AFCON hosting bid with Zimbabwe and South Africa, citing funding constraints.

Elephant Rights Clash: Botswana has authorised the killing of 23 elephants for Independence Day celebrations, with licences issued across districts and authorities saying the meat will support rural communities—prompting sharp criticism from conservationists and former president Khama. Wildlife Governance: In a related dispute, Environment and Tourism Minister Wynter Mmolotsi told Khama he cannot reverse government decisions on offering elephants to Serowe District, keeping the offer “valid and stands”. Health Regulation: Botswana’s medicines regulator BoMRA has escalated a TB drugs controversy to the WHO, asking it to engage Indian authorities after recalled medicines were found deficient in key treatment components. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s Zebras drew Tunisia 2-2 in AFCON qualifying, staying unbeaten after two matches, and next face Uganda in November. Business & Mining: NexMetals reported a major jump in its Selebi Main Mineral Resource Estimate in Botswana, citing new drilling success. Conservation & Markets: Feedlot operators say FMD restrictions have left about 6,600 cattle trapped, pushing for a science-based route to market via WOAH mechanisms.

Wildlife & Independence Celebrations: Botswana has authorised the killing of 23 elephants this week for Independence Day festivities, with licences issued across districts and officials saying the meat will support rural communities—sparking backlash from conservationists and former leaders. Health & Medicines: Botswana’s medicines supply crisis is still biting, with Central Medical Stores reporting only 42% average availability of Vital, Essential and Necessary (VEN) drugs as of 23 September. TB Regulation: The Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority has escalated a TB medicines controversy to the World Health Organisation, asking it to engage Indian authorities over recalled drugs found deficient in key components. Conservation Politics: A sharp dispute is brewing between Environment and Tourism Minister Wynter Mmolotsi and Kgosi Khama over government plans to offer elephants to Serowe residents. Economy & Leadership: President Duma Boko urged politicians to stop dwelling on problems and focus on solutions. Sports & Tourism: Xigera Safari Lodge becomes Botswana’s first Michelin Key winner, while Botswana’s Top 8 knockout football competition returns with a P4m sponsor boost.

Conservation Clash: Environment and Tourism Minister Wynter Mmolotsi has hit back at Kgosi Khama after the government authorised complimentary hunting licences for 23 elephants for Independence celebrations, saying Khama has no authority to reverse the decision. Independence Backlash: Botswana’s elephant-killing plan for the 60th celebrations continues to draw criticism, with conservationists questioning the message of using wildlife for festivities. Health Supply Pressure: Botswana’s Central Medical Stores says VEN medicine availability remains low at 42% overall, with vital medicines at 49%, essential at 40% and necessary at 20%, as officials face renewed scrutiny over shortages. TB Medicines Escalation: BoMRA has asked the WHO to engage Indian authorities over recalled TB drugs found deficient in key treatment components, after a rise in patients failing to respond. Sports & Culture: Botswana’s Top 8 football knockout returns with African Hero’s P4m sponsorship (P1.5m winners’ prize), while Xigera Safari Lodge earns Botswana’s first Michelin Key. Regional Economy: Rising fuel and transport costs are blamed for weaker South African agricultural exports to neighbours, including declines in wheat flour shipments to Botswana.