AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa with Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe opening the event, drawing about 450 delegates from 50+ airlines, airports and policymakers to push new routes and partnerships that could boost air access and the visitor economy. Digital Expansion: Google rolled out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Botswana and other African markets, aiming to make the browser more helpful with built-in AI search and understanding. TVET Spotlight: Botswana’s Maele praised Limkokwing as a “global TVET model,” stressing practical skills and tighter oversight of private training funding. Health Screening: Botswana’s Ministry of Health reported isolated resistance to Ebola screening at Tlokweng Border Post, saying cases are limited and being monitored. Power Reliability: Government said winter load shedding is unlikely this year as Morupule B Power Station stabilises and domestic generation improves. Sport (Botswana on the track): Letsile Tebogo beat Gout Gout in Oslo’s 200m, while Tebogo also advised the teen to race with age-mates to avoid injury.

De Beers Deal Talks: Botswana says it is looking to the UAE and Oman to help fund the purchase of a bigger stake in De Beers, as diamond prices soften and synthetic stones rise. Power Supply Watch: Government says winter load shedding is unlikely, citing improving performance at Morupule B and better generation stability. Health Screening: The Ministry of Health reports isolated resistance to Ebola screening at Tlokweng Border Post, saying the situation is under control. Wildlife Crime: Two pangolin traffickers in South Africa were sentenced to eight years for smuggling a live Temminck’s pangolin, underscoring the region’s crackdown on wildlife trafficking. Sports (Botswana Spotlight): Letsile Tebogo won the 200m at the Oslo Diamond League in 19.84, while Sinesipho Dambile took second (20.12) and teen Gout Gout finished sixth (20.60).

UAE Investment Push: Albaddad Holding has launched “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a $1.9bn mixed-use project with 51 residential towers, hotels and commercial space, backed by Botswana Development Corporation. Labour & Wages: BOFEPUSU has condemned Choppies Botswana’s planned retrenchments, saying the move betrays workers after the retailer’s P4,000 minimum wage pledge. Mining Jobs Under Pressure: Botswana Mineworkers Union says workers in the diamond value chain are pushing for “decent work” and higher pay, citing a disconnect between diamond wealth and low wages. Debt Watch: The IMF ranks Botswana as the world’s fastest-growing debt surge, highlighting a sharp deterioration in public finances and renewed pressure on households. Digital Safety: Government admits it cannot unmask fake Facebook accounts tormenting citizens, pointing to gaps in cyber enforcement capacity. Court Update: A doping case involving provisionally suspended Botswana track athletes is set for an August 10 hearing after an emergency High Court session clarified delays. Regional Business: Marubeni has acquired South Africa’s TiAuto Investments, which runs Tiger Wheel & Tyre stores across Botswana and other countries.

Diamond & Investment Moves: Albaddad Holding has unveiled its $1.9bn “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a 1.24 million sq m mixed-use project backed by Botswana Development Corporation, with plans for hotels, offices, residences and an exhibition/convention hub. Mining & Markets: Okavango Diamond Company says it held rough diamond viewings in both Gaborone and Mumbai, with some lots reportedly available exclusively in India—sparking fresh questions about transparency. Economy & Jobs: Higher Education Ministry officials warn graduate unemployment is driven by a skills mismatch between training and industry needs. Banking Watch: Business Monitor International flags mounting pressure on Botswana’s banking sector from weak growth, tighter policy and diamond-sector uncertainty, even as capital buffers keep it broadly stable. Energy & Industry: Sunlux Solar broke ground on a P14m manufacturing facility in Tlokweng, targeting about 160 jobs, mostly for women and young people. Sports & Youth: BNOC calls school sports “a national crisis,” warning Botswana could lose a generation of athletes without structured school programmes. Court & Sport Integrity: A Botswana doping case involving four athletes is set for an August 10 hearing after an emergency court session clarified the delay.

UAE Investment Push: Albaddad Holding has launched its $1.9bn “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a 1.24m sq m mixed-use project in partnership with BDC, aimed at making the capital a regional hub for trade, tourism and business events. Local Industry Jobs: Sunlux Solar broke ground on a P14m manufacturing plant in Tlokweng, targeting about 160 jobs, with 80% earmarked for women and young people. Housing Governance Shake-up: Minister Ramogapi has fired the Botswana Housing Corporation board, a move likely to ripple through the country’s housing delivery plans. Public Safety Row: Botswana Police Service denies reports that the City Police Unit has been suspended, as allegations swirl about resources and a shift toward the Safer City Project. GBV Crisis: Parliament was told GBV cases topped 7,500 in the first quarter of 2026, with rape and defilement figures still alarmingly high. Court Battle: The Court of Appeal will hear FNBB’s appeal over a High Court ruling blocking sales of properties tied to Samson Guma Moyo. Digital Economy Warning: A new look at Botswana’s digital growth says many firms are still stuck in manual systems, raising regulatory and maturity risks.

Electoral Boundaries Pressure: A Commonwealth Observer Group says constituency boundaries in Antigua and Barbuda must be urgently reviewed, warning voter-number disparities since 1984 could undermine equal suffrage and public confidence—led by former Botswana foreign minister Pelonomi Venson. Mining Jobs Under Strain: An Orapa worker says he was retrenched without warning after 14 years at Debswana contractor Enabler Hires, leaving him with debt and still searching for work. KAZA Wildlife Talks: Botswana is part of KAZA’s ministerial push in Victoria Falls, with Angola, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe aligning on elephant conservation and possible trade in elephant products. SADC Financial Integrity: Botswana’s acting finance minister urged stronger regional cooperation against money laundering and terror financing, noting vulnerabilities from external shocks. New Botswana City Deal: UAE firm Albaddad and Botswana’s BDC signed a roughly $2bn plan for a mixed-use “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, with the exhibition and trade centre already starting. PPC Turnaround: Cement group PPC reported a second year of turnaround gains, with EBITDA up 31% and a higher dividend, supported by South Africa and Botswana operations. Netball Crisis: Match-fixing allegations forced cancellation of Botswana men’s netball finals, with clubs questioning how the issue was handled.

New Botswana City Deal: Botswana has signed a roughly US$2bn agreement with Dubai’s Albaddad Group to build a mixed-use “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, with the first phase already under way and Albaddad set to finance the full project while Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) contributes land and takes an initial 5% stake. Climate & Storms: Researchers link more frequent extreme storms and heavy downpours to global warming, but warn how hard communities are hit depends on preparedness and local conditions. PPC Turnaround: Cement firm PPC reports a second straight year of turnaround gains, with EBITDA up 31% and a 72% dividend increase, as it points to progress under its “Awaken the Giant” strategy. Netball Crisis: Botswana’s netball scene is rocked by match-fixing allegations, with men’s finals cancelled after disputes over how the matter was handled and communicated. Diamonds & De Beers: Botswana is also exploring support from the UAE and Oman as it weighs options to increase its stake in De Beers amid shrinking diamond revenues. Sports Governance: Namibia denies involvement in a proposed Southern Africa AFCON 2028 bid, adding uncertainty to the regional hosting plan.

Media Policy: Botswana’s proposed Media Development Fund would be financed through parliamentary appropriations, fines under the Act and other sources, then used to back media development via a Media Council—aimed at easing the industry’s deep economic strain. Legal Action: A former anti-corruption unit official, Pilane, says he plans to sue the government and public officials, arguing threats and alleged leaks after his transfer left him unsafe. Business Climate: A Bank of Botswana survey says firms see weaker government spending, an unfavourable exchange-rate environment and higher borrowing costs ahead, with cost pressures rising in 2Q 2026. Mining & Investment: Botswana’s mining leaders will meet in Gaborone for the Future of Mining Summit (29–30 June), focusing on transformation, beneficiation and the exploration investment gap. Diamonds Deal: President Duma Boko confirms Botswana is in talks with the UAE and Oman over options to buy into De Beers as natural diamond revenues face pressure. Bank Gaborone: Capricorn Group says Olebile Makhupe will step down as managing director on 31 August, with an interim acting boss to be named. Conservation & Tourism: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment to strengthen monitoring and visitor education, building on a recent giraffe translocation. Culture: Ghanzi leaders renew calls to revive the Kuru Dance Festival, arguing it can boost San cultural preservation and local tourism income.

Business Climate: 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 & Jobs: A Future of Mining Summit 2026 in Gaborone (29–30 June) will focus on investment, beneficiation and transformation, with attention on the exploration funding gap and the role of the Exploration Investment Company Botswana. Wildlife & Tourism: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now to boost monitoring and visitor education after a recent giraffe translocation. Culture & Heritage: Ghanzi leaders are pushing to revive the Kuru Dance Festival, saying it could strengthen San cultural preservation and local tourism income. Governance & Rights: A formal repeal of LGBTQI+ criminal provisions in Botswana is framed as a major shift for dignity, safety and civic participation. Sports: Botswana’s National Sports Stadium is reported to be on track for CAF clearance ahead of Zimbabwe’s AFCON qualifiers.

Banking Leadership: Capricorn Group says Olebile Makhupe will step down as managing director of Bank Gaborone, with an acting MD to be named and a formal recruitment process for a permanent replacement. Rights and Law: Botswana’s LGBTQI+ community gets a major boost as criminal provisions are formally repealed, aligning written law with constitutional protections and reducing fear around reporting violence and accessing services. Public Health: A new global drinking-water assessment flags unsafe water as a major risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting the need for safer rural water sources and sanitation. Health Funding Link: Zimbabwe’s sugar content tax is being tied to cancer care, with new radiotherapy equipment rolling out at Mpilo and Parirenyatwa to cut the need for costly treatment abroad. Migration and Security: South Africa is preparing a wider political and diplomatic response to migration unrest, including possible action against alleged instigators and scrutiny of embassies’ roles. Regional Trade: Namibia’s president stresses SACU’s importance as Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa adapt the customs union to new global realities. Food and Livestock: Botswana eases FMD controls after suppressing the outbreak, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and derived products. Politics at Home: The BPF agrees a mediated ceasefire to curb internal attacks and social media flare-ups ahead of its July elective congress, while also taking control of Palapye District Council chairmanship after a no-confidence vote. Water and Wildlife: UN warns renewed violence in eastern DRC is disrupting humanitarian access and could hinder the Ebola response.

BPF internal calm: Botswana Patriotic Front leaders agreed to a mediated ceasefire and urged members to stop unauthorised public statements and inflammatory social media posts ahead of a July elective congress. Local power shift: The BPF also took control of the Palapye District Council chairmanship after a motion of no confidence removed UDC councillor Kabo Ketshogile and elected BPF councillor David Buffalo Ikanyeng. Livestock policy: Botswana eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after suppressing the outbreak in the northeast, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and derived products. Diamonds—big talks: Botswana is reportedly seeking support from the UAE and Oman to pursue a strategic stake in De Beers as the company divests and natural diamond prices face pressure. Regional security: UN agencies warned renewed violence in eastern DR Congo is isolating communities and could disrupt the Ebola response. Maritime dispute: Botswana denied any role in a US action against a “Botswana-flagged” oil tanker, calling the false registration unlawful.

Botswana Politics: The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) has agreed to a mediated ceasefire inside the party and urged members to stop inflammatory social media posts ahead of its July elective congress. Local Governance: In Palapye, the BPF has taken the district council chairmanship after a no-confidence motion removed UDC councillor Kabo Ketshogile, with BPF’s David Buffalo Ikanyeng elected as successor. Livestock & Trade: Botswana has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) controls after the outbreak was suppressed, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and fresh products from affected zones, with officials warning of major revenue losses if bans return. Culture & Media: Botswana warned that piracy and unregulated AI could threaten the creative sector and cultural identity, as officials called for stronger protections for local creators. People-to-People: A “Chinese Bridge” competition in Gaborone showcased Chinese language and culture for primary pupils, highlighting growing exchanges between Botswana and China.

De Beers Deal Talks: Botswana is in talks with the UAE and Oman to buy a “strategic” stake in De Beers, as President Duma Boko seeks more control over pricing and marketing after rough diamond prices hit the economy hard. Diamond Market Management: Angola says it will cut the supply of small rough diamonds for the next three months to avoid flooding the market and protect value. Regional Governance & Oversight: Botswana’s AG advised MPs that motions should be properly drafted, warning against preambles and pushing clerks to review legal wording before publication. Cross-Border Crime: Police in Zimbabwe intercepted a 360kg dagga consignment worth about ZiG10.8 million, allegedly smuggled from South Africa through Botswana. Tech & Services: Smart Hands Africa was appointed an authorised Supermicro services partner, expanding installation, maintenance and support across Botswana and other African markets. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo took third in the Rome Diamond League 100m, while Ferdinand Omanyala finished eighth. Energy & Youth Skills: A new oil-and-gas value-chain programme targets youth and women with training and opportunities, aiming to diversify Botswana beyond diamonds.

Gaborone City Council Crisis: Gaborone Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng says he will address allegations he locked out senior council officials over a disputed furniture bill nearing P1 million, after councillors reportedly condemned the move. Anti-Corruption Accountability: The DPP has reportedly resolved to prosecute a perjury complaint tied to Botswana’s discredited P100 billion scandal, after courts found key allegations were built on fabricated evidence. Mining Investment Boost: Sandvik has won a US$70m order for a 45-unit underground mining equipment fleet for MMG’s Khoemacau copper mine in northwest Botswana, with deliveries from August 2026 to April 2030. Regional Rights Milestone: University of Botswana law lecturer Dr Onthatile Moeti becomes the first Motswana enrolled on the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights roster as legal counsel. Sports (Botswana on the track): Letsile Tebogo took third in the men’s 100m at the Rome Diamond League, while Akani Simbine finished sixth and Marioné Fourie placed fourth in the women’s 100m hurdles. Business/Tech: Africa Bitcoin Corporation increased its Bitcoin holdings by 0.5085 BTC, bringing total holdings to 5.5331 BTC under a long-term “HODL” strategy.

Botswana in the Gulf spotlight: The US says it fired a Hellfire missile to disable a Botswana-flagged, unladen tanker (M/T Lexie) heading toward Iran’s Kharg Island after repeated warnings. Regional escalation: Iran and the US traded missile and drone strikes as Kuwait International Airport was hit, killing one and injuring 63, with flights suspended and air defences engaged. Botswana business & mining: Sandvik won a roughly US$70m order for a 45-unit underground mining equipment fleet for MMG’s Khoemacau copper mine, with deliveries from August 2026 to April 2030. Energy & trade links: Dangote’s CEO says new oil pipeline plans could run from Namibia’s Walvis Bay through Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, potentially reaching South Africa and the DRC. Sports & culture: Bayanda Walaza continues his comeback, finishing fourth in the 100m at Finland’s Paavo Nurmi Games; and Botswana hosts a gender equality forum in Victoria Falls under ANOCA Zone VI.

Foreign Investment Pitch: Botswana’s Foreign Minister Phenyo Butale told The Korea Herald that Korean firms can tap the country’s critical minerals and invest in local manufacturing, pointing to 186 priority projects under the BETP economic transformation plan. Food Security Push: Botswana has expanded Pandamatenga Grain Silos by 60,000 tonnes, lifting total storage to 90,000 tonnes to cut post-harvest losses and strengthen grain reserves. Economy Watch: Bank of Botswana warns labour market conditions have likely worsened after diamond-driven economic weakness, with earlier modest employment gains fading. Energy/Trade Shock: South Africa’s FMD vaccine supply disruptions linked to Botswana Vaccine Institute production interruptions forced it to source from Argentina, risking export earnings. Governance & Rights: Police warn against fake news and misinformation online, saying false rumours can trigger criminal prosecution. Social Development: First Lady Kaone Boko urges stronger boy-child empowerment and better mental health support to prevent future instability. Regional Spotlight: US-Iran tensions spilled into Kuwait and the Gulf, with Kuwait reporting a strike on its airport that killed one and injured 63, while US forces disabled a Botswana-flagged tanker.