AGP Executive Report

Project Cheetah Update: India’s Kuno National Park welcomed four new cheetah cubs after KGP12 gave birth, lifting India’s cheetah population to 56 (49 in Kuno, 3 in Gandhi Sagar) and marking another milestone as the programme completes four years. Justice and Governance: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the justice sector to turn conference resolutions into real action, focusing on an efficient, accessible and trusted system. Public Safety Crackdown: Zimbabwe’s Madlanga Commission heard that 102,720 cellphones were seized in prisons between 2023 and 2026, with officials accused of enabling contraband networks. Education and STEM: Botswana-linked news in the region as NUST in Zimbabwe capped 2,570 graduates, with female STEM participation rising and international students including learners from Botswana. Sports (Botswana vs Region): Zimbabwe’s Gems begin qualifiers in Nairobi against Botswana, with technical advisor Fred Mugerwa pushing a possession-first approach. Business/Finance: Capricorn Group reported N$1.87b profit after tax, down 6.4%, citing funding costs and economic pressures.

Oman-Botswana Diplomacy: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik held private talks with President Duma Gideon Boko in Gaborone, reaffirming plans to deepen political, economic and cultural cooperation, with a joint communiqué pointing to broader partnership opportunities. Diamond Sector Spotlight: The Sultan also visited Botswana’s Diamond Hub, touring sorting and evaluation operations and commending efforts to add value in the diamond industry. Energy & Trade Deals: Oman and Botswana signed multiple agreements and MoUs covering visa-free travel for diplomatic and special passport holders, air services, investment promotion, medicines security and pharmaceutical supply, plus energy security and regional energy development. Local Business Compliance: Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero urged Soweto spaza traders to register and pay municipal rates, saying formalisation is key to easing the city’s debt and keeping services running. Botswana Economy Watch: S&P Global Ratings kept Botswana’s investment-grade status but maintained a negative outlook, warning weak diamond demand could keep pressuring growth, exports and government revenue. Tourism Experience Push: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort opened Ku Muzi Boma in Chobe, adding cultural dining and live entertainment to encourage longer stays beyond wildlife drives.

Oman-Botswana diplomacy: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met President Duma Boko in Gaborone and the two countries signed nine agreements and MoUs covering visa-free travel for diplomatic/special passports, air services, investment promotion, and a new medicines-security partnership, plus cooperation on mining exploration and energy security. Health sovereignty push: SADC, China and UNAIDS unveiled a framework to decentralise drug production across Southern Africa, aiming to cut reliance on imports and strengthen pandemic readiness. Sports tourism boost: Absa Bank Zambia backed the Absa Marathon in Lusaka with K14m, highlighting sports tourism and inclusion; Botswana is listed among countries sending runners. Regional football build-up: Namibia’s Olympic qualifiers preparations include two friendlies in Gaborone against Botswana (26 and 30 September), followed by qualifiers in Luanda in October. Wildlife conservation link: Satellite-tracked vultures from Zimbabwe’s Chizarira have flown 19,000km across southern Africa, including Botswana, underscoring the need for cross-border protection. Project Cheetah milestone: India’s cheetah programme hits four years with 52 survivors, including 32 born in India, with Botswana cheetahs part of the population mix.

Oman-Botswana Diplomacy: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met President Duma Boko in Gaborone, with talks focused on renewable energy, mining, investment, logistics, food security and agriculture, as both sides seek to turn the visit into deeper economic cooperation. Battery Minerals Push: Botswana has granted environmental clearance for Kemcore’s $140m chemicals plant in the Leupane Energy Hub, aimed at supplying copper and cobalt mines in DRC and Zambia, with production targeted for 2028. Health Support: India announced a 10-tonne ARV donation to Botswana to help the health system recover from the 2025 medicines supply crisis. Cheetah Conservation Link: Project Cheetah’s four-year review says India’s cheetah population has reached 52, including 32 born in-country, with nine Botswana cheetahs introduced in February 2026. Justice and Accountability: The Ombudsman says he is monitoring the African Hero schools-and-clinics controversy and will decide whether to investigate, as questions grow over approvals and government obligations. Politics and Oversight: The Manual Workers Union demands records on vetting and approvals for Zunaid Moti’s Gaborone school and clinic project, while Ian Khama warns of a “witch hunt” over alleged Seleka Springs and BDF procurement corruption charges. Sports: Botswana’s chess teams head to the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, and Botswana’s bowlers prepare for the African States Tournament in Zambia.

BETP Update: Botswana’s six-month review of the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme says early wins are already coming through policy clean-ups aimed at improving the business operating environment. Credit Rating Watch: S&P has affirmed Botswana’s BBB- long-term rating but kept a negative outlook, citing continued weakness in the diamond sector and its knock-on effect on the economy. Oman-Botswana Diplomacy: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has departed Oman for a two-day state visit to Botswana, with officials saying it will deepen economic and investment ties, including renewable energy cooperation. HIV/AIDS Support: India has dispatched 10 tonnes of anti-retroviral medicines to Botswana to strengthen the country’s HIV/AIDS treatment system. Healthcare Tech Link: OpenEvidence and Penn Medicine announced an AI clinical decision-support partnership that will also extend to Botswana through the Botswana-UPenn Partnership. Consumer Safety Alert: Woolworths’ WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo has been recalled after bacteria detection, with a COMESA alert expanding vigilance for cross-border buyers. Sports & Youth: Namibia’s Desert Jewels named their final 12 for the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, with Botswana in Pool 1. Regional Spotlight: World Athletics selected Nairobi to host the 2029 World Championships, the first time the event will be held in Africa.

Botswana–Oman Ties: Botswana officials say Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state visit will deepen diplomatic and investment cooperation, building on a renewable energy deal that helped deliver a major solar plant in Maun and new momentum across mining, energy and other sectors. Health Support: India has dispatched 10 tonnes of anti-retroviral medicines to Botswana to bolster the country’s HIV/AIDS response. Court Case: A Zimbabwean man appeared in Francistown facing charges including unlawful possession of human flesh or remains after his arrest near Shashe Mooke Village; exhibits were sent for forensic testing and he was remanded. Sports Spotlight: World Athletics has selected Nairobi to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, the first time the event will be held in Africa, with Munich set for 2031. Travel Rules for Region: South Africans crossing land borders into neighbouring countries—including Botswana—must declare goods and currency up to 24 hours before departure under South Africa’s Traveller Management System. Tech Partnership: OpenEvidence and Penn Medicine announced an AI clinical decision support partnership that will extend to Botswana through the Botswana-UPenn Partnership.

Road Safety: A woman died after a serious crash on the A12 Road linking Gaborone and Molepolole; she was certified dead at Julia Molefe Clinic. Sports & Events: Nairobi has been chosen to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with Munich set for 2031—another big athletics milestone for Africa after Botswana hosted the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone in 2026. Culture & Independence Celebrations: Castle Lite Unlocks is set for September 30 at Royal Aria Stadium, Tlokweng, extending Independence Day into a night of music and culture with gates opening at noon. Politics: The BDP is still deciding whether its president, Mpho Balopi, should step aside after corruption charges, with the Central Committee saying it needs more information. Tech & Lifestyle: Apple is rolling out iCloud+ bundles that include Apple TV and Apple Arcade in Botswana and other markets, at no extra charge. Regional Economy Watch: A Southern Africa petrol-price comparison shows Botswana’s R1,000 buys about 46.1 litres—far more than Malawi’s 19.3 litres.

World Athletics Ultimate Championships: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo featured in the men’s 100m line-up as Cameroon’s Eseme was confirmed for the inaugural event in Budapest, while Busang Collen Kebinatshipi made history by winning the men’s 400m in a national record of 43.39 seconds. Football—AFCON race: The Botswana Football Association is racing to submit AFCON 2028 hosting bid documents by the September 14 deadline, with a plan for a joint bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe. Coaching shake-up: With Morena Ramoreboli stepping aside, the Zebras’ next technical team is down to a two-horse sprint, with Molefi Ntseki and Helman Mkhalele among the leading candidates as a caretaker appointment is expected soon. Sports—CAF Champions League: Yanga survived a tense preliminary tie against Botswana’s Gaborone United, advancing 3-2 on aggregate after a 2-1 second-leg win. Economy—Inflation: Bank of Botswana forecasts inflation staying above target through early 2027 before easing in mid-2027. Governance & rights: A spotlight is on Botswana’s anti-corruption “illicit enrichment” approach under Section 34 of the Corruption and Economic Crime Act, which can shift the burden of proof onto suspects. Business—Finance: FNB Botswana reports a 12% profit rise to P2.117 billion for the year to June 2026, declaring a dividend as credit demand remains subdued. Diplomacy & trade: Botswana’s justice minister praised Chinese firms for technology, skills and jobs during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Gaborone.

State Visit Watch: His Majesty Sultan Haitham will make state visits to Botswana and Angola starting Wednesday, September 16, to discuss cooperation across multiple sectors. Legal & Professional Regulation: Twenty-one Gaborone Universal College of Law graduates have refused to accept a High Court dismissal of their challenge over admission to the June 2026 Bar exams, turning it into a wider fight over regulatory power and fairness. Politics & Parties: A former Matsitama ward councillor, Moipidi Molobeng, has quit the BDP and joined the BNF, citing growing disappointment among residents. Housing & Credit: A new Riberry Property Market read-through of Bank of Botswana data says homebuying is increasingly driven by older, established buyers, with the median age now at 46 as lending tightens. Public Media Debate: A commentary argues Botswana needs public journalism that holds power to account, not state media that only swaps political masters. Economy & Jobs: Another report highlights graduates struggling to find sustainable work as the public-sector job model runs out of steam. Agriculture & Climate: Farmers are being urged to learn from the best, while coverage also warns El Niño could threaten Botswana harvests and stresses irrigation investment. Sport—CAF: Yanga coach Manqoba Mngqithi says missed chances made their tie vs Gaborone United harder, but they advanced 3-2 on aggregate. Sport—Athletics: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo finished second in the men’s 200m at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, behind Kenny Bednarek.

World Athletics Ultimate (Budapest): Americans Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Kenny Bednarek completed sprint doubles, each pocketing $300,000 after winning the 100m and 200m at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship. Jefferson-Wooden took the women’s 200m in 21.47 seconds, while Bednarek won the men’s 200m in 19.52, with Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo second (19.76). Botswana Athletics (400m): Collen Kebinatshipi kept his momentum, winning the men’s 400m in 43.39 seconds—another national record and fifth on the world all-time list. Football (CAF Champions League): Yanga advanced after beating Gaborone United 2-1, with Peter Shalulile scoring early and urging fans to stay patient for the next stage. Local Sports (Elite Top 8): Botswana’s top clubs set for the Elite Top 8 tournament, with Gaborone United, Jwaneng Galaxy and others chasing a P1.5m prize. Business/Tech (Botswana-China ties): Botswana’s Justice Minister Nelson Ramaotwana thanked Chinese partners for technology, skills and jobs during the Mid-Autumn Festival event in Gaborone.

Bafana Bafana Return: Pitso Mosimane is back in charge of South Africa’s men’s team, 14 years after his first stint ended in a painful Afcon qualifying miss—now he takes over from Hugo Broos and is expected to complete his technical team, including a likely goalkeeper-coach appointment, ahead of Afcon qualifiers. Botswana Football: In the CAF Champions League, Young Africans (Yanga) beat Botswana’s Gaborone United 2-1 in Dar es Salaam to advance 3-2 on aggregate, setting up a second-round tie against Madagascar’s CFFA. Track & Field (Botswana spotlight): At the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi won the men’s 400m in a national-record 43.39, while Jereem Richards took bronze in the 400m and Audrey Werro and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden grabbed major wins in other finals. Sports Business/Tech: Starlink’s arrival is pushing down mobile data prices in the region, with Lesotho’s 1GB cost falling to M32.75 by September 2026. Health Aid (regional): WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho about M2.5m in medical and ICT equipment to strengthen outbreak detection and response.

World Athletics Ultimate Championship (Budapest): Switzerland’s Audrey Werro beat Olympic rival Keely Hodgkinson to win the women’s 800m in 1:55.88, while American Melissa Jefferson-Wooden took the women’s 100m in a world-leading 10.62 and Kenny Bednarek won the men’s 100m in 9.85; Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi won the men’s 400m in 43.39, and Letsile Tebogo reached the 100m final. CAF Champions League (Botswana clubs): Tanzania’s Young Africans (Yanga) edged Botswana’s Gaborone United 2-1 in Dar es Salaam to advance 3-2 on aggregate, setting up a second-round tie with Madagascar’s CFFA. Botswana crime alert (bank scam): A Botswana pensioner is at the centre of a P1.4 million fraud case after suspects allegedly posed as bank staff using a fake KYC update, then accessed her account; four suspects were arrested and charged. Diplomacy (Botswana–Angola): President Duma Boko’s state visit to Angola featured three signed cooperation instruments covering defence, a binational commission, and livestock, with new focus on energy, trade, tourism and diamond-related industry. Sports (local football fixtures): Young Africans vs Gaborone United is listed for the CAF Champions League return leg, with Botswana’s club facing a decisive home test.

Bank Scam: A Botswana pensioner is at the centre of a P1.4 million fraud case after four suspects allegedly posed as bank staff, used a fake KYC update to get her details, and then accessed and drained her account; the suspects appeared in the Village Magistrate Court and were remanded. Sports—Botswana in Budapest: Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi qualified fastest for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship men’s 400m final, while Jereem Richards also advanced; the event continues in Budapest with Botswana’s athletes pushing for medals. Conservation: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has donated 20 critically endangered black rhinos to a private reserve in Botswana, boosting efforts to grow and diversify the species’ population. Environment & Waste: Botswana is moving toward a partnership with a Zimbabwean waste management firm to turn landfills into recycling centres and green-energy hubs. Football—CAF Fixtures: Young Africans vs Gaborone United is among the CAF Champions League matches on Saturday, with Botswana’s club set to face the Tanzanian side in the evening. Local Governance: Botswana’s government extended condolences after the death of Ambassador Sidi El-Hiba Abbas, with messages also received via the Sahrawi Embassy in Gaborone.

Sports — World Athletics Ultimate Championships (Budapest): Botswana’s world champion Collen Kebinatshipi booked a place in the men’s 400m final after topping his semifinal in 44.23, while other regional athletes faced setbacks, including Canada’s Ethan Katzberg shockingly going out after two no-throws in the hammer. Botswana in focus — Football: The Zebras are expected to name a new coach after Morena Ramoreboli left to join Bafana Bafana’s technical team, with preparations for AFCON qualifiers against Libya and Tunisia continuing. Environment — Conservation push: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife has donated 20 critically endangered black rhinos to Botswana’s Deception Valley Private Reserve to build a new genetically diverse population. Local governance — Waste to green energy: Botswana is moving toward a partnership with Zimbabwe’s Geo Pomona Waste Management to turn landfills into recycling hubs and sources of green energy. Diplomacy — Condolences: Botswana’s government extended condolences to the Sahrawi Embassy after the death of Ambassador Sidi El-Hiba Abbas. Business & services — BTC promo: Botswana Telecommunications Corporation awarded Natefo Labane the #MyBestOffer grand prize, winning a monthly salary for six months.

Botswana Sports & Youth on the Move: The Botswana Chess Federation has named its travelling squad for the World Chess Olympiad in Budapest (Sept 16–27), led by IM Providence Oatlhotse, with sponsors BetXplosion backing the team’s push for better ratings. Football Coaching Shake-up: Botswana’s Zebras face an urgent replacement after Ramoreboli quit to join Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana staff; the Botswana Football Association says the new coach must hold the required CAF licence before the Libya (Sept 24) and Tunisia qualifiers. Track & Field Spotlight: Six Botswana athletes head to the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest (Sept 11–13), where the sport’s season ends with big cash prizes. Health & Infrastructure: A Texas-based firm says it will build a P2 billion, 130-bed specialist TEMCO Hospital Ecosystem near Gaborone’s airport. Education & Conservation: Tshwaragano Primary School becomes a Front Line for Conservation as Wilderness, BIHL Trust and Mokolodi expand environmental education tied to the Okavango Delta. Legal Rights in Focus: A constitutional case on civil marriage recognition in Botswana’s High Court has widened to include LGBTQ+ groups, religious bodies and a University of Botswana human-rights scholar. National Mortality Update: Statistics Botswana reports 14,037 deaths in 2024, up 3.9%, with non-communicable diseases driving most fatalities.

Court Challenge on Marriage Laws: Botswana’s High Court case on civil marriage recognition has widened, with LGBTQ+ group LEGABIBO and several religious bodies joining, alongside a University of Botswana human-rights scholar, as the matter heads toward an October hearing. Health Snapshot: Statistics Botswana reports 14,037 deaths in 2024, up 3.9%, with non-communicable diseases driving most deaths and HIV/AIDS still a major contributor. Labour Dispute: The Manual Workers Union says it will sue the Directorate of Public Service Management over reforms affecting local per diem and voluntary exit packages, arguing per diem is negotiable while DPSM calls it an administrative matter. Finance Watch: Bank of Botswana data shows arrears to commercial banks easing from mid-year highs, with June arrears mostly in “specific provisions” for loans over 180 days. Sport—CAF Ties: Gaborone United and Jwaneng Galaxy both drew 1-1 in Champions League first legs, setting up tense return matches. Youth & Opportunity: A Gaborone-based youth movement, Teens On Track, is backing young people after poor exam results with free tuition and practical skills training. International Spotlight: Botswana tennis teen Raguin becomes the first Motswana to reach the US Open Junior main draw.