AGP Executive Report

AFCON 2028 Bid: South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe have officially submitted a joint bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2028, with COSAFA confirming the move and Botswana FA president Tariq Babitseng saying the trio will meet this weekend to iron out any issues—marking a return to Southern Africa for the first time since 2013. Tourism Jobs Push: SADC says tourism could create an additional 3.17 million jobs across the region from 2024 to 2034, projecting employment rising to about 11 million by 2034, with GDP contribution also expected to grow. Local Sports Governance: Highlanders FC board chairman Luke Mkandla has survived an attempted ouster after an Extraordinary General Meeting ended without a resolution, amid allegations over missing funds, unpaid salaries and governance concerns. Botswana in the Spotlight: EFF leader Julius Malema praised Botswana’s diamond wealth for funding free education, student allowances and social development, while a separate report highlights a Botswana diamond industry case where a polisher was accused of sabotaging a colleague by scratching a diamond. Commonwealth Games: Botswana’s presence continues in Glasgow as Fiji’s lawn bowls team beat Botswana in women’s pairs, and Namibia opened its campaign with a win over Botswana in bowls. Safety Tragedy: A newlywed couple’s honeymoon canoe trip in the Okavango Delta ended in tragedy after a hippo attack killed the bride in front of her husband.

AFCON Bid: South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe have officially submitted a joint bid to host AFCON 2028, with Botswana Football Association president Tariq Babitseng saying the bloc will meet this weekend to iron out any issues. Regional Football: The push aims to return AFCON to Southern Africa after 15 years, banking on South Africa’s hosting experience and improving facilities in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Botswana Business: BEMA has signed an MoU with BaMangwato leadership to pilot community wealth creation across seven districts, targeting jobs and value-add in areas like agro-processing, leather, tourism and renewable energy. Vehicle Safety: Botswana-linked Ford recalls are in the spotlight after South Africa’s National Consumer Commission flagged 2017–2020 Ranger and Everest models with a 10R80 transmission risk of losing drive; software updates are free at authorised dealers. Diamonds & Work: A Gaborone diamond polisher, accused of maliciously scratching a diamond worth nearly P300,000 to sabotage a colleague, appeared in court.

AFCON 2028 Push: South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe have officially submitted a joint bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations, with Botswana Football Association president Tariq Babitseng saying the region has the infrastructure and experience to deliver. Regional Football Talent: Botswana players are also finding new opportunities in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League, with the first Batswana signings reported. US Visa Changes Affect Botswana: The U.S. will restructure visa services across Africa from Aug. 1, 2026, ending routine processing at posts including Gaborone and shifting applicants to regional visa hubs. Road Safety Recall: Botswana-linked Ford Ranger and Everest models (2017–2020, 10R80 transmission) are under a recall in South Africa, with a transmission fault that could cause loss of drive; software updates will be done free. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Botswana’s Diza Mphotho drew attention in Glasgow, while bowls action continues and other athletes chase medals. Public Health & Polio Risk: Zimbabwe’s polio gains are being protected through synchronized regional vaccination with Botswana and neighbours amid ongoing cross-border risk. Local Economy Through Sport: The Orange Phikwe National Marathon marks 10 years, boosting tourism and business in Selebi-Phikwe.

World Public Summit in Addis Ababa: Global leaders and changemakers will gather in Ethiopia on 29–30 July for the inaugural World Public Summit Africa, focused on governance, sustainable development and cooperation, with participation from government, business, academia, journalists and youth. Botswana youth push: Botswana has formally acceded to the African Youth Charter, a move aimed at boosting youth empowerment and jobs, as the country tackles high youth unemployment. Labour law readiness: ILES says preparations are complete for a Botswana conference on implementing the Employment and Labour Relations Act in a digital economy, to align employers, workers and government ahead of the new law. FMD control update: Lands and Agriculture Minister Dr Edwin Dikoloti says Foot and Mouth Disease cases are being suppressed through vaccination and fencing, with remaining hotspots expected to be extinguished in further rounds. Digital access in rural areas: A new P1.5m digital centre was launched at Sankoyo Primary School, funded via UASF/BOCRA, bringing laptops, internet and digital literacy training to learners. Commonwealth Games spotlight: Botswana’s athletes and the wider region gear up in Glasgow, with the Games opening staged indoors at the Hydro.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease Update: Botswana’s Lands and Agriculture Minister Dr Edwin Dikoloti says the FMD outbreak is being suppressed in the north-east through vaccination, with “simmering down” in initially infected areas and ongoing action in newly affected zones, alongside plans for the Otse–Ramotswa–Mmathethe–Werda containment fence. Youth Charter & Jobs: Botswana has formally acceded to the African Youth Charter, a move aimed at unlocking youth empowerment and employment support under AU frameworks, as youth unemployment remains high. Tax Overhaul: Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) is rolling out major tax reforms to modernise collection and raise more domestic revenue as mineral earnings decline, including higher corporate and personal income tax rates and new rules for online services. Regional Trade & Rail: Botswana and Namibia are pushing ahead with the Trans Kalahari Railway, with technical talks due in Kasane to link Botswana to Walvis Bay for cheaper, faster freight and stronger regional connectivity. Sports & Talent: Botswana’s youth and sport ecosystem gets a boost with the Botswana FA-linked push for better football foundations, while Botswana tennis celebrates a breakthrough Billie Jean King Cup win and Commonwealth Games coverage keeps regional athletes in focus. Diamonds & Mining: De Beers and Anglo American updates continue to ripple through Botswana’s diamond economy, with production changes and ownership-sale talks shaping expectations for the sector.

Energy & Regional Power: SADC is pushing for bigger investment in energy infrastructure as the region lags on electrification, with cross-border projects like ZIZABONA highlighted to boost electricity trade. Health & Accountability: Botswana’s medicine crisis exploded at a Public Accounts Committee hearing, with MPs and Central Medical Stores officials trading blame over shortages and expired drugs. Justice System: Botswana’s oldest pending death penalty clemency petition has entered its fourth year without a decision, with prisons saying no new information has been requested. Sports: Team Botswana has arrived in Glasgow aiming for at least seven medals at the Commonwealth Games, while Gaborone United prepares its annual awards night after a title-winning 2025/26 season. Legal Rights: The Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana has applied to join a High Court case that could open the door to legal recognition of same-sex marriage. Economy & Diversification: President Duma Boko toured a hemp trial project in Mochudi, pitching industrial hemp as a new jobs and business opportunity to reduce reliance on diamonds. Mining & Investment: Vantage Metals has started a maiden drill program at its Kalahari copper project, and Cobre Limited reports progress on Botswana copper recovery and drilling campaigns. International Tensions: Botswana, along with Tanzania, took strong retaliatory actions after xenophobic attacks in South Africa, including emergency measures affecting cross-border movement.

Economic Diversification Push: President Duma Boko toured a Mochudi hemp trial project, saying industrial hemp could help revive Botswana’s economy and create jobs as the country reduces reliance on diamonds. Constitutional Court Watch: The Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana has applied to join a High Court case that could pave the way for legal recognition of same-sex marriage; a ruling on its admission is expected Sept. 4, with the main hearing set for Oct. 22–23. Consumer Safety: The National Consumer Commission announced recalls affecting Nissan Qashqai (fuel leak risk) and Toyota Land Cruiser 300 plus Lexus LX600 (engine defect that may cause stalling), urging owners to visit authorised dealers for free repairs. Mining & Finance: Botswana Development Corporation and BADEA signed intent to unlock €100 million for dairy and trade/industry support, including financing for hospitals’ procurement needs. Governance & Oversight: Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse unveiled a push for a more independent Parliament, aiming to strengthen its co-equal role in lawmaking and executive scrutiny. Sports & Culture: Botswana hosts a FIBA 3×3 Nations League Africa South conference in Gaborone, while a Khoisan delegation arrived ahead of the Embiveni Biggest Braai.

Russia-Ukraine Recruitment Alarm: Botswana says the “alarming rise” of citizens being lured into Russia’s war is growing, with reports of fake job offers and coercion sending people to Ukraine’s front lines. Road Safety Update: Government is set to amend the Road Traffic Act to criminalise driving under the influence of illicit drugs, widening impaired-driving offences beyond alcohol. Public Finance Watch: Bank of Botswana data shows debt at about P90bn (33% of GDP) by Dec 2025, with projections pointing to the debt ceiling being breached within two years if deficits persist. Legal Rights in Court: Botswana’s High Court in Gaborone hears applications from groups seeking to join a landmark constitutional case on same-sex marriage. Visa Moves: Botswana says talks with China on expanding visa-free travel remain possible after China’s expanded unilateral policy left African states, including Botswana, out. Regional Business & Trade: SADC pushes forward leather value-chain plans, with a forum in Durban aimed at boosting jobs and intra-regional trade. Sports & Culture: Botswana’s Billie Jean King Cup campaign sees Namibia retain Group III status after finishing seventh in Gaborone; local entertainment also gears up for the Ga Maila Leteisi Affair in Kanye.

Parliament & governance: Botswana is preparing to amend the Road Traffic Act to criminalise driving under the influence of illicit drugs, widening impaired-driving offences beyond alcohol. Foreign affairs: Botswana says visa-free talks with China are still possible after China expanded visa-free entry for some countries but left Botswana out. Security & recruitment: Botswana has accused Russia of deceptively recruiting citizens for Ukraine’s front lines, warning of promises of jobs and bonuses that end in forced combat. Justice: Gaborone High Court convicted Tshegofatso Molefe of attempted murder after an arson attack in 2014, ruling she set fire to houses where her child’s father and another woman were sleeping. LGBTQ+ rights: Botswana’s High Court heard applications from groups seeking to join or be admitted as friends of the court in the constitutional challenge over same-sex marriage. Regional justice cooperation: Namibia says it is waiting for South Africa to pass enabling legislation to allow transfer of sentenced prisoners, after South Africa signed an agreement with Namibia. International travel lists: Botswana is included on Antigua and Barbuda’s 2026 visa-free list for African countries.

Ukraine War Recruitment: Botswana says Russia is using deceptive offers to lure citizens into fighting in Ukraine, with the foreign ministry citing “alarming” distress calls from people already on the front line. Regional Security & Integrity: Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe reaffirmed cross-border anti-corruption cooperation at African Anti-Corruption Day in Victoria Falls, backing stronger SADC and continental action. Electricity Costs: BERA approved a 9% electricity tariff increase for 2026/27, effective 1 August, adding pressure to households and businesses. Water Access: President Cyril Ramaphosa launched South Africa’s National Water Access Acceleration Programme in Hammanskraal, rolling out decentralised treatment and long-term supply plans. Food Security Debate: Botswana urged to boost food security through agricultural technology and regional cooperation rather than import curbs that could disrupt SACU/AfCFTA trade. Diamonds Deal Watch: Anglo American named the Global Diamond Consortium led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny as preferred bidder for De Beers’ diamond business; Botswana is assessing options given its 15% stake and right of first refusal. Agriculture & Jobs: Milk Valley Farm begins a dairy expansion with the arrival of 200 pregnant Girolando cattle, part of a plan to grow local milk production. Governance Reform: Former Speaker Phandu Skelemani backs Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse’s push for a more independent Parliament.

De Beers Deal Watch: Anglo American has named the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as its preferred bidder for an 85% stake in De Beers, putting Botswana’s 15% stake and right of first refusal back in focus as Gaborone weighs whether to match the offer or partner up. Anti-Corruption Push: Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe reaffirmed plans to strengthen cross-border anti-corruption work under SADC and wider African frameworks during African Anti-Corruption Day in Victoria Falls. Russia Recruitment Warning: Botswana says the number of citizens being lured into fighting for Russia is rising “at an alarming rate,” urging people to avoid deceptive recruitment schemes and warning of forced frontline deployment. Food Security Debate: An agricultural economist urged Botswana to boost domestic productivity and adopt regional farming technologies instead of relying mainly on import curbs. SADC Animal Health: SADC countries, including Botswana, are moving toward a coordinated 2026–2028 foot-and-mouth disease plan with joint diagnostics, vaccinations and transboundary disease management. Public Service Hiring Freeze: Government has frozen new public service posts, saying it lacks funds and will redeploy staff from overstaffed ministries to understaffed ones. Transport Infrastructure: Botswana and Namibia say talks on the Trans Kalahari Railway are advancing, with a next technical and ministerial meeting planned in Kasane. Media & Tech: eMedia launched Openview Stream, a free ad-supported streaming platform, rolling out initially in Botswana and several other African markets.

Trans Kalahari Railway: Botswana and Namibia say high-level talks are advancing the Trans Kalahari Railway, with a Kasane technical meeting next to firm up specs, financing and rules for the rail link to Walvis Bay. Oil & Gas: ReconAfrica reports first hydrocarbons flowed to the surface at Kavango West 1X in Namibia, with further testing moving to the Huttenberg Formation. Public Service Jobs: Government has frozen new public service posts, saying it lacks funds and will redeploy staff from overstaffed ministries to shortages. Railways Funding: Botswana secured P450m to clear Botswana Railways debts after strike action, prioritising workers’ loan deductions. De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana says it is engaging Namibia and Angola to ensure any increased stake in De Beers is at an “optimal” level, citing legal rights and preemptive interests. Healthcare VAT Pushback: Doctors and dentists warn VAT on private healthcare could make treatment unaffordable; a petition against the move has surged past 7,600 signatures. Blood Supply Warning: WHO flags weaknesses in Botswana’s blood transfusion system, citing fragmented coordination, ageing equipment and supply bottlenecks. Security & Recruitment: Botswana warns of an alarming rise in fraudulent job offers sending citizens to Russia to fight in Ukraine. Business & Jobs Risk: Business Botswana cautions that tax and labour reforms rolled out together could trigger job losses and closures. Sports: Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos confirm 20 countries, including Botswana, for Aug 9–14.

Forced Recruitment Warning: Botswana’s Ministry of International Relations says an “alarming” rise in citizens being lured by fake job offers is sending them to Russia, where they are forced into active combat in Ukraine, urging people to verify offers before travel. De Beers Stake Talks: In Parliament, Minister Moeti Mohwasa said Botswana is engaging Namibia and Angola over potential stake increases in De Beers, citing legal rights including possible controlling-stake acquisition and pre-emptive rights tied to Anglo’s 85% holding. Railways Debt Rescue: Government secured P450m to clear Botswana Railways debts after strike action over unpaid loan deductions left workers exposed to legal action. Tax and Healthcare Backlash: Medical groups and a fast-growing petition are challenging proposed VAT on private healthcare, warning it could make treatment unaffordable and delay care. Blood Supply Alarm: A WHO report warns Botswana’s blood transfusion system faces structural weaknesses—fragmented coordination, ageing equipment, weak information systems and supply shortages—that could threaten safe blood availability. Food Safety Case: Court documents show Gaborone City Council inspected and fined Spar Broadhurst after a customer claimed illness from expired Spar mabele mageu. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s Lee Eppie finished fifth in the London Diamond League 400m, while Nigeria’s women’s tennis team earned a historic Billie Jean King Cup Group II promotion after beating Botswana.

Russia-Ukraine Recruitment Warning: Botswana’s Ministry of International Relations says an “alarming” rise in Batswana being lured into Russia’s war is forcing recruits into active combat, urging citizens to verify any job offers and travel documents before going abroad. De Beers Sale Watch: Botswana is weighing options after Anglo American named a preferred bidder for its De Beers stake, with Botswana holding a 15% share and a right of first refusal that could shape who controls the diamond giant. Economy Diversification Push: President Duma Boko visited the Dibete Ostrich Multiplication Unit as Botswana bets on reviving ostrich farming to support jobs and exports, targeting 6,000 ostriches hatched this year. Regional Policy Focus: Analysts from Botswana and neighbours met in Johannesburg to discuss how governments can make every dollar deliver better outcomes using cost-benefit analysis. Tennis Milestone in Gaborone: Nigeria’s women won a promotion playoff against Botswana to reach Billie Jean King Cup Europe/Africa Group II for the first time. Energy Costs Snapshot: A new ranking shows household energy spending is highest in Europe, with Sweden leading, while costs are much lower across much of Africa.

Botswana-Russia Security Alert: Botswana’s International Relations Ministry says the “alarming” rise in deceptive recruitment is forcing citizens into Russia’s war in Ukraine, urging people to verify job offers, avoid unusually high salaries, and be cautious with unclear contracts and travel without proper documents. Public Trust & Misinformation: Vice President Lucia Witbooi urged communicators at ECC26 in Swakopmund to champion accurate information and ethical messaging to strengthen governance and national development. De Beers Deal Watch: Botswana is weighing options after Anglo American named a preferred bidder for its De Beers stake, with Botswana holding a 15% share and rights to decide whether to buy in, partner, or act alone. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Namibia and Botswana reaffirmed plans to boost trade via Walvis Bay, highlighting the Botswana Dry Port and Trans-Kalahari Corridor. Sports: Gabby Thomas fell again to Julien Alfred in the London Diamond League women’s 200m. Travel Lists: Russia published its 2026 visa-free entry conditions, with African access often limited to diplomatic or service passports.

Retail Court Ruling: Botswana-linked shoppers in the region get a clear signal as South Africa’s Gauteng High Court orders Spar to vacate a Midrand shopping centre, clearing the way for Shoprite’s expansion. Diamond Deal Watch: Anglo American has picked a preferred buyer for De Beers, with Botswana weighing whether to use its right of first refusal, potentially alongside Angola and Namibia, as the diamond market stays under pressure. Regional Trade: Namibia and Botswana reaffirm trade ties after a Walvis Bay port visit, highlighting the Botswana Dry Port and Trans-Kalahari Corridor for faster regional movement. Public Relations Leadership: APRA re-elected Arik Karani (Kenya) as president, with Michele Mekeme (Cameroon) and Omoniyi Ibietan (Nigeria) returning to top posts in Swakopmund. Health & Safety: Ford Transit and Tourneo Custom recalls are in motion after a transmission fault risk, with affected vehicles sold across Southern Africa including Botswana. Sports & Culture: Botswana’s VP Ndaba Gaolathe joins regional events, while Gaborone hosts the return of the Gaborone Book Festival (20–22 Aug) and local tennis action continues in the women’s team run-up.