AGP Executive Report

De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana is courting the UAE and Oman to help acquire more of De Beers after Anglo American’s exit, aiming to secure influence as diamond revenues face pressure. Repatriation Support: Government is considering a national repatriation fund to ease the cost burden on families bringing home deceased Batswana from abroad, where expenses can top P100,000. Aviation Push: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa, drawing about 450 delegates, to boost air connectivity and grow tourism and investment. Energy Regulation Profile: BERA CEO Dr Never Tshabang says the regulator is balancing energy transitions with supply security amid market shocks. Local Industry Policy: In Selibe-Phikwe, delays in gazetting a 30% government off-take law are scaring off investors and slowing local manufacturing uptake. Judicial Training: Sudreau Global Justice Institute ran commercial mediation and plea-bargaining trainings across Botswana and other African countries to strengthen dispute resolution. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo won the men’s 200m at the Bislett Games in Oslo, while local interest also followed Botswana athletes’ wider track performances.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Botswana hosts AviaDev Africa, drawing about 450 delegates from 50+ airlines and aviation stakeholders, as the country pushes for better air connectivity and a stronger visitor economy. De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana is in talks to buy a bigger De Beers stake, with reports saying the government is looking to UAE and Oman as “reliable, trusted partners,” raising questions about pressure on public finances amid diamond demand shifts. Power Supply Watch: Botswana says major winter load shedding is unlikely this year, citing improved stability at Morupule B Power Station and better generation performance. Health Screening Alert: The Ministry of Health confirms isolated resistance to Ebola screening at the Tlokweng border post, saying cases are being monitored and awareness efforts continue. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo shines at Oslo’s Diamond League, while fellow Botswana athlete Sinesipho Dambile takes another second place in the 200m. Wildlife & Conservation: A new focus on wildlife-human interactions highlights how changing rules and community practices shape conservation outcomes. Digital Expansion: Google rolls out Ask Gemini in Chrome to Botswana and other African markets, aiming to make AI search and understanding more accessible.

De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana is seeking UAE and Oman partners to help fund the acquisition of the remaining De Beers stake, as diamond demand softens and synthetic stones rise. Power Supply Watch: Botswana says major winter load shedding is unlikely, citing improved generation capacity at Morupule and better grid stability. Health Screening: The Ministry of Health reports isolated refusals of Ebola screening at Tlokweng Border Post, saying the situation is under control. Mining & Investment: Belararox secured an extra $2m for Botswana Kalahari copper drilling, while ReconAfrica begins production testing at its Kavango West discovery well. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo beat Olympic rival Gout Gout in the Oslo 200m, with Sinesipho Dambile taking second; Tebogo also advised Gout Gout to race with age-mates to avoid injuries. Labour & Rights: BOFEPUSU condemns Choppies Botswana’s planned retrenchments as workers’ wage pledge backlash grows.

Constitutional Showdown in Zimbabwe: Hatcliffe MP Agency Gumbo (CCC) used the June 9 National Assembly debate to oppose CAB3, arguing the bill would weaken Zimbabwe’s democratic framework by shifting power in ways that undermine constitutional restraint. Botswana Debt Watch: The IMF says Botswana has the fastest-growing debt surge globally, with debt moving from a net asset position in 2001 to projected gross government debt of about 45.2% of GDP in 2026, raising fresh questions about household impact. Diamond Workers Push for “Decent Work”: The Botswana Diamond Workers Union plans a nationwide campaign demanding higher wages, stronger labour protections and better localisation, after complaints of low pay and retrenchments despite diamond wealth. Choppies Retrenchment Backlash: BOFEPUSU condemned Choppies Botswana’s planned job cuts, calling the move a betrayal of workers after the company introduced a P4,000 minimum wage. Youth Mental Health Trial in Botswana: Researchers report a youth-led Safe Haven intervention shows promise for teens and young adults, including underserved groups such as younger adolescents and those living with HIV. New Botswana City Deal: UAE’s Albaddad launched “New Botswana City” with Botswana Development Corporation, a US$1.9bn mixed-use project aimed at boosting trade, tourism and investment in Gaborone. Mineworkers’ Relief: Botswana Mineworkers Union says legal battles over Mupane Gold Mine are nearing closure after a Court of Appeal ruling favoured the Nova Africa consortium and liquidator. Wildlife Climate Study: University of Washington researchers return to northern Botswana to study how heat and drought are changing lions and African wild dogs’ behaviour and human contact. Regional Trade Note: Namibia’s April trade data shows African markets make up over half of its exports and imports, with Botswana among key export partners.

Public Finance Watch: Botswana has been flagged by the IMF as the world’s fastest-growing debt surge, with debt rising sharply over the past quarter century and borrowing increasingly used to sustain spending as diamond revenues face pressure. Digital Rights & Cybercrime: Government says it cannot unmask fake Facebook accounts tormenting citizens, pointing to gaps in cyber enforcement capacity while key cybersecurity provisions are still not fully operational. Labour & Diamonds: Diamond workers plan a nationwide campaign demanding higher wages, stronger labour protections and better accountability, arguing the sector’s wealth is not reaching workers across the value chain. Business Climate: A warning from analysts highlights how unpredictable rules, not just tax levels, are derailing business planning and investment across African markets. Sports & Governance: Botswana’s doping case involving four track athletes is set for an August 10 court hearing after confusion over an earlier date. New City Deal: UAE firm Albaddad has launched “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a $1.9bn mixed-use project backed by BDC, aiming to boost trade, tourism and investment. Banking Outlook: BMI warns Botswana’s banking sector may stay stable but face limits on growth and profitability amid weak macro conditions and rising risks.

Housing & governance: Minister Onneetse Ramogapi has fired the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC) board, citing governance failures and the need to restore stability. Public safety: The Botswana Police Service denies claims that the City Police Unit (CPU) has been suspended, saying it remains operational as questions grow over resources and whether focus is shifting to the Safer City Project. Economy & jobs: The Higher Education Ministry says graduate unemployment is driven by a skills mismatch between tertiary training and what industry needs. Sports development: The Botswana National Olympic Committee warns that the lack of organised school sports is a “national crisis” that could derail talent pipelines. Investment & infrastructure: UAE-based Albaddad Holding has launched “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a $1.9bn mixed-use project with BDC partnership. Health & business: CCA has approved CFAO Healthcare’s acquisition of 75% of Medswana, a major move in Botswana’s pharma supply chain. Social issues: GBV cases remain high, with 7,517 reported in the first quarter of 2026.

Botswana–UAE Investment Push: Albaddad Holding has launched the $1.9bn “New Botswana City” in Gaborone with Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), a mixed-use project covering 1.24 million sq m and anchored by a 124,000-sqm exhibition and trade centre; construction on the first phase has started and BDC plans to grow its equity stake over time. Mining Jobs Under Pressure: A year after a Debswana contractor retrenched workers in Orapa, one former installer says he was cut without warning, leaving him with debt and still searching for work. Regional Finance Security: Botswana’s acting finance minister urged SADC states to strengthen cooperation against money laundering and terror financing, warning that external shocks are hitting trade, food security, energy and financial stability. SADC Wildlife Talks: KAZA states meeting in Victoria Falls are pushing a united stance on elephant conservation and the trade in elephant products, with EU funding earmarked for conservation and livelihoods. Sports Governance: Botswana netball clubs have demanded action over alleged match-fixing and poor technical coordination, with men’s finals reportedly cancelled. Food Security Infrastructure: Botswana is expanding Pandamatenga grain silos to strengthen food security. AFCON Hosting Clarification: Namibia has denied it has approved any 2028 AFCON co-hosting bid involving southern African partners, adding uncertainty to the regional proposal.

New Botswana City Deal: Botswana has signed a roughly $2bn agreement with UAE’s Albaddad Group to build “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a mixed-use development covering 1.24 million sq m with an exhibition and trade centre as the first phase, aimed at boosting tourism, trade and investment as diamond revenues come under pressure. PPC Turnaround: Cement producer PPC says its turnaround is paying off again, reporting a 31% jump in EBITDA to about R2.1bn and a 72% dividend increase, with improved cash generation supported by South Africa and Botswana operations. Oil Tanker Flag Fraud Row: Botswana insists it has no link to a tanker targeted by the US in the Persian Gulf, saying the vessel was falsely flying the Botswana flag—highlighting the growing problem of flag fraud and sanctions disputes. Climate and Storms: Researchers link more frequent intense storms to global warming, warning that impacts depend on preparedness and local conditions. Netball Turmoil: Botswana netball is rocked by match-fixing allegations that have led to the cancellation of men’s finals, while clubs question how the issue was handled. Sports Foundation: Athletics legend Isaac Makwala is set to launch his foundation in Gaborone to support youth through sport, education and mentorship.

Media Bill 2025: Botswana’s draft Media Bill proposes a Media Development Fund financed through parliamentary appropriations, fines and other sources, with support channelled via a Media Council—aimed at easing pressure on a struggling media sector. Legal showdown: Pilane says his transfer from the corruption unit to the BDF put him at risk, alleging threats weren’t properly investigated and confidential information was leaked, prompting a notice of intention to sue. Banking leadership: Capricorn Group confirmed Bank Gaborone MD Olebile Makhupe will step down on 31 August, with an interim acting MD to be named as the group begins recruitment for a permanent replacement. Business outlook: A Bank of Botswana survey says firms see weaker government spending and rising costs as major constraints, with tighter financial conditions and higher borrowing costs expected ahead. Mining focus: Botswana’s Future of Mining Summit 2026 (29–30 June) will tackle investment, beneficiation and the exploration funding gap, including the role of the Exploration Investment Company Botswana. Conservation & culture: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment to boost monitoring and visitor education, while Ghanzi leaders renewed calls to revive the Kuru Dance Festival to protect San heritage and support tourism. Sports spotlight: Motlhanka hit an unbeaten 112 to score his first T20I century as Botswana cricket’s World Cup qualifier campaign continues to build momentum.

Banking Leadership: Capricorn Group says Olebile Makhupe will step down as Bank Gaborone managing director, with an interim acting MD to be named and a formal recruitment process for a permanent replacement. Business Outlook: A Bank of Botswana survey warns firms face tighter financial conditions, higher borrowing costs, and rising operating pressures as government spending weakens and exchange-rate adjustment effects linger. Mining & Investment: Botswana’s mining leaders will meet in Gaborone for the Future of Mining Summit 2026 (29–30 June), focusing on transformation, beneficiation, and closing the exploration investment gap. Conservation & Tourism: Goo-Moremi Resort receives giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now to boost monitoring and visitor education, building on last year’s giraffe translocation. Culture & Heritage: Ghanzi leaders renew calls to revive the Kuru Dance Festival, saying it could protect San culture and revive tourism and local income. Sports & Community: Miss Universe Botswana 2026 Dabilo Debbie Moses urges African unity as she supports regional finals in Zimbabwe.

Banking Leadership: Capricorn Group says Olebile Makhupe has resigned as managing director of Bank Gaborone, with an orderly handover planned until 31 August and an interim acting MD to be named soon. Rights and Belonging: A column marks Botswana’s formal repeal of LGBTQI+ criminal provisions as a major shift for dignity and safety, arguing it helps people report violence, access healthcare, and participate in civic life without fear. Food and Livestock Policy: Botswana has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after suppressing the outbreak in the north-east, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and derived products within affected zones. Regional Trade and Integration: Namibia’s president stresses SACU’s role as a key regional pillar, highlighting the customs union’s long history and need to adapt to new global economic arrangements. Diamonds Deal Talks: Botswana is reportedly seeking support from the UAE and Oman as it explores options to acquire a strategic stake in De Beers amid shifting diamond market pressures. Sports and Culture: Botswana is among teams set for the Davis Cup Africa Group IV in Nairobi, while the “Chinese Bridge” primary schools event in Gaborone highlights people-to-people exchanges through language and culture.

De Beers Deal Talks: Botswana is in discussions with the UAE and Oman to buy a strategic stake in De Beers, aiming to shape how diamonds are priced and sold as natural diamond revenues face pressure from lab-grown competition. FMD Update: Botswana has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after suppressing the outbreak in the north-east, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and fresh products from affected zones. False-Flag Oil Tanker Claim: Botswana says a US-disabled oil tanker was falsely registered under its flag, warning it does not register or operate vessels and calling the practice unlawful. Local Politics: The Botswana Patriotic Front has imposed a social media restraint ahead of its July congress and also took control of the Palapye District Council chairmanship after a no-confidence vote. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo made the podium in Rome’s Diamond League, while Miss Universe Botswana’s Dabilo Debbie Moses urged African unity ahead of the Miss Universe Zimbabwe finale. People-to-People Exchange: The “Chinese Bridge” primary school competition in Gaborone highlighted cultural and language ties between Botswana and China.

Botswana Livestock Update: Botswana has eased Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after the outbreak in the north-east 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. Food Prices Watch: Tiger Brands says higher fuel, logistics and input costs may force price increases on some products, especially where edible oils drive costs. Politics—CAB3 Momentum: Opposition MPs backed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 during debate, including CCC MP Samantha Mureyani, while the Botswana Patriotic Front also faces internal discipline moves ahead of its July congress. Local Government—Palapye Council: The BPF has taken the Palapye District Council chairmanship after a no-confidence motion removed UDC councillor Kabo Ketshogile, electing David Buffalo Ikanyeng. Media & Culture: A workshop in Gaborone warned that piracy and unregulated AI could erode Botswana’s creative sector and cultural identity. Sport—Davis Cup: Botswana is among eight nations set for the Davis Cup Africa Group IV in Nairobi, with promotion at stake. International—US-Iran Tensions: CENTCOM says it shot down four Iranian drones aimed toward the Strait of Hormuz and struck radar sites, as the Gulf standoff continues.

Botswana Diamonds Deal Talks: President Duma Boko says Botswana is in talks with the UAE and Oman to buy a strategic stake in De Beers from Anglo American, aiming to gain more control over pricing and marketing as rough diamond prices hit the economy. Mining & Jobs: JCHX has ordered a 45-unit underground equipment fleet from Sandvik for MMG’s Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana, with deliveries starting August 2026 through April 2030. Courtroom Governance: Attorney General Sifiso Khumalo advised MPs that House motions must be properly drafted, warning one MP’s submission was drafted like a resolution and should be withdrawn and redone. Tech Services Expansion: Smart Hands Africa was appointed an authorised Supermicro services partner, offering installation, break-fix support and maintenance across Botswana and other African markets. Regional Security: Police in Zimbabwe arrested five suspects and seized 360kg of dagga worth about ZiG10.8 million, allegedly smuggled via Botswana. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo finished third in the Rome Diamond League 100m as Noah Lyles won.

Gaborone City Council Crisis: Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng says he will address allegations he locked out senior officials over a disputed near-P1 million furniture bill, after councillors condemned the move and called it abusive. Botswana Justice & Governance: The DPP has reportedly moved to prosecute a perjury complaint tied to the discredited P100 billion scandal, after courts found key claims were fabricated. Mining Investment: Sandvik has secured a roughly US$70m order for a 45-unit underground equipment fleet for MMG’s Khoemacau copper mine in northwest Botswana, with deliveries starting August 2026. Regional Trade & Travel: AfCFTA momentum continues as more African countries cut visa barriers; Swakopmund is highlighted as a key trade hub for market access. International Spotlight: New footage shows major damage at Kuwait International Airport after an Iranian attack, while the US says it disabled a Botswana-flagged oil tanker bound for Iran’s Kharg Island. Sports (Botswana): Noah Lyles won the Rome 100m Diamond League; Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo finished third.

Botswana in the spotlight: Bank Gaborone MD Olebile Makhupe has announced she will step down, with an interim Acting MD expected soon as the bank begins recruitment for a permanent replacement. Mining and jobs: Sandvik has won a roughly US$70m order for a 45-unit underground mining equipment fleet for MMG’s Khoemacau copper mine in Botswana, with deliveries starting August 2026. Human rights: 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. Regional sport and gender: The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, with Botswana among the participating countries. Travel and culture: A luxury private-jet tour brand, Pan Am Journeys, is launching “A Journey to Reimagine Africa,” including Botswana as part of a 19-day itinerary. International security spillover: US CENTCOM says it disabled a Botswana-flagged oil tanker near Iran’s Kharg Island, amid renewed US-Iran strikes and attacks in the Gulf.