AGP Executive Report

Botswana Diamond Spotlight: Botswana’s government-backed Okavango Blue diamond is set to headline Messika’s new one-of-a-kind necklace, featuring a 20.46-carat stone mined at Orapa and designed to “float” against the skin with 500 white diamonds. Sports as Business: Botswana’s inaugural Business of Sport Summit in Tlokweng pushed the idea that sport can drive jobs, investment and GDP through better sponsorship, commercialisation and sports tourism. CUCSA Games in Gaborone: The 22nd CUCSA Games opened at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Arena, running to 5 July across venues including Notwane Tennis Grounds and Royal Aria Stadium. Public Service Tensions: BOFEPUSU says it will fight a proposed DPSM restructuring plan offering voluntary early packages, calling it unlawful and warning of confrontation if it proceeds without proper process. Corruption Case Moves: A Gaborone court granted DCEC permission to prosecute Bakang Seretse and others over alleged criminal negligence tied to Botswana Petroleum Fund money. Regional Trade Push: At the SACU summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged accelerated reforms and highlighted work on regional value chains and an export strategy to boost intra-African trade. Local Governance Court Fight: Palapye District Council chairmanship dispute heads to Lobatse High Court after a councillor was ousted days after election.

Botswana Rights Spotlight: Botswana has formally erased its colonial-era sodomy laws, following landmark court victories that decriminalised same-sex relations in 2019, with the UN profiling the teacher who brought the case. Gaborone Policy Watch: In Gaborone, experts warn Africa’s clean energy push could repeat old extractive patterns unless accountability is built into energy transition deals, with communities protected and governments clearly responsible for outcomes. Regional Sports: Malawi kicked off the CUCSA Games in Botswana with a 1-0 win over hosts Botswana, setting up a historic push toward the final. Local Politics: Radio personality Montsosa says he will contest the Thamaga-Kumakwane seat in 2029, after earlier speculation about his next move. Business & Governance: The BDP has apologised over the P100 billion saga, saying investigations found no prosecutable case but reputations were still harmed. International Football: CAF has opened bidding for AFCON 2028, with a Botswana–South Africa joint bid among early contenders.

Botswana Football: CAF has opened bidding for the 2028 AFCON, with Ethiopia, Morocco and a Botswana–South Africa joint bid among the first contenders—setting up a new hosting cycle that also covers 2032 and 2036. Mining & Energy: Aterian says it has started field operations under its joint venture with Lithosquare, launching a technology-led exploration push across Morocco and Botswana. Sports & Culture: Botswana’s Silver Ladies have been granted CAF nods, while the country also features in travel and adventure coverage, including quad biking and paragliding ideas. Environment & Rights: ERA will launch 20-country Environmental Rights case studies across Africa, assessing how communities can access information, participate in decisions and seek justice. Justice Update: Jiajin, extradited to Botswana over the Ecoplexus scam, returns to court as his defence seeks dismissal of the charges. Regional Watch: Anglo American reports a drop in Namibia’s tax and economic contribution in 2025, while Zimbabwe’s parliament moves to extend Mnangagwa’s term—both likely to keep regional politics and economies in focus.

Botswana Economy & Investment: Botswana Minerals says an AI review of more than a gigabyte of 50-year-old drill records has uncovered signs of concealed copper mineralisation under Kalahari cover, including primary copper sulphides and altered minerals like malachite and chrysocolla—now pointing to a focused field programme. Tourism Policy: Government is moving to overhaul the Tourism Act, with the 2021 National Tourism Policy and 10-year strategy guiding reforms aimed at a more modern, investment-friendly legal framework, better destination marketing, and stronger infrastructure and support services. Agriculture Financing: Stakeholders met to refine Botswana’s Agriculture Financing Strategy with FAO support, aiming to build a financing ecosystem that attracts private capital, reduces risk, and strengthens agricultural value chains to boost food security and cut import reliance. Local Governance: The Maun High Court ordered the government to upgrade Basubiya Kgosi Lawrence Liswani Sinvula’s pay scale to E2 and pay three years of salary arrears within 90 days. Regional Business: MTN Eswatini confirmed Jerry Soko as substantive CEO from 1 July 2026, after seven months as acting CEO. Tech & Jobs Across Africa: Google launched a Ksh129.5 million equity-free Play Indie Games Fund for independent studios across 32 African countries, offering funding, mentorship and technical support.

Botswana Tourism Overhaul: Government is reviewing the Tourism Act to create a more modern, enabling and investment-friendly legal framework, with stakeholder consultations in Gaborone feeding into broader reforms. Agriculture Financing Strategy: Lands and Agriculture, with FAO support, is validating a draft Agriculture Financing Strategy aimed at unlocking large-scale investment, attracting private capital and strengthening value chains. Mining Tech Push: Botswana Minerals says an AI review of more than 50-year-old drill records has flagged concealed copper targets, including primary copper sulphides and altered minerals, under Kalahari cover. Fuel Retail Pressure: Botswana fuel retailers are again calling for transparent petroleum pricing reforms, arguing margins lack a clear formula. Aviation Youth Ambassadors: Rethabile and Passionate were selected as AviaDev Africa 2026 ambassadors in Gaborone, spotlighting Botswana’s young aviation talent. Regional Trade Boost: SACU leaders agreed to set up a new N$5 billion innovative funding mechanism to back development projects across member states. SACU Summit Return: King Mswati III returned from the 9th SACU Heads of State summit in Cape Town, where leaders focused on regional trade, industrialisation and resilience. Sports—Diamond League: Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi won in Paris with a Diamond League record 43.54, while other standout performances lit up the meeting.

SACU Funding Push: SACU Heads of State in Cape Town agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion, drawn from the Common Revenue Pool, to back development projects across all member states. Mining & Jobs: Botswana is positioning itself to supply critical minerals for the clean-energy shift while moving up value chains, with government stressing beneficiation, local content and citizen participation. Drug Fight: Botswana’s Police Services Commissioner urged SADC to intensify action against dagga trafficking, citing thousands of kilograms seized this year and warning traffickers exploit both official and unofficial entry points. Health & HIV: The UN adopted a new Political Declaration to accelerate efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, focusing on testing, treatment, prevention and funding. Commonwealth Games Team: Botswana unveiled a 47-member Glasgow 2026 delegation with 25 athletes and 22 officials, targeting a record medal haul. Sports Recovery: Botswana Volleyball Federation says the return of the national league is helping rebuild national teams after earlier inactivity. Energy Expansion: Shumba Energy has started construction on the Tati Solar project, aiming to export power regionally via SAPP by 2027. Artemis Accords: Botswana signed the Artemis Accords, pledging peaceful exploration and use of space.

Green Energy & Critical Minerals: A new study using satellite tracking links new mining sites across sub-Saharan Africa to forest loss, estimating 187,000 hectares of forests converted to mines from 2001–2020, even though it’s a small share of total forest area. Energy & Investment: Shumba Energy has started construction of the 100MW Tati Solar project near Francistown, targeting commercial operations in 2027 and aiming to sell power into the Southern African Power Pool, with investment expected to exceed P1 billion. Public Finance & Services: Bank of Botswana has paid the government P7.3 billion in 2025 dividends, while public service salary negotiations for 2026/2027 are set to begin in July. Governance & Accountability: The Minister of Sport and Arts has appointed a new Botswana National Sport Commission board, chaired by Goitseone Gadifele, as sport faces tighter budgets. Wildlife Enforcement: Botswana reports 35 elephants killed in 2025, but says arrests and prosecutions are still not recorded, citing cross-border escape challenges. Economy Watch: Botswana has dropped seven places to 66th out of 70 in the IMD World Competitiveness ranking, with concerns over diversification and diamond-linked risks. Sports: Township Rollers face a fresh governance and financial crisis, while CAPS United is reportedly parting ways with goalkeeper Wallace Magalane amid alleged match-fixing.

Botswana in focus: Botswana’s diamond sector is getting a fresh demand pulse, with mines minister reporting soft recovery, while Debswana is also flagged for a planned 20% diamond output hike in 2026. Regional travel: Botswana is pushing the SADC UniVisa idea closer to reality, aiming for one visa to make it easier to travel across southern Africa and boost tourism. Finance and crime: The Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) says it received and analysed 850 suspicious transaction reports tied to fraud, tax crimes, corruption, drug offences and illegal deposit-taking, and shared 102 intelligence reports with Botswana’s key enforcement bodies. Sports (local pride): At the Paris Diamond League, Botswana’s world champion Busang Collen Kebinatshipi set a Diamond League record of 43.54s to win the men’s 400m, while other Botswana-linked results included Jereem Richards running a season-best 44.53s.

SACU Leadership Push: Botswana’s President Duma Boko used the SACU Heads of State summit in Cape Town to stress renewed purpose, stronger partnerships and simpler customs to boost trade and industrialisation as Botswana takes over the rotating SACU chairmanship from July 15. Regional Funding Plan: SACU leaders also agreed to set up a R5 billion regional development fund to back bloc projects, while urging a longer AGOA extension to protect Southern African exports and jobs. Botswana Refugee Step: Botswana granted citizenship to 64 refugees at Dukwi Refugee Settlement to mark World Refugee Day and the 1951 Refugee Convention’s 75th anniversary, with officials saying the move helps end years of displacement and supports refugees to work and build livelihoods. Democracy Watch: Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2026 report praised Botswana’s electoral democracy but warned of ongoing gaps in media freedom, transparency and minority rights protection. Transport Policy Tension: Botswana taxi operators warned they may surrender permits and move to e-hailing if government regulations are seen as favouring digital platforms over the traditional, licensed taxi industry. Diamond Industry Signal: De Beers CEO Al Cook suggested the company’s ownership structure could evolve as the long-running sale process nears completion, renewing interest in Botswana increasing its stake beyond its current 15%.

SACU Leadership and Integration: Botswana is set to chair SACU from 15 July after the bloc’s 9th summit in Cape Town, with President Duma Boko pushing renewed purpose, stronger partnerships and simpler customs to boost trade and industrialisation. Leaders also agreed to create a R5bn regional development fund and urged the US to extend AGOA for at least 15 more years. Refugee Rights: Botswana marked World Refugee Day by granting citizenship to 64 refugees at Dukwi, with officials saying the move ends years of limbo and will help skilled refugees work and rebuild lives. Afreximbank Appointment: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, covering Botswana and 12 other countries, as the bank ramps up regional financing. Transport Policy Tension: Botswana taxi operators warned they may surrender licences and shift to e-hailing if new rules are seen as favouring digital platforms. Democracy Watch: Freedom House’s 2026 report praises Botswana’s electoral democracy but flags ongoing weaknesses in media freedom, transparency and minority rights.

Refugee Citizenship: Botswana has granted citizenship to 64 refugees at Dukwi Refugee Settlement, with officials saying it ends years of limbo and opens paths for skilled residents to work. SACU Integration Push: As Botswana prepares to chair SACU from 15 July, leaders agreed on a R5bn regional development fund and urged a 15-year AGOA extension to protect jobs and market access. De Beers Deal Watch: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the sale process is nearing completion “within weeks,” boosting Botswana’s push to increase its stake beyond 15%. Transport Tension: Botswana taxi operators warn they may surrender permits and move to e-hailing if new rules are seen as favouring digital platforms. Diamond Pressure on Business: Famous Brands flags Botswana’s diamond-linked slowdown as a key drag on revenue, citing weaker consumer spending. Agriculture Resilience: Botswana launched a National Fodder Production Strategy aiming to add one million tonnes of fodder annually by 2030 to cut feed shortages and strengthen livestock. Regional Finance Appointment: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Director of Regional Operations, effective May 1.

SACU Summit: Southern African Customs Union leaders approved a N$5 billion Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism and pushed for a 15-year AGOA extension, as Botswana prepares to take over the SACU chairmanship in July. Botswana Leadership: President Duma Boko says Botswana will back regional integration, including the Trans-Kalahari Railway linking coalfields to Walvis Bay. Diamond Economy: Famous Brands flags Botswana diamond woes as a drag on consumer spending and restaurant performance. Sports in Gaborone: CUCSA Games preparations continue, with FDH Bank Malawi donating K100 million to support the Malawi team. Corruption Trial: In Botswana’s Moagi case, court testimony focuses on alleged undeclared liabilities and tender-linked claims. Business & Markets: Paratus, Oceana and Choppies report insider share transactions across regional exchanges. Health & Policy: AFRICALLI marks World Allergy Week, warning allergies are an under-planned health burden across Africa. Logistics: SMSA Africa Logistics Group breaks ground on a new head office and warehouse, expanding operations across Southern Africa including Botswana.

Allergy care push: AFRICALLI marks World Allergy Week 2026, warning that asthma, eczema and other allergic conditions remain under-recognised across Africa and should be treated as essential health care, not fringe issues. Moagi trial: A witness told court officials must declare assets regularly, as Moagi’s wealth trail continues with claims tied to Botswana Power Corporation tenders and alleged livestock procurement. SACU summit in Cape Town: Botswana’s President is set to attend the 9th SACU Heads of State summit, with leaders expected to review the SACU strategic plan and discuss regional integration, industrialisation and trade facilitation. Prison transfers debate: South Africa’s Parliament is urging faster deportation of foreign inmates, including allowing sentenced offenders to serve the rest of their terms in home countries, citing overcrowding and high costs. CUCSA Games boost: FDH Bank donates K100 million to Malawi’s TESSAM to rescue participation in the CUCSA Games in Gaborone (June 28–July 5). Sports and culture in Gaborone: Botswana hosts major events this week, including GIMC Afro Tech (June 30) and preparations for the CUCSA Games, alongside community arts initiatives. Conservation spectacle: Race for Rhinos returns in the Makgadikgadi with plans to support relocation of 13 rhinos and build a new tourism and conservation frontier. Road rehab progress: Bulilima’s Maitengwe road rehabilitation is gaining pace after rain delays, aimed at improving access to the Maitengwe border post and boosting cross-border trade.

Artemis Accords: Botswana has officially signed the US-led Artemis Accords at NASA headquarters in Washington, with Communications and Innovation Minister David Tshere signing on the country’s behalf—an international step aimed at safe, transparent and sustainable civil space exploration. Regional Trade: Botswana is also in the wider SACU orbit as the 9th Southern African Customs Union Summit of Heads of State and Government is set for 26 June in Cape Town, with focus on industrialisation, customs modernisation, trade facilitation and AfCFTA opportunities. Correctional Services Pressure (SA): South Africa’s Parliament says overcrowding remains severe, with 27,880 foreign nationals in prisons; lawmakers want tighter coordination between correctional services and home affairs to speed deportations where eligible, including a Botswana prisoner transfer framework. HIV Update (Botswana): Botswana has entered the world’s top 20 countries by absolute number of people living with HIV, with an estimated 360,000 cases and adult prevalence near 20%. Diamonds: Debswana expects about a 20% rise in diamond output for 2026, a potential boost as demand shows signs of recovery. Health & Climate: World Allergy Week highlights allergies as an under-planned health burden across Africa, while El Niño risks are flagged for Southern Africa and other drought-prone regions.

SACU Summit Focus: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to attend the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State summit in Cape Town on 26 June, where leaders will review progress on the 2022–2027 SACU Strategic Plan and push priorities like industrialisation, customs modernisation, trade facilitation and investment promotion. Digital Payments Deal: Visa and FMBcapital Holdings have signed a five-year agreement to scale digital payments across Botswana and the wider region, aiming to boost financial inclusion and strengthen payment infrastructure. Credit Ratings Pressure: Government engagement with UNDP is under way to help Botswana prepare for sovereign credit rating processes after Moody’s and S&P’s downgrades, with the Bank of Botswana warning further downgrades are possible if agreed measures aren’t implemented on time. Diamonds and Economy: Debswana expects about a 20% rise in diamond production in 2026, while the central bank’s outlook continues to hinge on diversification and rebuilding fiscal buffers. HIV Milestone: Botswana has officially moved into the world’s top 20 countries by number of people living with HIV, underscoring the scale of the epidemic despite progress. Mining Growth: NexMetals says its Selkirk project’s mineral resource estimate jumped 70%, lifting confidence for future development. Culture and Value Addition: Création Botswana Season 2 launches a push to link diamond craftsmanship and jewellery design to local creative industry.

Banking & Economy: Bank of Botswana Governor Lesego Moseki urged urgent structural reforms to diversify the economy and rebuild fiscal buffers as diamond-linked pressures continue, warning weaker global demand and geopolitical uncertainty are shrinking policy space. Diamonds & Public Finance: Botswana’s diamond sales topped P9 billion in Q1 2026, lifting government receipts from royalties and dividends, while foreign exchange reserves were reported at about P58 billion. Regional Integration: Preparations are underway for the 9th SACU Heads of State summit in Cape Town, with leaders set to review the SACU Strategic Plan and push industrialisation, trade facilitation and regional value chains. Health & Technology: A Penn research team received a $110,000 Google grant to use MedGemma AI to improve access to medical imaging in Botswana, aiming to help detect lung disease earlier and ease workflow bottlenecks. Mining & Investment: Belararox says geophysics work at the Kalahari copper project is complete and drilling is set to kick off, while NexMetals flagged a major resource boost at its Selkirk project in Botswana. Sports: Botswana’s chess and martial arts scenes stayed busy, with local athletes competing in Jwaneng and BDF-linked SSKB sweeping karate titles.