AGP Executive Report

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.

Middle East Tensions: The US and Iran traded fresh missile and drone strikes overnight, with the US hitting Iran’s Qeshm Island and Iran firing at Bahrain and Kuwait. Kuwait says its international airport was hit, killing one and injuring 63, and flights were suspended as damage was reported to vital facilities including diplomatic missions. Botswana in the Gulf: The US also said it disabled a Botswana-flagged oil tanker heading to Iran’s Kharg Island with a Hellfire missile after repeated warnings. Diplomatic Fallout: Kuwait expelled two Iranian diplomats as it condemned the attacks, while Iran and the US traded blame over the airport strike. Local Economy & Food Security: Botswana boosted food security with a major expansion of the Pandamatenga grain silos, adding 60,000 tonnes of storage capacity to reach 90,000 tonnes. Mining & Investment: Giyani Metals reported positive feasibility results for its K.Hill battery-grade manganese project in Botswana, while Botswana’s foreign minister pitched the country to Korean firms for critical minerals, battery inputs and construction opportunities.

Gulf Escalation: Iran’s IRGC says it struck U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, while the U.S. says it carried out “self-defence” strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island after attacks across the region—amid a fresh flare-up that has already hit Kuwait International Airport, killing one and injuring more than 60, with flights suspended and damage to Terminal 1. Maritime Blockade: The U.S. also says it disabled a Botswana-flagged tanker, Lexie, heading to Iran’s Kharg Island after repeated warnings, as the blockade and retaliatory strikes continue to rattle shipping and oil markets. Botswana Economy Watch: The Bank of Botswana warns labour market conditions have likely worsened after diamond-driven weakness, with modest early-2024 gains wiped out by private-sector strain. Diamonds for Development: Former AfDB president Akinwumi Adesina has been appointed Chairperson of Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund, expected to take office mid-June. Public Order: Botswana Police warn against fake news online, citing penalties for rumours likely to cause fear or public alarm. Child Rights: First Lady Kaone Boko urges stronger support for the boy child, linking neglect to future social instability and calling for better mental health focus.

Middle East Tensions: The US and Iran traded fresh strikes as Washington said it carried out “self-defence” attacks on Iran’s Qeshm Island after intercepting missiles and drones aimed at Kuwait and Bahrain, while Iran claimed retaliation against US-linked assets, including the Fifth Fleet area in Bahrain. Maritime Blockade Hits Botswana-Flagged Ship: US Central Command said it disabled the Botswana-flagged tanker M/T Lexie with a Hellfire missile after the crew ignored warnings for 24 hours while heading for Iran’s Kharg Island, adding to a blockade enforcement drive that has disabled six vessels and redirected 122 others. Ceasefire Talks in Doubt: Iranian media reported Tehran stopped communicating with mediators on extending a ceasefire, but President Trump said talks were continuing “continuously.” SADC Fisheries Governance: Botswana’s Kagisanyo Bedi is among board members as SADC renewed the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Centre (MCSCC) leadership, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair to push tougher illegal fishing controls.

Botswana in the spotlight at JCK: The House of Botswana used the Las Vegas diamond fair to push a united recovery strategy for the industry. Anti-corruption push: Government says a new Anti-Corruption Bill and plans to give the DCEC full operational independence will be tabled this July, as officials warn corruption drains services and opportunities. Electric mobility and metallurgy: Botswana is moving from planning to execution on an integrated Metallurgical and Electric Mobility Hub in Selebi-Phikwe, aiming to turn minerals into batteries and EV parts. Tax and digital services: BURS will collect about P450m a year after Remote Service VAT kicks in on 1 June, adding 14% VAT on digital and remote services from non-resident firms. Economy under strain: The Bank of Botswana’s Business Expectations Survey shows firms remain cautious for the first half of 2026, with weak government spending and input costs weighing on activity. Sports—athletics and football: Nigel Amos unveils a structured youth athletics development plan, while Jwaneng Galaxy won the Orange FA Cup 2-1 over Kaizer Chiefs. Regional security and borders: South Africa’s SARS now requires foreign-registered vehicles to declare details when entering or leaving, including VIN and registration info.

Immigration Crackdown: South Africa’s ANC Veterans’ League is calling for undocumented migrants to regularise or leave, and for harsh penalties for employers hiring illegal labour, arguing the unrest is about instability rather than xenophobia. Botswana in the Spotlight: Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi is mentioned in athletics coverage after Alabama’s Samuel Ogazi ran the world’s fastest 400m in 2026, edging past Kebinatshipi’s earlier mark. Regional Sports Development: First Capital Bank (FCB) and Hashtag Fitness are backing a padel push, with the FCB Padel Cup set to include Botswana and a finale in Botswana. Hospital Restructuring Halt: Botswana’s High Court has blocked Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital’s restructuring, after a dispute with the Botswana Nurses Union over consultation and pending related court action. Cross-Border Enforcement: South Africa has launched a Foreign Vehicle Declaration System at the Botswana border, requiring foreign-registered drivers to declare vehicle details digitally and receive a temporary import permit. SADC Cooperation: SADC ministers in Victoria Falls backed a Tourism UNIVISA draft to ease travel, and reappointed fisheries monitoring chief Stanley Ndara to strengthen regional enforcement against illegal fishing.

Botswana Defence Force Discipline: President Duma Boko warned BDF officers to stop GBV and femicide, citing ongoing violence and calling for counselling and accountability at the 21st Senior Officers Strategic Conference in Gaborone. High Court Intervention: The High Court has halted Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH) restructuring after a dispute with the Botswana Nurses Union, with interim relief granted pending a main case in Lobatse. Regional Justice & Tourism: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls with the SADC Tourism UNIVISA agreement expected to top talks, aiming for a unified visa to boost cross-border tourism. Media Reform Debate: Botswana’s Draft Media Bill 2025 is back in focus, with media groups weighing promised reforms against fears of tighter control. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo took silver in the men’s 200m at the Rabat Diamond League, while South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile grabbed bronze in the 200m and GB’s Max Burgin won the 800m. Diamond Leadership: Former AfDB president Akinwumi Adesina has been appointed chairperson of Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund, set to take up the role on 15 June 2026.

Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Botswana’s foreign policy pitso signals a shift toward using diplomacy as an economic survival tool, with Minister Dr Phenyo Butale saying the modern global environment now demands a clearer posture. Media Regulation: The Draft Media Bill 2025 is stirring debate as it promises reform and consultative safeguards, while critics warn it could still tighten control. FMD & Border Security: Village “mephato” are stepping up vaccination and border defence roles as police and veterinary teams report continued cross-border meat movement through ungazetted points despite the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. Cross-Border Crime: Authorities say Zone 11 remains vulnerable to cross-border crime even as FMD measures continue. Politics & Cost of Living: UDC coalition activities are under fire for appearing expensive during a financial crisis, with citizens questioning the gap between official warnings and political spending. Civic Crackdown: Government has deregistered over 5,700 societies, a sweeping move hitting churches, clubs, business groups and civil society under the Societies Act. Sports—Botswana on Track: Letsile Tebogo took silver in the Rabat Diamond League 200m, while Diamond League action also featured Botswana’s Sinesipho Dambile and other regional stars. Environment Funding: The GEF council approved $144.3m in final GEF-8 disbursement support, including projects that mention biodiversity work in Botswana.

Societies Crackdown: Botswana has deregistered 5,796 organisations in a sweeping Registrar of Societies exercise, leaving 2,240 successfully registered, with churches, burial societies, sports clubs, alumni groups, business associations and other civic bodies affected. Drug Smuggling Probe: Police in Zimbabwe arrested five men in Bulawayo after intercepting a vehicle towing a trailer loaded with 360kg of dagga worth ZiG10.8 million, with investigators saying the drugs were smuggled from South Africa via Botswana. Regional Trade Push: Botswana says it will keep working through SADC to improve cross-border business, logistics and people-to-people ties, citing recent binational commissions and the ongoing 30th Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair in Francistown. Elder Care Pressure: A new analysis warns Botswana’s ageing population is set to strain social protection as the economy contracts and diamond-linked revenues tighten, highlighting gaps in funding for older people. Mining Update: Giyani Metals’ feasibility study for its Botswana manganese project flags higher 2026 costs, with capex rising sharply while aiming to supply battery-grade manganese for EVs.

Diamond-linked hardship: A new report highlights how Botswana’s diamond slowdown is hitting households hard, with shortages and rising costs leaving patients struggling to buy medicines and caregivers stretched thin. Elder care funding gap: Botswana’s ageing population is growing fast, but social protection and care services lag behind, raising pressure on a government already cutting spending to manage debt. Diamond for Development Fund: Botswana and De Beers have appointed former AfDB president Dr Akinwumi Adesina to chair the Diamonds for Development Fund, aimed at using diamond wealth to drive diversification and jobs. Mining update: Giyani Metals says its Botswana manganese project feasibility study is technically viable for EV battery-grade manganese, but capex has jumped to $535m amid higher costs. Wildlife crime crackdown: Two pangolin traffickers in South Africa’s North West were sentenced to eight years after a sting operation intercepted a live Temminck’s pangolin. Sports & regional spotlight: Botswana’s athletes and regional meets stay in focus, from Diamond League action to Botswana-linked performances. Governance & justice: A Botswana-related court matter sees a soldier freed after charges were dropped, while broader debates on accountability and public systems continue.

Diamonds for Development Fund: Botswana and De Beers have appointed former AfDB president Dr Akinwumi Adesina as chairperson of the Diamonds for Development Fund, due to take office on June 15, aiming to use diamond wealth to drive diversification, innovation, beneficiation and jobs. Regional science push: South Africa and Botswana ministers used the SA–Botswana Bi-National Commission to strengthen science, technology and innovation cooperation, including digital sovereignty, university research links and an innovation fund for a knowledge-driven SADC. Botswana tech and finance link-up: BTC held a Finance and Banking Sector engagement on “Convergence: Where Finance and Technology Meet,” stressing connectivity as the base for secure, inclusive digital services. Wildlife crime crackdown: Botswana’s neighbours’ fight against trafficking continues as pangolin traffickers received eight years’ direct imprisonment in South Africa’s North West, following a sting operation. Sports—local spotlight: Gaborone United’s Karabo Phiri swept multiple awards at the end-of-season ceremony, while the Maun Open table tennis tournament is set to bring competition outside Gaborone. Business watch: Tsodilo Resources held its AGM, electing new directors and approving auditors, while Petra Diamonds signalled deeper trouble in the natural diamond market with job cuts and restructuring.

Diamonds for Development Fund: Botswana and De Beers have appointed former AfDB president Dr Akinwumi Adesina as chairperson of the new Diamonds for Development Fund, aimed at using diamond wealth to drive diversification, innovation, beneficiation and jobs, with him set to assume office on June 15, 2026. Finance & Tech: BTC hosted a Finance and Banking Sector engagement on how connectivity and technology can improve secure, inclusive financial services across Botswana. Wildlife crime crackdown: North West authorities welcomed the eight-year direct imprisonment of pangolin traffickers after a sting operation rescued a Temminck’s pangolin in Mahikeng. Sports—local spotlight: Gaborone United defender Tatenda Gora made the Botswana Premier League Best XI after helping the club win back-to-back titles. Culture & community: Gaborone’s Sanitas Tea Garden hosted “Where Stories Meet,” bringing San and local artists together to keep heritage alive, while Botswana Craft prepares to celebrate Shanti Lo’s 25 years in music on 30 May.