AGP Executive Report

Independence Day Elephant Hunt Backlash: Botswana has approved the killing of 23 elephants for Independence celebrations, drawing sharp criticism over conservation messaging, crowd management and how meat is distributed. Jobs & Skills Pressure: A Human Resource Development Council report warns that long unemployment is making some Botswana graduates’ skills outdated, as growth slows and employers increasingly want specialised capabilities. Labour Market Shift: The same HRDC report flags automation and digitalisation pushing demand toward tech and analytical roles, while routine jobs face displacement. Regional Football Hosting Setback: Botswana has withdrawn from the joint 2028 AFCON hosting bid with Zimbabwe and South Africa, citing financial constraints, leaving the partners to revise plans. Botswana–Mozambique Trade Push: Botswana and Mozambique plan to upgrade ties into a Bi-National Commission to boost trade, investment and infrastructure, after figures showed current commerce falls short of potential. Mining Update: NexMetals reports a major jump in the Selebi Main mineral resource estimate, boosting its foundation for next technical work.

Botswana–Mozambique Trade Push: Botswana and Mozambique agreed to upgrade ties into a Bi-National Commission after Chapo’s state visit, aiming to turn decades of diplomacy into stronger trade, investment and infrastructure links. AFCON Hosting Setback: Botswana has withdrawn from the joint 2028 AFCON bid with Zimbabwe and South Africa, citing financial constraints and leaving the other two to revise their plan. Elephant Killing Sparks Backlash: Botswana authorised the killing of 23 elephants for independence celebrations, with conservationists and former leaders criticising the move despite claims it will supply meat and manage human-wildlife conflict. Labour Market Shift: HRDC warns automation and digitalisation are displacing routine jobs, while demand grows for digital, analytical and specialised roles. Regional Sports Boost: Botswana won both men’s and women’s titles at the FCB Padel Club regional finale in Gaborone, while beach volleyball duo Jack and Chiswaniso clinched the Zone VI overall crown. Education & Skills: A Botswana Gazette piece highlights how entrepreneurship training works best when it builds real classroom capability, not just prizes.

Elephant Controversy: Botswana has authorised the killing of 23 elephants for independence celebrations this week, saying the meat will support needy rural communities, but conservationists and former president Khama have criticised the move and warned it could worsen human-elephant conflict. Health & Medicines: Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority (BoMRA) has escalated a TB medicines recall linked to deficient drugs from India by writing to the World Health Organisation to engage Indian authorities. Sports & Community: Botswana’s Top 8 knockout tournament is set to return after six seasons with African Hero’s P4 million sponsorship, while SGH won a German cultural exchange football tournament in Gaborone and Botswana also swept titles at a regional padel grand finale. Economy & Trade: NexMetals reported a major jump in the Selebi Main mineral resource estimate, and South Africa’s rising transport costs are weighing on regional agricultural exports including wheat to Botswana. Public Safety: A BDF soldier appeared in Francistown court accused of strangling his girlfriend, with the case remanded to 13 October.

Wildlife & Independence Celebrations: Botswana has authorised the killing of 23 elephants for Independence Day, with licences issued across districts and authorities saying meat will support rural communities—sparking backlash from conservationists and former leaders. Health Supply Crunch: The Central Medical Stores says Vital, Essential and Necessary medicines are only 42% available, with vital at 49%, essential at 40% and necessary at 20%, as officials face renewed pressure over shortages. Governance & Pensions: Parliament hears Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund must locate missing records affecting retired BDF soldiers’ pension transfer values, after “Forgotten Soldiers” complained they lost benefits due to administrative gaps. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s beach volleyball duo Sekao Boifang Jack and George Chiswaniso win the CAVB Zone VI overall title; Botswana also sweeps men’s and women’s titles at the FCB padel regional finale in Gaborone. Business & Tourism: Xigera Safari Lodge becomes Botswana’s first Michelin Key property. Regional Football: Botswana’s Zebras start AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifying with draws against Libya and Tunisia, setting up a key run-in.

Botswana Independence & conservation backlash: Botswana marked 60 years of independence with a licence authorising the killing of 23 elephants for Independence Day feasting, drawing sharp criticism from animal rights groups who warn it could harm conservation and encourage poaching. Health crisis at CMS: Botswana’s medicine supply situation remains dire, with Central Medical Stores reporting average availability of Vital, Essential and Necessary medicines at just 42% (49% vital, 40% essential, 20% necessary). Veterans’ pension records: The Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa, ordered the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund to locate missing transfer records for “forgotten” BDF retirees and correct pension anomalies. Regional football & AFCON fallout: Botswana’s withdrawal from the joint 2028 AFCON hosting bid continues to spark debate, while international qualifiers keep rolling across the region. Tourism & culture: The Drakensberg Boys Choir’s Southern African Tour 2026 will bring performances to Gaborone and other major cities under the theme “Hope, Heritage, Harmony.”

Independence Spotlight: Botswana marked 60 years of independence with national celebrations in Gaborone, featuring a major parade and a “Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity” theme, as President Duma Boko urged unity and renewed commitment to independence values. Conservation Backlash: The government faced sharp criticism after authorising the killing of 23 elephants for Independence Day feasting, with activists warning it could harm conservation and encourage poaching amid an FMD outbreak. Local Development Pressure: Masubia Traditional Authority in Muyako called for faster government action, citing stalled projects, lack of electricity, an unfinished Bukalo-Muyako-Ngoma road, and abandoned plans for a clinic and clean water. Banking Headline: Capricorn Group reported a 6.4% profit drop, with Botswana operations hit by higher impairments and weaker lending margins. Sports—Botswana in the Mix: Botswana’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign continues to draw attention, including Tunisia’s recent friendly cancellation after a 2-2 draw with Botswana. Regional Ties: Mozambique President Daniel Chapo said his state visit to Botswana was positive, pointing to stronger cooperation and plans for air links to boost tourism.

Independence backlash: Botswana is facing sharp criticism after authorising the killing of 23 elephants for Independence Day celebrations, with activists warning it could undermine conservation and fuel poaching—amid concerns over a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Independence celebrations: Botswana marked 60 years of independence in Gaborone with a national theme of building resilience and driving prosperity, featuring parades and cultural displays. Diplomacy and ties: Mozambique President Daniel Chapo called his Botswana state visit positive, citing stronger cooperation, tourism prospects and plans for air links. AFCON hosting shake-up: Botswana has withdrawn from the joint 2028 AFCON bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe after the government declined to provide the required financial guarantee. Banking update: Access Bank Botswana reported a 20% drop in 2025 profit, hit by higher funding costs, impairments and expenses. Business and energy: KP Group outlined “KP 3.0” targets to scale renewables and battery manufacturing, while One Bullion completed a second drilling hole at its Vumba Gold Project in Botswana. Conservation push: KAZA launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative aimed at boosting conservation, local enterprises and livelihoods across the region.

Independence at 60: Botswana marked its 60th anniversary with a Gaborone carnival parade under the theme “Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity,” with President Duma Boko and visiting Mozambican President Daniel Chapo attending. Wildlife backlash: Animal rights groups condemned Botswana for authorising the killing of 23 elephants for Independence celebrations, warning it could fuel poaching and raise hygiene concerns amid foot-and-mouth disease measures. Regional sport shake-up: Botswana withdrew from the joint 2028 AFCON hosting bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe after government declined the required financial guarantee, leaving the two countries to proceed. Water project update: The Kavango water link to Windhoek remains at the Environmental Impact Assessment stage, with consultations under way and next steps dependent on the EIA outcome. Conservation & livelihoods: KAZA launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative aimed at boosting conservation, local enterprises and sustainable jobs across member states, including support for women- and youth-led businesses. Innovation coordination: Botswana’s NCRST hosted an IAA Network steering meeting in Windhoek to strengthen innovation agency coordination and financing across Africa. Business & tech: Solar expands its footprint in Botswana, while JAC Motors added a T9 Black Edition bakkie model to its local range.

AFCON Hosting Shake-Up: Botswana has officially pulled out of the joint 2028 AFCON bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe after failing to provide CAF’s mandatory financial guarantees by the 14 September 2026 deadline, leaving Zimbabwe and South Africa to continue alone. Olympic Team Leadership: Ghana’s Olympic Committee has appointed veteran sports administrator Richmond Quarcoo as Chef de Mission for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. National Day Diplomacy: UAE leaders sent congratulatory messages to Botswana’s President Duma Boko for National Day, while King Charles also issued a personal note highlighting Botswana’s 60 years of independence and welcoming a Duke and Duchess visit. Local Business & Trade: The #PushaBW Store at SSKIA says sales hit P714,153.60 in Q3, driven by festive demand and Zebras replica kits, while Transition Media’s summit targets practical support for entrepreneurs moving from ideas to viable businesses. Markets & Growth: Solar Industries shares jumped over 6% after incorporating a new Botswana subsidiary for explosives expansion. Sports Fixtures: Botswana vs Mozambique is listed among international match fixtures for the day.

AFCON 2027 Shock Results: Nigeria were thrashed 0-3 by Guinea-Bissau and Ghana blew a lead, losing 2-4 to The Gambia in Matchday Two, leaving both under early pressure. Botswana-Tunisia Drama: The Zebras drew Tunisia 2-2 in Rades, staying unbeaten in North Africa as a late substitute strike rescued the point. AFCON Hosting Exit: Botswana has pulled out of the joint 2028 AFCON bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe, citing financial constraints and missed CAF document deadlines. Trade & Investment Pulse: Botswana’s statistical agency says Namibia was its second-biggest import supplier in August (11.7%), while Botswana’s Investment Attractiveness Index ranking jumped, with mining policy and mineral potential lifting it into the top 10. Conservation Backlash: Elephant Protection Society warns that allocating 25 elephants for Independence feasts could weaken anti-poaching messaging and Botswana’s conservation standing. Regional Business Links: Mozambique’s president urged deeper trade and investment ties with Botswana, pointing to low current trade volumes. Sports Admin Move: Botswana football administrator Mojaki has left the BFA after a stint focused on national team logistics and discipline.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Botswana’s Zebras held Tunisia to a 2-2 draw in Radès, with Thatayaone Kgamanyane scoring for the visitors before Tunisia’s Hazem Mastouri struck twice and Lebogang Ditsele levelled for Botswana; both teams now sit on two points as Uganda and Libya meet next. Football Administration: Botswana has withdrawn from the joint 2028 AFCON hosting bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe after failing to submit required documents and citing financial constraints. Sports Development: The Botswana Tennis Table Association says it is about P2 million short of the P4 million budget needed to stage the WTT Youth Contender in Gaborone (Nov 11–14), calling for more corporate and SME support. Climate & Water Security: Zambezi Basin states agreed on priority interventions for a proposed US$130m climate-resilience programme aimed at protecting food security, livelihoods and ecosystems. Independence Day Diplomacy: Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa sent congratulations to Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko on Independence Day. Business & Investment: A Belgian delegation of 15 companies is in Gaborone to explore opportunities under Vision 2036, signalling growing European interest beyond diamonds.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Tunisia and Botswana played out a 2-2 draw in Radès as Thatayaone Kgamanyane put the Zebras ahead, Hazem Mastouri struck twice for Tunisia, and Lebogang Ditsele levelled for Botswana on the hour. Both sides remain winless after two rounds, tied on two points in Group H with Uganda and Libya next up. Hosting Setback: Botswana has withdrawn from the 2028 AFCON joint bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe after the government declined to provide the required financial guarantee, missing CAF’s September 14 deadline. Credit Watch: Moody’s downgraded Botswana’s long-term ratings again to Baa2, warning of worsening public finances as the diamond slump bites. Education Push: A five-year National STEAM Project is underway, but officials say teacher readiness and infrastructure must keep up with new tech. Water & Sanitation: Calls are growing for tighter coordination between government and the private sector as Gaborone and Francistown face water safety concerns and supply interruptions. Sports Beyond Football: Uganda won the Africa Netball Cup, while Botswana finished seventh in the standings.

AFCON Hosting Setback: Botswana has withdrawn from the joint 2028 Africa Cup of Nations bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe after the government refused to provide the required financial guarantee and Botswana failed to submit documents by CAF’s September 14 deadline, dashing plans to stage matches in Gaborone and Francistown. Credit Rating Pressure: Moody’s downgraded Botswana’s sovereign ratings again to Baa2 from Baa1, citing a worsening fiscal outlook as the diamond slump bites, weaker SACU receipts and concerns over potential debt-financed investment in De Beers. Water & Sanitation Worries: Calls are growing for tighter coordination between government and the private sector to address ageing water and wastewater infrastructure, following supply interruptions and water safety concerns in Gaborone and Francistown. Pension Funds Under Scrutiny: Regulators are worried pension capital remains stuck in cash and bank deposits despite large inflows under Pension Fund Rule 2, urging more movement into longer-term investments. Sports—Botswana in the Spotlight: Botswana’s AFCON qualifiers continue with Tunisia set to face the Zebras at Francistown Sports Stadium, while local football politics heats up as UDC and BDP trade barbs over the 2029 election outlook.

Football Revival: Mascom Top 8’s nine-season run is over, but Botswana’s acting football league boss says the tradition is back with African Hero taking over and promising a “new chapter” for the country’s most prestigious domestic tournament. CAF Courtroom Drama: Young Africans (Yanga) has filed a counter-complaint against Gaborone United (GU) with CAF, accusing GU of mistreatment during the first leg in Gaborone, after GU complained about poor treatment in Tanzania. Regional Trade Push: Botswana has been commended for backing the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area, with officials pointing to efforts to cut non-tariff barriers and harmonise trade rules. AFCON Hosting Setback: Botswana has withdrawn from the 2028 AFCON joint bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe after the government declined to provide the required financial guarantee, leaving the bid to continue without Gaborone. Diamonds & Diversification: Botswana is looking to expand diamond-linked value, including jewellery exports to the US using a 0% import-tariff route, while analysts warn that mega-project spending must be judged by jobs and output, not construction alone. Health Funding Worry: Botswana-led ALMA says a 30% malaria financing cut could add 146 million cases by 2030, as leaders call for stronger domestic funding and multisector action. Human Rights Angle: Ditshwanelo urges Botswana and SADC to press Zambia to protect access to courts and due process after reported post-election arrests and court closures. Sports Tickets: Tunisia has opened ticket sales for the Tunisia vs Botswana AFCON 2027 qualifier in Radès, with prices ranging from 5 to 30 dinars.

HIV Response Under Pressure: UNAIDS says HIV funding dropped 18% in 2025, while governments—including Botswana President Duma Boko—reaffirm support as the US commits $887m to the DRC Ebola response. Malaria Alarm for Africa: The African Leaders Malaria Alliance warns a 30% malaria funding cut could trigger 146m more cases and nearly 400,000 deaths by 2030, urging stronger domestic financing. Botswana Food Aid Link: Zimbabwe donates 10 tonnes of food to drought-hit Bobirwa District, with delivery through ZimAid and local civil protection partners. Diamonds and Jobs: Debswana’s Q2 output jumps 107% to 5.5m carats, while HB Antwerp downsizes Botswana operations after failing to secure rough diamond supplies from ODC. Workers First in Liquidations: Botswana’s new liquidation framework puts employees ahead of other creditors, responding to lessons from BCL and Tati Nickel. Informal Traders Push Back: BOPEU condemns demolitions in Thamaga and Mogoditshane without real alternative trading spaces. Football—AFCON Qualifiers: Botswana’s AFCON 2027 campaign continues with Tunisia vs Botswana ticket sales announced for Sept 28 in Radès. Health Leadership Bid: Botswana nominates Armenian pediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan for WHO director-general.