AGP Executive Report

Solar Push: Botswana is set to build its first large-scale solar plant after securing $100m financing for the 100MW Tati Solar Project, targeting power sales into the Southern Africa Power Pool and commercial operations by 2027. Livestock Health Crisis: North East cattle owners fear sales could be hit after Foot-and-Mouth Disease booster vaccines reportedly ran out, leaving herds only partially protected and raising alarm over damaged fences and wildlife contact. Border Tensions: Botswana says it does not expect a major influx of undocumented migrants after South Africa’s June 30 deadline, citing strong border monitoring, while Mogoditshane residents and Zimbabweans have clashed violently, prompting police investigations. Davis Cup Drama: Kenya retained Davis Cup Group IV status after beating Botswana, while Botswana also faces DR Congo in a relegation play-off tie. Diamonds Watch: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the diamond firm’s sale could be concluded within weeks, with Botswana among countries seeking equity stakes. Sports Club Fallout: Highlanders’ Bosso crisis deepened with allegations over unpaid salaries and missing trip funds, as supporters question who is running the club.

Energy & Power: Botswana is set to start building its first large-scale solar plant after securing $100m financing for the 100MW Tati Solar Project, with power planned for sale into the Southern Africa Power Pool and commercial operations targeted for 2027. Public Safety & Migration: Botswana says it does not expect a major influx of undocumented migrants after South Africa’s June 30 deadline, citing its ability to monitor a 1,000km border and noting many crossings are transit. Community Tensions: Authorities are concerned about escalating clashes in Mogoditshane between locals and Zimbabwean nationals, including allegations of assaults at a bar and attacks on homes, with investigations ongoing and no arrests reported. Sports (Davis Cup): Botswana will face DR Congo in a relegation play-off after Kenya’s Davis Cup results left the tie-up confirmed, keeping regional tennis stakes high. Correctional Cooperation: Botswana’s prison service is benchmarking Namibia’s correctional programmes on offender rehabilitation, health services and risk management. Health & Inclusion: Botswana’s First Lady Kaone Boko highlighted progress under the MPEPU Programme in partnership with Merck Foundation, focused on vulnerable children, healthcare and inclusive education.

Border Security & Tensions: Botswana says it does not expect a major influx of undocumented migrants after South Africa’s June 30 deadline, citing its ability to monitor a 1,000km border and noting many arrivals are transit travellers. But in Mogoditshane, police are investigating violent clashes between Batswana residents and Zimbabwean nationals, including allegations of assaults at Manyanda Bar and attacks on homes, with no arrests reported yet. Diamonds & Jobs: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the long-running sale could be concluded “in weeks rather than months,” with Botswana and other diamond states seeking equity stakes. Mining Labour Pressure: Namibia’s correctional delegation visit aside, the big labour story is in South Africa: NUM says Petra Diamonds workers at Finsch are worried June salaries won’t be guaranteed after business rescue. Local Culture & Community: Botswana’s Kaone Boko highlights MPEPU Programme gains with Merck Foundation, while Neo Roberta Nkele’s 500km walk marks Down syndrome awareness. Sports: Botswana’s Davis Cup push continues as the team faces DR Congo in relegation play-offs after results involving Kenya and Ghana. Media Policy Watch: Botswana’s proposed media Ombudsman debate returns as a key governance question for press accountability.

Labour Unrest: NUM says Petra Diamonds’ Finsch mine workers downed tools after fears June salaries won’t be guaranteed under business rescue, with about 1,800 jobs potentially affected as retrenchment processes loom. Governance & Media: Botswana’s proposed media Ombudsman is being debated as a way to handle complaints and boost accountability without undermining press freedom. Health Diplomacy: First Lady Kaone Boko highlighted Botswana’s MPEPU Programme gains through its partnership with Merck Foundation at the Africa Asia Luminary, where thousands discussed strengthening healthcare capacity. Justice Sector: GUC law students won a court halt against the LSB’s June 2026 bar exams, with the matter set for hearing in July. Sports (Davis Cup): Botswana’s Davis Cup campaign in Africa Group IV continues in Kenya, with ties shaping up for promotion/relegation play-offs. Correctional Cooperation: Botswana’s prison delegation is benchmarking Namibia’s correctional programmes on rehabilitation, health services and management. Women’s Rugby: BDF Cheetahs opened the inaugural women’s 15s league with a 12-0 win over Jwaneng. Mining & Exploration: Serval Resources outlined funded copper exploration programmes in Namibia and Botswana, with work running to mid-2027.

Media & Justice: A court has halted the LSB’s June 2026 bar exams after Gaborone Universal College law students challenged their refusal to register, with the matter set for hearing on July 16. Local Governance: The UDC crisis at Gaborone Council has deepened, with leadership coordination and authority questioned after the mayor postponed council proceedings for 14 days. Sports (Davis Cup): Botswana’s promotion hopes in Africa Group IV are still alive after a hard-fought win over Ghana, but Kenya’s late surge keeps the group tight. Health & Children: UNICEF warns Botswana’s children are increasingly hit by medicine shortages, weak immunisation coverage and unequal access to care. Corruption Watch: Botswana’s anti-corruption fight is getting harder as criminal networks adapt to hide illicit activity. Business & Mining: Serval Resources says it has fully funded copper exploration programmes in Namibia and Botswana, with field work mobilising for 2026 drilling. Regional Diplomacy: Botswana and Lesotho vow to deepen cooperation through a new binational commission focused on water, energy, trade and investment. Public Safety: A Molepolole man faces charges after an alleged drink-fuelled attack in which he bit off part of a man’s lip and ear.

Davis Cup Drama: Kenya edged Botswana 2-1 in the Africa Group IV tie, with Ismael Changawa beating Mark Tawa 6-3, 6-1 to set up a decisive doubles clash. Public Health Pressure: UNICEF warns Botswana’s children are paying the price for medicine shortages, weaker immunisation and unequal access to quality care. Local Governance in Court: A Palapye District Council leadership fight has landed in the High Court, with BPF councillor David Ikanyeng challenging a ministerial move to reinstate a UDC chair. Energy Regulation: BERA shut down six filling stations for safety and environmental breaches, including non-functional oil-water separators and missing leak monitoring wells. Monetary Policy: Bank of Botswana kept the key rate unchanged, saying earlier hikes improved liquidity and supported the forex market. Regional Cooperation: Botswana and Lesotho launched a binational commission focused on water, energy, trade and agriculture, including Botswana’s pledge of foot-and-mouth vaccine doses. Sports & Culture: Libya’s chess team departs for the African Championship in Botswana, while the BOMU Awards return with nominations ahead of an 29 August ceremony.

Energy & Industry: Botswana is set to begin construction of its first large-scale solar plant, the 100MW Tati Solar Project, after securing about $100m financing, with power to be sold into the Southern Africa Power Pool and aimed at commercial operations by 2027. Health: Botswana Doctors Union says medicine stock-outs remain widespread in public facilities, warning that “victory” claims on supply improvements are premature and could erode public trust. Sports Tourism: Botswana will host its first Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III tournament in Gaborone from July 13–18, with a focus on women’s tennis development and youth participation. Regulation & Safety: BERA has temporarily shut down multiple non-compliant filling stations after inspections found serious breaches, including environmental protection failures and missing safety systems. Migration & Xenophobia: Botswana says it will not treat undocumented migrants fleeing xenophobic violence in South Africa as refugees, stressing readiness and monitoring ahead of the June 30 deadline. Business & Jobs (Region): Tongaat Hulett’s liquidation fears eased after an IDC–Vision deal, expected to help preserve around 250,000 jobs across the sugar value chain.

Energy & Trade: Botswana is pushing ahead with regional power ambitions, with plans for its first large-scale solar plant feeding the Southern African Power Pool, while officials also reaffirmed commitment to greater intra-African trade as supply-chain disruptions and commodity shortages bite. Renewables Financing: Across Africa, renewable projects are being slowed by “sovereign ceiling” credit rules that tie clean-energy funding to a country’s rating—leaving only a few states, including Botswana, with the investment-grade status needed to unlock finance. Sports & Youth: Botswana will host the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III in Gaborone from July 13–18, aiming to boost women’s tennis and development pathways. Health: Botswana Doctors Union warns that medicine stock-outs remain widespread, saying “victory” claims over the meds crisis risk damaging public trust. Migration: Botswana says it will not treat people fleeing xenophobic violence in South Africa as refugees, stressing assistance will focus on return to countries of origin. Business & Jobs: Tongaat Hulett’s liquidation threat has been averted via a rescue deal, with claims it could help protect around 250,000 jobs across the sugar value chain.

De Beers Deal Watch: Anglo American’s De Beers sale is “in weeks rather than months,” with Botswana (15% already) among governments in consortia seeking to buy the diamond giant’s stake. Conservation & Wildlife: Tanzania’s 2024/25 census puts it top for lions and buffaloes, while also showing elephants down sharply over two decades—context for Botswana’s own elephant leadership. Mining & Energy: Galileo Resources agreed to sell its Botswana copper licences as it shifts focus to Zambia and Zimbabwe, while Lucara Botswana launched a tender for a 30MW solar project to power Karowe. Business & Jobs: Tongaat Hulett’s liquidation was averted at the last minute after a tripartite agreement between IDC and Vision Group—aimed at protecting the sugar value chain and about 250,000 jobs across the region. Sport & Community: Bona Life renewed sponsorship of the Betway Clash of Legends; the BDF Karate Open Championships set for 20 June. Tech & Connectivity: Telemedia Johannesburg highlights lessons for Botswana’s digital services push, including the need for locally relevant and affordable content.

Botswana Economy & Trade: Botswana’s President Duma Boko is pushing an “Africa-first” agenda on economic sovereignty and value addition, arguing global partnerships must deliver more benefits for Africans. Aviation & Tourism: The Botswana Air Access initiative says it’s already producing results since August 2024, helping secure and expand international routes and boosting tourism and business connectivity. Diamonds: De Beers’ latest US diamond study points to stronger natural diamond spending by American consumers, reviving hopes for Botswana’s P7 billion Diamonds for Development Fund after a tough sales period. Wildlife & Environment: Botswana says it holds about 300 tonnes of confiscated elephant tusks, but can’t sell them under current trade rules; separately, government plans a full ban on single-use plastics by 2027. Sports & Governance: Township Rollers faces a crisis over unpaid wages and player unrest, while the Botswana Women’s League medal mix-up has reignited calls for better support and management of women’s football. Public Safety: Mogoditshane police report tensions between locals and foreign nationals, with assaults linked to incidents at Manyanda Bar.

Township Rollers Crisis: Botswana football giant Township Rollers is in turmoil after a leaked June 10 letter says players face up to 12 months’ unpaid salaries, bonuses and rental arrears, with an end-of-June ultimatum to clear payments and stop morale damage. Diamonds & Jobs: De Beers’ new US diamond demand study boosts Botswana’s hopes for a P7 billion Diamonds for Development fund, while MPs pressed the Minerals and Energy ministry over answers during parliamentary scrutiny. BSE Profit Boost: The Botswana Stock Exchange reported 2025 revenue of P78.8 million and profit after tax of P20.6 million, declaring P2.5 million in dividends and pushing a plan to grow revenue tenfold by 2030. Budget Pressure Eases: Botswana’s budget deficit for the first 11 months of 2025/26 improved to P11.2 billion from P14.7 billion the year before. Ivory Stockpile Stuck: Botswana says it holds about 300 tonnes of confiscated elephant tusks valued in the tens of millions, but cannot sell due to trade restrictions. Plastic Ban Push: Government is moving toward a full ban on single-use plastics by 2027, even as the plastic levy brings in about P1.5 million monthly. Climate Alarm: UNICEF warns almost all children worldwide face climate hazards, with 1.8 billion at risk from droughts and 1.2 billion from extreme heat.

Agriculture Push: Botswana launched a National Fodder Strategy in Gaborone to cut reliance on imported animal feed, boost climate-smart fodder crops like lablab and lucerne, and raise agriculture’s GDP contribution from 2% to 6–10% over five years, with targets including expanding the national cattle herd to five million. Food Security Angle: A separate focus on potatoes highlights how OCOP support is helping countries—including Botswana—build resilient, local value chains to tackle hunger and malnutrition. Copper Watch: Analysts warn the copper supply-demand gap is widening, with southern Africa’s copper regions drawing fresh investor attention as AI and data centres add to demand. Regional Data Systems: Botswana is also assessing its agricultural information systems in a workshop aimed at integrating an Agricultural Information Management System across SADC for better early warning and coordinated food responses. Legal and Rights: Botswana’s courts are set to hear challenges tied to civil registration and a dispute over refusing to process same-sex marriage banns, while legal voices argue for stronger constitutional interpretation through a dedicated Constitutional Court. Sports: Botswana’s Davis Cup team heads to Kenya for Africa Davis Cup IV, chasing promotion.

Tongaat Hulett Rescue Talks: Vision Group says it’s in talks with South Africa’s IDC for an equity stake deal that could help halt Tongaat Hulett’s liquidation, with risk shared across the group’s operations including Botswana. Agriculture Data Push: Botswana is assessing its agricultural information systems in a Gaborone workshop aimed at integrating into a regional Agricultural Information Management System to improve data sharing and early warning for food security. Banking Pressure: Absa Bank Botswana reports credit losses rising to P110m in 2025, warning households may struggle with loan repayments as debt and inflation bite. Legal Rights at the Centre: Botswana’s courts are set to hear challenges around civil registration and same-sex marriage recognition, with government defending refusal to process banns. Sports Spotlight: Botswana Davis Cup Team heads to Kenya for Africa Davis Cup IV, chasing promotion, while Bona Life renews sponsorship of the Betway Clash of Legends in Gaborone on June 20. Constitutional Court Debate: A BUAN panel argues Botswana must act now to strengthen constitutional interpretation through a dedicated Constitutional Court.

Public Health Pressure: A Botswana infant with severe scald burns was reportedly turned away at a public clinic due to missing medicines, forcing a rushed trip to a private hospital in Gaborone—highlighting fears about medicine shortages and emergency care access. Sports Development: Botswana Boxing Association says it’s shifting from “moments” to systems, rolling out governance reforms and a 2025–2028 strategic plan to grow athletes and make boxing more competitive. Chess on Home Soil: Botswana will host the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships at Debswana Jwaneng Mine (June 18–27), a World Cup qualifier that brings strong titled players and puts Botswana in the continental spotlight. Regional Democracy: President Duma Boko praised the ECF-SADC for strengthening trust in electoral processes, urging continued work to deepen democratic institutions across Southern Africa. Digital & Security Context: A report notes Botswana’s digital fraud rate remains the lowest in Africa, even as criminals adapt.

Public Health Crisis: A Botswana infant with severe scald burns was reportedly forced to travel over 50km from Mankgodi to Bokamoso Private Hospital after a government clinic lacked key medicines—highlighting fears that medicine shortages and emergency care gaps are putting lives at risk. Creative Industry Warning: A Botswana Gazette opinion piece argues that agencies chasing “client happiness” can end up delivering safe, forgettable work, warning that comfort-focused processes kill truly distinctive branding. Regional Diplomacy: Botswana President Duma Boko praised the SADC Electoral Commissions Forum (ECF-SADC) for strengthening trust in democratic processes, urging continued support for stable institutions across Southern Africa. Sports Development: Botswana will host the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships at Debswana Jwaneng Mine (June 18–27), a World Cup qualifier expected to boost local chess and tourism. Governance & Sport: The Botswana Boxing Association says it is pushing governance reforms and long-term athlete development under its 2025–2028 strategic plan. Tourism Pressure: Botswana authorities say more Batswana are choosing Namibia for tourism, prompting a fact-finding push to understand what Namibia offers that local destinations don’t.

Botswana Tourism Watch: Botswana authorities are alarmed that more Batswana are choosing Namibia for holidays, with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism probing why locals are shunning domestic trips despite Namibia’s wildlife draw. Regional Governance: President Duma Boko praised the SADC Electoral Commissions Forum (ECF-SADC) for strengthening citizens’ trust and stability in elections across Southern Africa. Sport Development: The Botswana Boxing Association says it is shifting to long-term systems—governance reforms and athlete development—under its 2025–2028 strategic plan. Chess on the Map: Botswana will host the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships at Debswana Jwaneng Mine (June 18–27), with 25 countries confirmed and the event serving as a World Cup qualifier. Women’s Rugby Milestone: Botswana Rugby Union will stage the country’s first women’s 15-a-side match, an exhibition between BDF Cheetahs and Jwaneng. Public Safety & Justice: The BDF confirmed two unexplained deaths at 2 Brigade Group in Francistown, while a high-profile BDF captain’s double murder case remains stuck in pre-trial delays.