AGP Executive Report

Netball Update: Tshwane surged at the Spar National Netball Championships in Cape Town, staying unbeaten after beating Cape Town 59-52 and Namibia 54-50, moving one point clear of Mangaung with one day left. Trade Watch: Namibia’s trade deficit widened to N$5.5 billion in June as imports hit a record N$18.3 billion, while exports were N$12.9 billion. Health Alert: Botswana faces a public-sector condom shortage after procurement failures, with NAHPHA warning it could undermine HIV prevention gains. Politics & Parties: BPP suspended Francistown West MP Ignatius Moswaane after he formally declared his bid for party president, pending an internal investigation. Transport & Aviation: Air Botswana’s fleet renewal is underperforming—only three of six aircraft are operational, while pilot resignations and training delays are driving cancellations. Roads & Courts: Botswana’s Modipane-Mabalane Road funding freeze was lifted by the Court of Appeal over procedural and disclosure failures. Wildlife Safety: Tourists in Botswana narrowly escaped after a hippo charged their boat, forcing them to speed away.

Air Botswana Crisis: Parliament hears the airline’s P355.9m fleet renewal hasn’t fixed reliability—only 3 of 6 aircraft are operational, with delays and cancellations linked to pilot resignations, training disruptions and expired licences. Court Watch: Botswana’s Modipane-Mabalane Road funding freeze has been overturned after the Court of Appeal found serious procedural and disclosure failures in how urgent ex parte orders were sought. Wildlife & Tourism Safety: Viral footage shows a hippo charging and chasing a tourist boat in Botswana’s waterways—another reminder that wildlife encounters can turn fast. Regional Trade Boost: Botswana’s unused Norwegian beef quota helps Namibia unlock about N$100m in export earnings under SACU-EFTA arrangements. Community Infrastructure: Zimbabwe’s Tsholotsho Road Rehabilitation Initiative—backed by community fundraising, diesel donations and government support—highlights how local partnerships can tackle transport bottlenecks. Local Sports: KC Sports launches a women’s football tournament in Gaborone to plug the preseason gap and give clubs more competitive match time.

Illegal Firearms Crackdown: Botswana destroyed 299 illegal firearms—214 shotguns, 75 rifles and 10 pistols—urging residents to use the amnesty period and hand in guns before September 2026. Local Governance Court Fight: A real court battle over Palapye District Council leadership begins after a BPF councillor challenges the minister’s refusal to recognise him as chairperson, with proceedings set to resume. Community Infrastructure Push: In Zimbabwe, the Bulawayo–Tsholotsho road rehabilitation initiative is launched as a community-led effort, backed by fuel donations, aiming to cut transport costs and repair a long-neglected route. Tourism Safety Alert: A hippo charged a safari boat in Botswana, with tourists narrowly escaping as the clip reignites debate over wildlife risk and boat safety. Okavango Food & Culture: The Okavango International Beef & Fish Festival is set for September 25–26 in Shakawe, spotlighting local producers and culinary tourism beyond wildlife. Sports: Botswana’s Wanderers face Simba in the CAF Champions League preliminary round draw, while KC Sports launches a women’s football tournament to boost preseason competition.

Fire Safety Cooperation: Francistown is seeking technical support from Bulawayo to assess and strengthen its firefighting infrastructure and operational readiness, highlighting Bulawayo’s growing regional role as a training and capacity-building hub. Botswana Diplomacy & Security: Talks on opening a Botswana embassy in Moscow are advancing as the government responds to reports that Batswana are being deceived into joining the Russia-Ukraine war, with recruitment warnings already issued. Electoral Reform: Botswana is considering allowing passports and driver’s licences alongside the Omang at polling stations to reduce the risk of eligible voters being turned away, while protecting election integrity. Regional Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways expanded their codeshare into a reciprocal deal covering nine additional routes, including Johannesburg–Gaborone, boosting access across southern Africa. Culture & Community: Mophato Dance Theatre marks 15 years with “Chaba” in Gaborone, while the Dignity Foundation’s 60-4-60 Challenge returns to support 80 vulnerable children in Maun. Sports (CAF): Gaborone United’s CAF Champions League path is set after the draw, with Tanzania’s Yanga drawn against the Botswana side.

Culture & IP Debate: Botswana’s Koki Kamala turned the National Museum into a runway with “Heritage Reimagined: Living Archives,” sparking a fresh question: can designers truly own culture, motifs and traditional symbols—or does heritage always belong to the people who created it? First Woman at BOMU: Gloria Dzwikiti was elected unopposed as the first woman president of the Botswana Musicians Union, but her focus is practical—tackling piracy, shaky royalties and the looming impact of AI on artists’ livelihoods. Regional Rail Push: Botswana and Namibia have completed the feasibility study for the Trans Kalahari Railway, with both sides now set to firm up financing and procurement before construction timelines are announced. Connectivity Boost: Emirates and South African Airways expanded their codeshare with reciprocal access, adding nine routes that include Johannesburg–Gaborone and other regional links. SME Support via Mining: Khoemacau Copper Mining and Absa Bank Botswana launched a partnership aimed at empowering citizen-owned SMEs tied to the mining value chain. US Visa Policy Watch: The US made a permanent refundable visa bond programme for citizens of 30 African countries, with Botswana listed among those affected.

Banking & Cost of Living: Central bank data shows household credit is stuck at about P55bn as of May, down from just under P57bn a year earlier—Batswana are effectively shelving new borrowing as loan costs bite. Justice & Accountability: A court rejected a bid to jail government officials for contempt, while another case involving a mechanic in Molepolole finally moved after a year. Crime & Safety: Botswana Police warned the public after 22 citizens were reported missing following overseas job trips, with authorities also intercepting eight others. Digital Safety: Village Digital Safety Botswana is pushing village-to-village awareness to help people spot mobile money scams and other cybercrime tricks. Transport & Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways expanded their codeshare into a reciprocal deal, adding nine destinations including Gaborone. Regional Football: Gaborone United Ladies face ZESCO Ndola Girls, Herentals Queens and Lesotho Defence Force in the CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA qualifier draw in Gaborone; Silver Strikers Ladies also landed a tough Group B with Mamelodi Sundowns. Sports & Community: Francistown is seeking firefighting expertise from Bulawayo, and a new Tati River pre-season tournament aims to turn the city into a football hub.

Courtroom Update: Botswana’s High Court upheld a preliminary objection, rejecting a bid to jail government officials for contempt after a consortium (Tawana Joint Venture) was found to have failed to follow the State Proceedings Act before launching contempt proceedings. Mining & Taxes: De Beers has denied owing Botswana P14 billion in unpaid taxes as opposition pressure grows for clarity on the long-running dispute. Infrastructure: Government secured funding to restart Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road rehabilitation and widening, with contractors set to return and works expected to accelerate into August. Botswana Sports Spotlight: Francistown’s Tati River Pre-Season Tournament (8 August) aims to turn the city into a football hub, while the Orange Phikwe Marathon crowned Molepolole’s Kefilwe Galeitsiwe and Lazarus Too in tough, windy conditions. Business & Services: BotswanaPost launched parcel insurance in transit via PosoInsure Parcel Insurance, offering cover up to P30,000 with tracking and delivery notifications. Regional Football: COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Gaborone set tough group paths for Botswana clubs, including ZESCO Ndola Girls vs Gaborone United.

BotswanaPost Insurance: BotswanaPost has launched PosoInsure Parcel Insurance, letting customers insure parcels up to P30,000 (3% premium) with cover from collection to delivery, including up to 96 hours of transit storage, plus tracking and SMS alerts. Women’s CAF/COSAFA Qualifiers (Gaborone): The draw sets Botswana’s Gaborone United Ladies to defend their title in Group A against Zimbabwe’s Herentals Queens, Zambia’s ZESCO Ndola Girls and Lesotho Defence Force, while Group B features Mamelodi Sundowns versus Mozambique’s Costa do Sol, Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs and Malawi’s Silver Strikers. Football investment spotlight: Botswana football’s infrastructure debate gets a boost as BFA president Tariq Babitseng praises Gaborone United owner Nicolas Zakhem for building a multipurpose stadium and creating jobs. Trans-Kalahari Railway push: Botswana and Namibia are under pressure to move the Trans-Kalahari Railway from planning to execution, with a December deadline for clarity on construction steps. Banking for SMMEs: Bank Gaborone and LEA sealed a partnership to help entrepreneurs become more bankable through training, mentorship, incubation and tailored financing support.

De Beers/Anglo American Shake-up: Anglo American is reportedly considering selling its 85% stake in De Beers for $1 billion, with Botswana holding 15% and reportedly assessing options to increase its position as diamond demand weakens and synthetic competition bites. Botswana Trade Pressure: Statistics Botswana shows May 2026 delivered a P3.2 billion trade deficit as diamond and copper export earnings fell sharply, deepening concerns over export recovery. US Tariff Relief for Diamonds: The US removed a temporary 10% tariff on Botswana-origin imports, restoring duty-free access for qualifying exports under AGOA—though officials warn Botswana must push for renewal before year-end. Banking for SMMEs: Bank Gaborone and the Local Enterprise Authority signed a three-year deal to boost entrepreneurship and financing access for small businesses through training, mentorship and tailored banking solutions. Chobe Holdings Outlook: The eco-tourism group says it is entering FY2027 with momentum, citing revenue growth and strong demand signals despite geopolitical risks that could cool travel. Competition/Fronting Watch: Botswana’s Trade Ministry told the PAC it is tackling “rampant fronting” where citizens hold licences/contracts but foreign nationals control operations for nominal fees. Education Discipline Debate: Teachers’ unions rejected a motion to reintroduce corporal punishment, warning of legal and practical risks. Mining Labour Relations: Minerals and Energy Minister Bogolo Kenewendo met the Botswana Mine Workers Union amid calls for better consultation on safety and bargaining structures. Visa Rules for Students: The UK eased upfront financial document requirements for Botswana student visa applicants, though applicants may still be asked to prove funds during assessment.

US–Botswana Trade: The US has lifted a temporary 10% tariff on Botswana-origin diamonds and other qualifying exports, restoring duty-free access from July 24—good news for a diamond sector still under pressure, though officials warn Botswana must push hard to renew AGOA before it expires on Dec 31. Exports Watch: Statistics Botswana shows export earnings fell by P5.4 billion in the first five months of 2026 to P25.6 billion, with diamond exports down by P6.65 billion and the trade deficit widening by P3 billion. Mining Moves: Nova Africa Resources signed an agreement to acquire assets of the long-defunct Mupane Gold Mine, pending approvals, as it targets jobs and a modern, sustainable operation. Finance & Payments: Absa’s MobiTap is expanding mobile payments for merchants via smartphone-based acceptance, aiming to boost convenience and inclusion with security controls. Health & Politics: President Duma Boko urged patience over medicine shortages, blaming legacy procurement failures and corruption risks. Governance: Botswana’s Gambling Authority faces a legal dispute after claims of an unauthorized campaign to damage a former CEO’s reputation. US Visa Policy: Botswana is among 50 countries affected by a permanent US visa bond programme—some applicants may be asked to post up to $20,000 refundable deposits.

Diamonds & Diversification: Statistics Botswana says diamond output rose 4.7% in Q1 2026 to 4.89m carats, with Debswana lifting its 2026 target by about 20% to 18m carats—fueling hopes for stronger growth beyond mining. Aviation & Tourism: Air Botswana’s Pula Lounge at SKB now runs through a citizen-led partnership, while new flight “meal boxes” include QR codes linking travellers to Gaborone businesses and attractions. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s first male professional volleyball story keeps trending, and Wildebeests set up for their league final on Aug 8 after a turnaround. Governance & Accountability: BDP MPs have been granted court permission to submit late election expense returns, and Debswana and the DCEC have teamed up to tighten anti-corruption measures. Trade & Agriculture: Government is pushing a commercial hemp rollout starting with Dibete Farm after successful trials. Courtroom Pressure on Beef Exports: Primefast and JS Beef accuse government of blocking cattle and beef exports while the domestic market can’t absorb production. US Visa Shock for Botswana: The US makes its $20,000 visa bond programme permanent from Aug 3, and Botswana is on the affected list.

Commonwealth Games Spotlight: World record holder Josh Kerr powered to men’s mile gold at Glasgow 2026, winning in 3:54.12 in a tactical race that brought home a major moment for Team Scotland. Botswana in Sport: Botswana’s presence at Glasgow continued across disciplines, including a men’s pairs bowls result where the Falkland Islands edged Botswana, and Botswana-linked Commonwealth Games coverage that keeps the spotlight on regional athletes. Diamond Industry Shockwaves: De Beers reported a $123m half-year loss and says it will cut production in the second half as weak demand and lab-grown competition pressure prices—an issue that matters across the diamond value chain in Southern Africa. Governance & Business Scrutiny: Botswana’s PAC pressed the Trade ministry over claims about Botswana Development Corporation CEO Oteng Keabetswe’s reported P400,000 salary and questioned the Chema Chema programme’s rushed rollout and funding gaps. US Visa Policy Change: The US confirmed a permanent visa bond programme for travellers from 50 countries, including Botswana, with refundable deposits up to $20,000 for certain B1/B2 applicants. Transport Recall: Toyota Urban Cruiser owners in Botswana were among those affected by a recall linked to a faulty fuel gauge that can misread fuel levels and delay low-fuel warnings.

Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Josh Kerr powered to Commonwealth gold in the men’s mile in Glasgow, running 3:54.12 in a tactical race that brought the distance back to the Games after 60 years. Boxing Glory: India’s Sachin Siwach (60kg) and Ankush Panghal (80kg) struck gold, with Siwach staging a late comeback to beat Namibia’s Tryagain Morning Ndevelo by split decision. Regional Conservation: Botswana-led KAZA stakeholders met in Wuparo, with Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust reporting P20.3 million in 2025 income from community activities. US Visa Policy Shock: The U.S. is making its visa bond programme permanent from Aug 3, letting consular officers require refundable deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries—Botswana included—aimed at reducing overstays. Botswana Culture & Learning: University of Botswana students enjoyed a Chinese Zodiac film event at the Confucius Institute, linking film to cultural understanding and heritage protection.

U.S. Visa Shake-Up: The U.S. has made its visa bond programme permanent, with some B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries (including many across Africa) facing refundable deposits up to USD 20,000—a major change that kicks in on Monday. Regional Payments: Angola’s kwanza has been added as a settlement currency in SADC’s RTGS system, and the SADC governors hinted that Botswana pula could be next—aimed at cutting cross-border costs. Botswana in the Spotlight (Sports): At the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Botswana’s Obakeng Kamberuka finished eighth in the women’s 400m, while Botswana’s Lee Eppie took a close finish in the men’s 400m bronze race. Tourism & Travel Costs: Western Union’s CFO pointed to fewer border crossings under the Trump administration as profits come under pressure—raising questions for remittance flows into Botswana. Culture & Community: Botswana’s comedy scene keeps expanding beyond Gaborone, while local filmmakers spotlight Okavango communities in “Batho ba Metsi.”

Healthy Ageing Policy: Experts at an AU social development meeting in Windhoek urged governments to consult older people when planning communities and services, saying retirees and seniors hold knowledge that should be built into education and development programmes. US Visa Hub Shift: The US says routine visa services in Abuja will end from August 1, 2026, with applicants directed to regional processing hubs such as Lagos—part of a wider Africa-wide consular overhaul. Botswana in the Spotlight (Diamonds): Botswana welcomed restored US duty-free access for Botswana-origin natural diamonds after a temporary tariff expired, though analysts warn lab-grown diamonds still pose a bigger long-term threat. Court Ruling (Road Project): Botswana’s Pro-Serve won an Appeal Court victory after a High Court order froze funds tied to the Modipane–Mabalane Road project, with the court finding the earlier anti-dissipation move was not properly justified. Commonwealth Games (Sport): Botswana’s Tumiso Phuthego won bronze in judo after an ippon loss in the final bout for others, while Botswana also featured in lawn bowls tie-break drama against India. Culture & Community: FANFABO held its AGM in Palapye, pushing for stronger networks and protection of authors’ intellectual property.