AGP Executive Report

Gambling Reform: Botswana’s National Assembly has passed the Gambling (Amendment) Bill, 2026, keeping a key proposal to cut the legal gambling age from 21 to 18 as it updates the regulatory framework for the expanding sector. Energy Regulation: The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority has given fuel retailers a three-month ultimatum to fix safety and environmental breaches, warning of closures, licence suspensions or revocations. Finance & Diversification: First National Bank Botswana and SPEDU have signed a partnership aimed at unlocking bankable finance for industrial, agribusiness, tourism and manufacturing projects in the Selebi Phikwe region. Infrastructure Investment: Aliko Dangote met President Duma Boko in Gaborone to discuss large-scale infrastructure deals, with the Trans-Kalahari rail corridor among the targets. Health Partnership: Bomaid and Princess Marina Hospital have joined forces to improve earlier breast cancer detection through a handover of essential clinical consumables. Regional Fuel Logistics: Mozambique and Zimbabwe launched an expansion of the Beira-Harare fuel corridor, boosting capacity by 67% and adding about two billion litres of fuel annually for landlocked markets including Botswana. Digital Infrastructure Funding: WIOCC Group secured a $300m investment from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to build and operate open-access digital infrastructure across Africa. Capital Markets Milestone: Continental Reinsurance Holdings is set to list on the Botswana Stock Exchange via an IPO of about P2.1bn, a major test for investor appetite in Botswana’s insurance sector.

Copper & Markets: Sandfire Resources, which runs the MATSA complex in Spain and the Motheo operation in Botswana, pushed shares to a fresh all-time high after a strong full-year result, record quarterly revenue, a swing to net cash and encouraging exploration near existing mines. Regional Energy & Fuel Security: Zimbabwe and Mozambique moved ahead with Phase II of the CPMZ Beira–Feruka pipeline expansion, lifting capacity from 3 million to 5 million cubic metres per year and adding about two billion litres of fuel annually for SADC markets including Botswana. Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC Group secured a combined US$300m from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand open-access fibre, data-centre deployment and new subsea assets across Africa. Retail Under Pressure: Cashbuild reported higher revenue but weaker profits as consumers stayed cautious amid tough trading conditions and rising costs. Energy Regulation Crackdown (Botswana): BERA gave retail fuel stations a three-month ultimatum to fix safety and environmental compliance gaps or face licence action. Shoprite Deal Watch: Shoprite announced its acquisition of coffee chain Vida e Caffè (and a stake in R&A Cellular), a move that strengthens its convenience and coffee footprint across the region including Botswana. Mining Accountability: A Botswana-focused land and mining governance push highlighted harms linked to new copper mines and urged stronger enforcement of mining legislation.

Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC Group secured a combined US$300m from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand open-access fibre, data centres and subsea assets across Africa, as internet use remains far below global levels. Retail & Consumer Pressure: Cashbuild reported higher revenue but weaker demand and rising costs squeezed profits, with store reshuffles and a Malawi disposal weighing on earnings. Energy Regulation: Botswana’s BERA issued a 3-month ultimatum to fuel stations to fix serious compliance gaps (spill containment, leak monitoring, procedures, training and PPE) or face licence action. Mining & Equipment: Epiroc won a major underground machinery order for MMG’s Khoemacau copper mine in Botswana, supporting expansion with Smart-series rigs and loaders. Insurance Growth Bet: Continental Re raised P2.13bn (about US$155m) to grow insurance coverage across Africa, targeting underinsured markets with new products and tech upgrades. Business & Trade: Shoprite’s Vida e Caffè acquisition (and related deal) signals continued expansion in coffee and QSR formats across the region, including Botswana. Governance & Economy (Regional): Zambia’s Hichilema was sworn in for a second term, pledging a shift from stabilisation to growth across mining, agriculture and energy.

Mining Equipment Deal: Epiroc has secured a large underground machinery order from MMG for the expansion of Khoemacau copper mine in Botswana, including drilling rigs, loaders and mine trucks, with deliveries starting Q4 2026 and support services included. Energy Infrastructure: Zimbabwe and Mozambique are set to launch the second phase of the Beira-Feruka pipeline expansion, boosting annual pumping capacity from 3m to 5m cubic metres and strengthening fuel supply across SADC, including Botswana. Digital Investment: WIOCC won a combined $300m investment from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand fibre, data centres and subsea assets across Africa, with Botswana Fibre Networks among its shareholders. Banking Outlook: First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) projects profit before tax growth of 10–15% to as much as P235m for FY ending June 30, 2026, supported by digital banking momentum. Business Sentiment: A Bank of Botswana survey shows firms remain cautious but expect improvement from late 2026 into mid-2027, with borrowing costs and fiscal constraints still weighing on activity. Consumer & Safety: Ford’s South Africa recall of 2,275 Ranger Double Cabs over a side-curtain airbag risk also affects 24 vehicles sold in Botswana. Cyber Risk: Hungry Lion customer credentials were reportedly exposed for months, highlighting ongoing online security weaknesses in the region.

Mining & Equipment: Epiroc has won a large underground machinery order worth about SEK 610 million for MMG’s Khoemacau copper mine expansion in Botswana, with deliveries starting Q4 2026 and support including remote-control solutions, spares and on-site service. Industrialisation & Steel: Galvanising Botswana is pushing a steel-processing push in Mmamashia, targeting about 100,000 tonnes of steel a year to cut reliance on imported steel and feed mining, construction, agriculture and energy projects. Digital Infrastructure & Finance: WIOCC secured a combined $300m investment from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand open-access digital infrastructure across Africa, with Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet) among its shareholders. Cybersecurity: Hungry Lion says customer credentials were exposed for months, with researchers pointing to compromised accounts tied to online portals and claiming data exposure across multiple countries including Botswana. Banking Outlook: First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) projects profit before tax rising by 10–15% to as much as P235m, as it leans further into digital banking and grows its customer base. Business Sentiment: A Bank of Botswana survey shows firms are cautious but slightly more optimistic into mid-2027, with borrowing costs and fiscal constraints still weighing on operations. Inflation Watch: Bank of Botswana Governor Lesego Moseki warns businesses and households to brace for persistent inflation from fuel and electricity costs, livestock movement restrictions and global geopolitical pressures. Safety & Recall: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission flagged a Ford Ranger double-cab airbag-related recall affecting 2,275 vehicles, with 24 sold in Botswana. Mining Inclusion: Women miners in SADC are calling for all-gender inclusivity in artisanal and small-scale mining, pushing for better access to finance, safety, training and formalisation.

Botswana policy & business climate: Bank of Botswana Governor Lesego Moseki warned firms and households to brace for persistent inflation as fuel and electricity costs, livestock movement limits from foot-and-mouth disease, and global geopolitical shocks keep prices elevated, while the policy rate stays at 5.5%. Business confidence: A Bank of Botswana survey found companies—especially in construction, quarrying, retail, transport and communication—are worried about higher borrowing costs and tighter collateral requirements. Energy & industry: Eskom says it wants to revive industrial demand, including a possible return of Mozambique’s Mozal aluminium smelter, while also pushing more electricity exports using surplus generation. Regulation for growth: BOMRA is consulting stakeholders on rules to make Botswana’s new Medicines and Related Substances Act operational, aiming for a system trading partners can recognise. Creative economy: UNESCO and Botswana’s arts ministry mapped the digital environment for the cultural and creative industries, flagging gaps in skills, market access, financing and sector data. Local infrastructure & services: Botswana’s government reported progress on social protection and supplier arrears, but admitted key promises like pension and student allowance levels remain short. Transport & governance: Former transport minister Noah Salakae faces corruption and money-laundering charges over alleged kickbacks tied to road construction tenders. Consumer safety: Ford Ranger double-cab recalls over side-airbag issues were reported as affecting vehicles exported to Botswana, urging owners to check and get free repairs.

Investment Migration Shift: Botswana is among African states moving to host “golden visa” style programmes, but the key is steering capital into productive uses rather than quick real-estate cash. Inflation Watch: Bank of Botswana warns firms and households to brace for persistent inflation as fuel and electricity costs, livestock movement limits from foot-and-mouth, and global tensions keep prices under pressure. Pharma Regulation: BOMRA is consulting stakeholders on rules for a new Medicines and Related Substances Act that’s passed but not yet in force, aiming for a system trading partners can recognise. Public Procurement Speed vs Red Tape: President Duma Boko says Botswana can lose years to tenders, evaluations and legal challenges—contrasting this with faster law-making elsewhere. Midterm Delivery Gaps: Government reports progress on social protection and arrears, but admits flagship targets like old-age pensions and tertiary allowances are still short, with supply interruptions affecting sanitary pad delivery. Transport & Governance: Botswana Railways faces fresh union allegations over withheld audits, pension issues and asset irregularities, reigniting scrutiny of state enterprise integrity. Local Industry & Skills: UNESCO and Botswana stakeholders map the digital environment for the cultural and creative industries, targeting skills, market access and better sector data. Botswana Business & Community: Joe’s Electrical marks 37 years, highlighting village electrification and community connectivity work. Education/Health Infrastructure: Moti’s African Hero school-and-clinic project in Block 7 is set for a September 5 unveiling after earlier finance concerns. Vehicle Safety (Regional): South Africa’s NCC recalls 2,275 Ford Ranger Double Cabs over side-airbag/B-pillar trim risks; some units were exported to Botswana. Tech for Women: GirlCode Hackathon 2026 runs in South Africa and Botswana, with teams progressing to pan-African finals. Corruption Case: Former transport minister Noah Salakae faces corruption and money-laundering charges over alleged road-tender kickbacks, with next court date set for October 9.

Car Safety Recall: Ford has recalled 2,275 Ranger double-cab models over a side airbag issue that could injure passengers, with free repairs urged for vehicles sold between 22 May and 23 June. Digital & Creative Economy: UNESCO and Botswana stakeholders have mapped the digital environment for the cultural and creative industries, flagging gaps in skills, market access, financing and sector data. Business Climate: The Bank of Botswana’s Business Expectations Survey says firms’ biggest worry is rising cost of capital and tighter collateral requirements, hitting construction, quarrying, retail and transport. Public Procurement Scrutiny: Air Botswana plans to appoint an aircraft lease consultant without a competitive tender, citing scarce expertise, raising questions under procurement rules. Local Industry Push: Government is rolling out “infant industry protection” via temporary tariffs, but says it must translate into jobs, investment and globally competitive manufacturing. Energy Transition: Botswana launched a 100MW solar PV plant under the Independent Power Producer framework, aiming to lift renewables to 50% of the energy mix by 2030. Finance & Sovereignty: As Botswana marks 50 years of monetary independence, officials warn the Pula’s strength depends on building a broader, more productive economy amid diamond-market weakness and FX pressure. Governance & SOEs: Commentaries urge Botswana to rethink its state enterprise oversight model amid recurring losses, qualified audits and delayed reporting. Health Tech Partnership: Abu Dhabi’s M42 signed a 10-year digital health and genomics partnership with Botswana’s Ministry of Health, including precision medicine and local capability building. Corruption Case: Former Transport minister Noah Salakae faces corruption and money-laundering charges in a Gaborone court appearance, with next steps set for October 9.

Former Minister in Court: Ex-Transport and Infrastructure minister Noah Salakae appeared in the Gaborone Regional Magistrates’ Court facing corruption and dishonesty charges, including allegations of corrupting a public officer, abuse of office and money laundering tied to a reported P1.6m kickback linked to a road construction tender; pleas were reserved and the case returns on 9 October. Procurement Speed vs Red Tape: President Duma Boko praised Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré for turning decisions into law overnight, while warning Botswana’s tender and complaint processes can cost 2–4 years. Air Botswana Procurement: Air Botswana plans to appoint ACC Aviation ME FZCO as an aircraft lease consultant via direct award, bypassing tender on grounds of scarce ACMI expertise. Energy & Tech Deal: Abu Dhabi’s M42 signed a 10-year partnership with Botswana’s Ministry of Health for digital health transformation, national genomics and precision medicine. Solar Push: Botswana launched a 100MW photovoltaic plant at Mmadinare under the Independent Power Producer framework, targeting more renewables by 2030. Trade Policy: Botswana moved to implement “infant industry protection” through temporary tariff measures aimed at building capacity and jobs, while also calling out duplication across state institutions. Agriculture Risk: Southern Africa climate outlooks warn of below-normal rainfall in key periods, raising pressure on farming and water planning. Mining Health Claims: Tshiamiso Trust reported a 64% jump in silicosis and TB claims lodgements, with R2.53bn already paid to 26,300 claimants as it heads into the final years of its mandate.

FMD Crackdown: Botswana’s cattle movement restrictions stay in focus as Zimbabwe reports new foot-and-mouth disease cases and tight quarantine controls, while Botswana’s courts back foreign counsel in key FMD litigation tied to beef sales and export markets. Agribusiness Push: Botswana targets lifting agriculture’s GDP contribution from 2% to 6%, with horticulture projects in Kweneng rising to 430 and domestic output growing as import curbs support local supply. Energy & Industry: Botswana launches a 100MW solar PV plant and reiterates energy security and a greener power mix, while the trade ministry moves to tackle duplication across state institutions to improve delivery. Monetary Sovereignty: Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe marks 50 years of the Pula and Thebe, stressing the currency’s future depends on building a broader, more productive economy beyond diamonds. Investment Interest: Tanzanian billionaire Mo Dewji meets Botswana leadership to explore renewable energy and financial services as Botswana seeks new industries and capital. Mining Health Claims: Tshiamiso Trust reports a 64% jump in silicosis and TB claims lodgements and highlights ongoing compensation processing across Southern Africa. Consumer & Tourism Markets: Botswana Consumer Fair expands its role for trade and entrepreneurship, while Botswana’s Ballin N Da Bush Safari Classic aims to commercialise local basketball talent with an international prize.

Climate & Food Security: SADC’s 2026/27 outlook warns of below-normal rainfall across much of the region, including Botswana, raising the odds of water stress and tighter farm output. Energy & Investment: Botswana launched a 100MW solar PV plant at Mmadinare, aiming to lift renewables to 50% of the energy mix by 2030 and strengthen grid and distribution. Trade & Industrial Policy: Government says “infant industry” tariff protection must quickly translate into jobs and competitive manufacturing, while the Trade Ministry moves to curb duplication across state institutions. Monetary Sovereignty: Bank of Botswana marks 50 years of the Pula and Thebe, with Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe stressing the currency’s future depends on building a broader, more productive economy. Digital Health & Power Links: Abu Dhabi’s M42 signs a 10-year Botswana health deal spanning digital transformation and genomics, while the USTDA lines up power-infrastructure partnerships involving Botswana and others. Mining & Capital Markets: Tanzanian billionaire Mo Dewji meets Botswana leaders on investment beyond diamonds, and One Bullion starts a 2026 diamond drilling programme at its Vumba Gold Project. Health & Agriculture: Botswana targets agriculture’s GDP share to rise to 6% as horticulture projects surge, while Lesotho prepares to receive Botswana-supplied FMD vaccines. Mining Compensation Watch: Tshiamiso Trust reports a 64% jump in silicosis/TB claims lodgements and says it has paid R2.53bn to 26,300 claimants.

Infant Industry Push: Botswana is rolling out “infant industry protection” via temporary tariff safeguards, with Trade Minister Tiroeaone Ntsima saying the policy must quickly translate into jobs, investment and globally competitive manufacturing. Monetary Sovereignty Test: As Botswana marks 50 years of the Pula and Thebe, Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe warns the real challenge is strengthening the economy behind the currency amid diamond-market weakness, tighter fiscal space and FX reserve pressure. State Delivery Scrutiny: The Trade Ministry says its SOEs and agencies must stop operating in silos, targeting duplication for a more integrated delivery system. Energy Security Drive: Botswana launched a 100MW solar PV plant at Mmadinare, aiming to diversify power and lift renewables toward 50% by 2030. Agriculture Growth Target: Botswana targets raising agriculture’s GDP share from 2% to 6%, citing a surge in horticulture projects and falling import bills. Regional Food Risks: SADC faces a potentially harsher El Niño season, with drought risk threatening grain supplies and prices. Mining Compensation Update: Tshiamiso Trust reports a 64% jump in silicosis/TB claims lodgements and says it has paid R2.53bn to 26,300 claimants, with remaining beneficiaries still waiting. Property Valuation Call: Palapye landowners are urged to review the draft valuation roll and submit corrections before finalisation. Tourism Platform: The Botswana Consumer Fair opens with a wider trade and entrepreneurship focus, drawing exhibitors from across the region.

Agribusiness Push: Botswana targets lifting agriculture’s GDP share from 2% to 6%, with horticulture projects in Kweneng jumping to 430 (from 253) and output rising as import restrictions bite. Food Security Watch: SADC braces for a dry, hot rainy season, with El Niño-linked below-normal rainfall forecast for Botswana and neighbours, raising grain and water risks. Mining Health Payouts: Tshiamiso Trust reports a 64% surge in silicosis/TB claims lodgements to 13,337, paying R2.53bn to 26,300 ex-miners, though some beneficiaries still complain of delays. Property & Rates: Palapye landowners are urged to review the draft valuation roll now (Aug 7–Sep 4) via Palapye.thevalua.com to avoid missing corrections before the final roll. Consumer & SME Boost: Botswana Consumer Fair opens its 19th edition with a wider focus on trade, entrepreneurship and local innovation, drawing 550+ exhibitors regionally. Investment & Diversification: Tanzanian billionaire Mo Dewji meets Botswana leaders on the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, weighing renewable energy and financial services. FMD Response: Botswana supplies 100,000 FMD vaccine doses to Lesotho as authorities prioritise outbreaks. Tourism Industry Voice: HATAB outlines ongoing advocacy to cut regulatory barriers and support tourism operations. Cyber Risk: Hungry Lion faces a dark-web threat listing tied to ransomware activity, highlighting POS system exposure. Mining Exploration: One Bullion starts a 2026 diamond drilling programme at its Vumba Gold Project, targeting priority structural corridors.

Food Security Watch: SADC faces a sharper El Niño-linked food-security risk, with neighbours like Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia already importing grain from South Africa as carry-over buffers look thin and a poor 2026/27 harvest could push prices up. Investment & Diversification: Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji (MeTL) met Botswana’s President, Bank of Botswana leadership and the Botswana Stock Exchange in Gaborone, signalling renewed interest in sectors like renewable energy and financial services under the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme. Agribusiness Health: Botswana’s FMD vaccine supply is being used to protect Lesotho’s cattle, with officials warning vaccine shortages mean doses must be prioritised for the worst-hit areas. Mining & Exploration: One Bullion has started its 2026 diamond drilling at the Vumba Gold Project in Botswana, targeting continuity and higher-grade shoots across priority structural corridors. Capital Markets: The UK’s MOBILIST programme partnered with the Botswana Stock Exchange to unlock private investment and broaden listed products for pension funds and asset managers. Labour & Security: Botswana’s new working-hour rules are set to reshape the private security industry, with firms warning of higher staffing costs and operational disruption. Tourism Industry Body: HATAB outlined its role in tourism advocacy, including past wins on visa approvals and per diem policy reform. Climate Outlook: A SADC climate warning flags below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures across parts of Botswana and the region into 2027, raising pressure on water and agriculture.

Tourism Advocacy: HATAB outlines how it represents airlines, lodges, tour operators and conservation players, pushing policy wins like fixing tourist visa delays and challenging local per diems that hurt hospitality jobs. Climate & Agriculture Risk: SADC warns of a dry, hot rainy season, with below-normal rainfall expected for Botswana and neighbours and above-average temperatures raising pressure on water and farming. Youth Entrepreneurship: Japan-funded Empower Africa opens to 18–35s across 11 Anglophone countries, including Botswana, with training in innovation, AI, leadership and investment readiness. Mining & Exploration: One Bullion starts a 2026 diamond drilling programme at its Vumba Gold Project in Botswana, targeting continuity of mineralised structures. Livestock Health: Botswana supplies Lesotho with 100,000 FMD vaccine doses, with Botha-Bothe set for administration as the disease spreads. Legal/Beef Sector: Botswana’s Chief Justice dismisses the Law Society’s bid to overturn the ad hoc admission of South African Senior Counsel in an FMD-related dispute. Security Labour Rules: Private security firms warn Botswana’s new working-hour provisions could raise staffing costs and force operational changes. Capital Markets Push: UK’s MOBILIST partners with the Botswana Stock Exchange to broaden investment products and deepen local capital mobilisation. Copper Tenure: Verity renews four prospecting licences in eastern Botswana, securing tenure over Airstrip and Dibete copper-silver discoveries. Jobs Promise Delayed: President Duma Boko admits the 100,000 jobs-a-year pledge is behind schedule due to fiscal and practical constraints.

Mining Tenure: Verity Resources secured four prospecting licence renewals in Botswana, extending its Limpopo Mobile Belt position and covering advanced copper-silver discoveries at Airstrip and Dibete plus Maibele North. Capital Markets: Continental Reinsurance opened a public offer on the Botswana Stock Exchange, aiming to make it the first reinsurer listed on the local bourse and deepen Botswana’s insurance and investment access. Labour & Security: Botswana’s new Employment and Labour Relations Act is set to reshape private security operations, with firms warning working-hour changes could raise staffing costs. Trade & Standards: BOBS moved to fast-track standards for local manufacturers, including a push on leather and even a wood sawdust specification for certified poultry bedding. Energy & Logistics: CPMZ plans a 67% expansion of the Beira-Harare fuel corridor by end-2027, boosting capacity for petrol, diesel and jet fuel into landlocked markets including Botswana. Business & Travel: TAWI LUSH was appointed Koncept Africa’s sales and PR arm in India to grow luxury safari demand across southern Africa, including Botswana. Policy & Mobility: Botswana granted Omani nationals visa-free entry for up to 90 days, though the arrangement is not reciprocal.