AGP Executive Report

Tax & Labour Pressure: Business Botswana warns that rolling out tax and labour reforms together could trigger job losses and business closures, urging government to phase changes carefully to protect already-stressed employers. Railways Debt Rescue: Government secured P450m to clear Botswana Railways creditor backlogs after strike action over unremitted employee loan deductions, with workers’ deductions prioritised for urgent settlement. Diamond Deal Watch: Botswana is evaluating options as Anglo American moves toward a De Beers ownership change, with a Gareth Penny-led Global Diamond Consortium reported as preferred bidder and Botswana holding a 15% stake plus pre-emption rights. Health System Risk: A WHO review flags weaknesses in Botswana’s blood transfusion services, citing fragmented coordination, ageing equipment, weak information systems and recurring lab supply shortages that could threaten safe blood availability. Agribusiness Diversification: President Duma Boko pushes a renewed ostrich farming push, aiming to hatch 6,000 birds this year and revive a sector hit by high feed costs and past failures. Regional Trade Logistics: Botswana and Namibia reaffirmed trade integration after a Walvis Bay port visit, highlighting the Botswana Dry Port and Trans-Kalahari Corridor for smoother cross-border commerce. SADC Security Build-Out: Botswana’s Defence Ministry says construction of a logistics depot for the SADC Standby Force is 68% complete, aimed at boosting regional response capacity. Tourism Supplier Access: LEA and Okavango Wilderness Safaris launch a citizen enterprise programme to improve market access for local tourism businesses, targeting consistent buyers and stronger competitiveness. Mining Tech Potential: A new report argues AI could speed up African critical minerals exploration and cut costs, despite the continent’s low share of exploration spending.

Diamond Industry Watch: Botswana’s government pushed back on claims Namibia had lost its De Beers stake bid, as Anglo American’s De Beers sale moves toward a preferred bidder phase—while Botswana weighs its 15% position and rights in the deal. Blood Supply Risk: A WHO review warns Botswana’s blood transfusion system faces structural weaknesses, including fragmented coordination, ageing equipment, weak information systems and recurring lab supply shortages. Agribusiness Diversification: President Duma Boko is reviving ostrich farming, aiming to hatch 6,000 birds this year and build a value chain from meat and leather to tourism, with feed costs and past industry collapse still the big hurdles. Regional Security Logistics: Botswana is set to host a SADC Standby Force logistics depot, now 68% complete, with added focus on tackling human trafficking, illegal mining and cybercrime. Health & Food Systems: Botswana’s school feeding approach is highlighted as more consistent than elsewhere in the region, underscoring how nutrition affects learning and attendance. Trade & Connectivity: Botswana and Namibia reaffirmed plans to strengthen regional trade via Walvis Bay, the Botswana Dry Port and the Trans-Kalahari Corridor. Tourism Market Access: LEA and Okavango Wilderness Safaris launched a citizen supplier programme to improve market access for Botswana tourism SMEs. FAST Streaming Expansion: eMedia launched Openview Stream, an ad-supported free streaming service rolling out to Botswana and other markets.

De Beers Deal Watch: Anglo American has picked a Gareth Penny-led consortium as preferred bidder to buy its 85% stake in De Beers, with Botswana’s 15% stake and right of first refusal keeping Gaborone in the driver’s seat as talks run toward a possible Q4 2026 close. Regional Trade & Logistics: Botswana and Namibia reaffirmed trade integration after a Walvis Bay port visit, spotlighting the Botswana Dry Port and the Trans-Kalahari Corridor as key routes for faster, cheaper movement of goods. Tourism Market Access: LEA and Okavango Wilderness Safaris launched a Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme to help citizen-owned tourism businesses secure more consistent buyers and expand in the hospitality value chain. Digital Entertainment Expansion: eMedia rolled out Openview Stream, an ad-supported FAST streaming service launching in Botswana and other markets, aiming to grow new ad and content distribution revenue. Energy Costs: Botswana’s electricity tariffs are set to rise by 9% after BERA’s approval, adding pressure to household and business operating costs. Consumer Recall: Ford recalled certain 2026 Transit and Tourneo Custom vehicles sold in Botswana and neighbouring countries due to a transmission fault that could cause sudden loss of movement. Mining Output Update: Lucara recovered a 1,305-carat diamond at Karowe, underlining Botswana’s continued strength in large-stone production.

De Beers Deal Watch: Anglo American has picked a Gareth Penny-led consortium as preferred bidder to buy its stake in De Beers, putting Botswana’s 15% holding and right of first refusal at the centre of the decision as government advisers assess options ahead of a possible late-2026 close. Energy Costs: A new ranking shows where households pay the highest energy bills, with European countries dominating the top end—useful context as Botswana businesses and families watch tariff pressures. Electricity Tariffs: Botswana Power faces a fresh squeeze after BERA approved a 9% across-the-board electricity tariff increase, raising the stakes for operating costs. Transport Safety: The National Consumer Commission issued a recall of certain 2026 Ford Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom models sold in Botswana and other markets due to a transmission defect that can cause loss of first gear or reverse. Regional Trade: Namibia and Botswana reaffirmed trade integration after a Port of Walvis Bay visit focused on the Botswana Dry Port and the Trans-Kalahari Corridor. SACU Leadership: Botswana has taken over SACU chairmanship for 12 months, with President Duma Boko leading the Summit and Gaolathe heading the Council of Ministers. Tourism Market Access: LEA and Okavango Wilderness Safaris launched a citizen enterprise programme to improve market access for local tourism suppliers. Diamond Spotlight: Lucara recovered a 1,305.4-carat diamond from Karowe, underlining Botswana’s continued record-breaking output.

Retail Court Ruling: Botswana-linked shoppers may feel the ripple as South Africa’s Gauteng High Court ordered Spar to vacate a Midrand shopping centre, clearing the way for Shoprite to take over a strategic supermarket site after Spar missed a lease renewal deadline—another sign of intensifying grocery competition for prime locations. Mining & Diamonds: Anglo American has picked a preferred bidder for De Beers’ sale, with Botswana’s Moeti Mohwasa saying the Global Diamond Consortium led by Gareth Penny is in the lead; Botswana holds 15% in De Beers and a local JV, keeping producer-nation influence in focus. Transport Safety: The National Consumer Commission issued a recall for certain 2026 Ford Transit/Transit Custom/Tourneo Custom models sold in South Africa and exported to Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and eSwatini, citing a transmission defect that can cause sudden loss of first gear or reverse. Trade & Logistics: Botswana has taken over SACU chairmanship for 12 months, while Botswana and Namibia reaffirmed trade ties via Walvis Bay, highlighting the Botswana Dry Port and Trans-Kalahari Corridor. Tourism Enterprise: LEA and Okavango Wilderness Safaris launched a citizen business programme to improve market access for tourism suppliers, aiming to turn local production into steady buyers. Digital Media: eMedia expanded into FAST streaming with Openview Stream, launching in Botswana and other markets with ad-supported free TV on connected devices.

Diamond Deal Watch: Anglo American has picked a group led by De Beers’ former boss Gareth Penny as preferred bidder for De Beers’ sale, with Botswana’s minister Moeti Mohwasa saying the Botswana-owned stake and preemption rights keep the government in play. Regional Trade & Logistics: Botswana has taken over SACU chairmanship for 12 months, with President Duma Boko leading the Summit and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe the Council. Port Connectivity: Botswana VP Ndaba Gaolathe is set to visit the Botswana Container Terminal at Walvis Bay to review expansion and strengthen the Trans Kalahari Corridor. Tourism Enterprise Support: LEA and Okavango Wilderness Safaris launched a Citizen Economic Empowerment Programme to improve market access for citizen tourism suppliers. Streaming & Media: eMedia expanded into FAST with Openview Stream, launching in Botswana and other markets via RunnTV. Consumer Safety: Botswana’s NCC flagged a Ford recall for certain 2026 Transit and Tourneo models over a transmission fault that can cause loss of first gear or reverse. Mining Spotlight: Lucara recovered a 1,305.4-carat diamond at Karowe, underlining Botswana’s record-breaking output.

SACU Leadership Switch: Botswana has taken over the chairmanship of the Southern African Customs Union from South Africa for the next 12 months, with President Duma Boko leading the Summit and Ndaba Gaolathe heading the Council of Ministers from 15 July 2026 to 14 July 2027. Diamond Sector Update: Lucara Diamond Corp recovered a 1,305.4-carat rough diamond from the Karowe mine, reinforcing Botswana’s run of record-breaking stones. Energy Costs Watch: Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) approved a 9% across-the-board electricity tariff increase, adding pressure on households and businesses. Tourism & Revenue: Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) says foreign booking agents are not “stealing” money from Botswana’s tourism industry and argues Maun is missing out as many visitors fly straight into the Okavango Delta. Digital Media Expansion: eMedia launched Openview Stream, a free ad-supported streaming TV service (FAST) rolling out in Botswana and other markets, aiming to grow advertising revenue and reach viewers on connected TVs and mobile devices. Trade & Logistics: Botswana VP Ndaba Gaolathe is set to visit the Botswana Container Terminal at Walvis Bay to review port expansion and strengthen the Trans Kalahari Corridor for faster regional trade. Mining Pipeline: Belararox (now Vantage Metals) says airborne EM work has added copper drill targets at its Kalahari project, with drilling expected to start within weeks.

SACU Leadership: Botswana has taken over the Southern African Customs Union chairmanship for the next 12 months, with President Duma Boko leading the Summit and Vice-President Ndaba Gaolathe heading the Council of Ministers. Trade & Logistics: VP Gaolathe is set to visit the Botswana Container Terminal at Walvis Bay to review port expansion and strengthen the Trans Kalahari Corridor push for faster, cheaper regional trade. Commodity Markets: DMCC and the Botswana Stock Exchange Group have signed an MoU to create a Dubai–Gaborone sister-hub corridor for diamonds, copper, coal, soda ash, critical minerals, beef and agri-products, including trade finance and vaulting links. Mining Tech & Deals: ReconAfrica says testing at Kavango West 1X has produced natural gas to surface and is moving to Huttenberg formation tests, while Belararox/Vantage Metals reports new airborne EM copper targets in Botswana’s Kalahari ahead of drilling. Energy Costs: Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) approved a 9% electricity tariff increase, adding pressure on households and businesses. Tourism Rules: HATAB backs the new tourism law, arguing revenue from luxury safari bookings largely stays in Botswana and pushing for better visitor flows beyond Maun. Regional Business Watch: Ford has issued a transmission-fault recall for certain 2026 Transit and Tourneo models sold in Botswana and neighbouring markets.

Botswana–UAE Trade Push: DMCC and the Botswana Stock Exchange Group (BSE) have signed an MoU to create Africa’s first “sister-hub” commodity corridor linking Dubai and Gaborone, aiming to boost global market access for Botswana-origin diamonds, copper, coal, soda ash, critical minerals, beef and agri products, with support across trade finance, logistics, vaulting and digital infrastructure. Mining & Exploration Momentum: Belararox (now set to rebrand as Vantage Metals) says new airborne EM work has added copper drill targets across its Kalahari licences, with initial drilling expected within weeks. Gold Sector Revival Bid: Nova Africa says it has cleared the legal path to restart the long-dormant Mupane Gold Mine near Francistown after an appeal ruling, with plans including a new gold refinery and back-wage payments for former workers. Diamond Spotlight: Lucara reports recovery of its 10th diamond over 1,000 carats from Karowe—an event that underlines Botswana’s continued role in large-stone production. Travel Policy: Botswana released its 2026 visa-free entry list for African countries, with only a limited set granted exemption. Regional Business Watch: Ford recalls certain 2026 Transit and related models sold in Botswana and neighbouring markets over a transmission fault.

Dubai–Gaborone Trade Corridor: DMCC and the Botswana Stock Exchange Group (BSE/BMX) signed MoUs to create Africa’s first “sister-hub” commodity corridor linking Botswana-origin diamonds, copper, coal, soda ash, critical minerals, beef and agri-products to Dubai’s trading, finance and logistics ecosystem, with tenders planned via the Dubai Diamond Exchange and wider access to finance including Shariah-compliant options. Gold Mine Restart: Nova Africa won the legal fight to restart the long-dormant Mupane Gold Mine near Francistown after an appeal was dismissed, clearing the way for a $21.5m sale and setting up plans for a gold refinery and back-wage payments to former workers. Karowe Diamond Milestone: Lucara recovered its 10th diamond above 1,000 carats at Karowe—an intact 1,305.4-carat stone found using X-ray recovery technology—reinforcing the mine’s reputation for large, high-value gems. Power Costs Watch: Botswana’s electricity import bill may ease as local generation jumped sharply in Q1 2026, driven by Morupule output and scaling solar. De Beers Cost Cuts Ripple: De Beers announced a two-year production pause at its Venetia mine in South Africa, with worker support promised—an industry move that could affect regional diamond jobs and supply. Connectivity for Mining: Paratus Botswana and Eutelsat showcased resilient, integrated connectivity for mining at the Future of Mining Summit, combining satellite and terrestrial links for remote operations. Digital Media Expansion: eMedia launched Openview Stream, a free ad-supported FAST streaming service across Botswana and several other African markets via RunnTV technology. Agriculture Pressure: A report highlights how extreme heat is devastating African farmers, with drought-driven livestock losses and crop failures deepening food insecurity.

Diamond Market Shock: De Beers says it will pause production at its Venetia mine in South Africa for two years, citing weak rough prices and cost pressure, with the move raising job and regional supply concerns. Botswana Mining Spotlight: Lucara recovered a 1,305.4-carat rough diamond at Karowe, its 10th find above 1,000 carats since production began—another headline for Botswana’s large-stone reputation. Energy & Cost Relief: Botswana may see easing electricity import pressure as local generation jumped sharply in Q1 2026, driven by Morupule A/B and stronger solar output. Trade & Reserves: The Bank of Botswana renewed calls for faster import substitution and export growth beyond diamonds to protect foreign reserves. Connectivity for Mining: Paratus Botswana and Eutelsat showcased resilient, integrated connectivity for mining at the Future of Mining Summit, while Powertel and Paratus launched a cross-border fiber corridor linking Zimbabwe with Botswana and beyond. Regional Policy: SADC energy and water ministers meet in Pretoria to push regional energy security and water sustainability. Animal Health Threat: Botswana seeks help to fight foot-and-mouth disease as outbreaks disrupt FMD-free zones and threaten beef exports. Business Growth Push: At the CEO Africa Roundtable, Botswana’s private sector was urged to back bankable projects and use AI to lift productivity toward a $40bn economy by 2036.

Diamond Sector: Lucara Diamond Corp says it has recovered its 10th diamond over 1,000 carats at the Karowe mine in Botswana—an exceptional 1,305.4-carat rough stone recovered intact using its Mega Diamond Recovery X-ray technology. Energy & Power Costs: Botswana’s electricity import bill could ease as local generation jumped in Q1 2026, with output rising 72.8% year-on-year, driven by Morupule A and B and solar plants. Rail Security: Transnet plans an “army” of security guards and drones to curb theft and vandalism on its central rail corridor, where incidents have been disrupting operations. Regional Connectivity: Paratus Botswana and Eutelsat showcased resilient mining connectivity, while Powertel and Paratus launched a cross-border fibre corridor linking Zimbabwe with Botswana, Zambia and South Africa. Business & Growth Agenda: CEO Africa Roundtable founder Kenias Mafukidze urged Botswana to double its economy to $40bn by 2036, backed by a Botswana investment desk and flagship projects. Trade & Risk: Bank of Botswana Governor Lesego Moseki renewed calls for import substitution and export growth beyond diamonds to protect foreign reserves. Animal Health: Botswana asked for help to fight foot-and-mouth disease after multiple outbreaks forced suspensions of FMD-free zones. Media & Streaming: eMedia launched Openview Stream, a free ad-supported streaming TV platform rolling out initially to Botswana and other markets. Mining Downturn Watch: De Beers announced a two-year production pause at South Africa’s Venetia mine, raising concerns for jobs and supply amid weak rough diamond demand.

Rail Security: Transnet wants an “army” of guards plus drones to protect South Africa’s central rail corridor from theft and vandalism that has been disrupting operations. Bank of Botswana & Reserves: The central bank is pushing faster import substitution and more exports beyond diamonds, warning that food and consumer imports are draining foreign exchange reserves. Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Botswana is seeking help to fight FMD after multiple outbreaks, with the beef sector facing tighter regional and international restrictions. Energy & Fuel Storage: Botswana Oil says progress is being made on a planned 100 million-litre fuel storage facility in Swakopmund to improve regional fuel supply security. Diamond Industry Shock: De Beers will pause production at the Venetia mine in South Africa for two years to cut costs amid weak rough diamond demand, putting thousands of jobs at risk. Botswana Economy Watch: Statistics Botswana reports GDP growth of 3.5% in Q1 2026, led by stronger mining output and a surge in electricity generation. Tax Overhaul: BURS has rolled out major income tax, VAT and customs reforms from July 1, including higher corporate tax rates and new rules for individuals and businesses.

Diamond Market Shock: De Beers says it will pause production at South Africa’s Venetia diamond mine for two years to cut costs, citing tough rough trading conditions and pressure from lab-grown gems; the move risks about 4,400 jobs and follows earlier curbs at other operations. Botswana Tax Overhaul: Botswana’s BURS has rolled out major changes to income tax, VAT and customs from July 1, including a new 27.5% bracket for higher earners and a rise in corporate tax to 24.5%, reshaping compliance for businesses and investors. Economic Recovery Signals: Statistics Botswana reports Q1 2026 GDP growth of 3.5%, driven by stronger mining output, a surge in electricity generation, and a rebound in diamond trading. Energy Independence: Record local power generation and expanding solar cut Botswana’s reliance on imported electricity by 61.8% in Q1, led by Morupule A and B. Mining Skills & Jobs: Westfill won a backfill and workforce training contract at Khoemacau Copper Mine, combining engineering support with structured upskilling for local crews. Digital Livestock Control: Botswana launched an animal disease surveillance dashboard to speed outbreak detection and link field data with BAITS and district veterinary networks. Media Streaming Expansion: eMedia launched Openview Stream, a free ad-supported FAST platform, rolling out initially across Botswana and several other African markets. Capital Markets Move: North Arrow Minerals’ shares uplisted to the OTCQB Venture Market, improving access for U.S. investors as it advances gold exploration in southern Botswana.

Botswana Tax Overhaul: The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) has rolled out major changes from July 1, with new Income Tax, VAT and Customs Acts plus a Tax Administration Act—raising the corporate tax rate to 24.5% and introducing a new 27.5% personal bracket for incomes above P400,001. Economic Recovery Watch: Statistics Botswana says GDP grew 3.5% in Q1 2026, helped by stronger mining output, a surge in electricity generation and renewed diamond trading momentum. Energy Independence: Record power generation and expanding solar cut Botswana’s reliance on imported electricity by 61.8% in Q1 2026, led by Morupule A and B. Mining Town Diversification: Debswana’s Jwaneng CBD project is set to break ground, aiming to shift the town toward retail, services, tourism and logistics beyond mining. Project Pipeline: Giyani Metals filed its K.Hill battery-grade manganese definitive feasibility study for Botswana, confirming a post-tax NPV of US$482m and IRR of 20.3%. Exploration Push: Arc Minerals says it will start drilling at its Virgo copper project in Botswana in August after advancing geophysics and settling disputes in Zambia.

Tax Reform Rollout: Botswana’s BURS has ushered in major changes from July 1, with a new Income Tax Act, VAT Act and Customs Act, plus a Tax Administration Act—raising corporate tax to 24.5% and introducing a 27.5% bracket for earners above P400,001. Economic Recovery Watch: Statistics Botswana says GDP grew 3.5% in Q1 2026, helped by a surge in water and electricity output and a rebound in diamond trading and mining. Energy Independence: Record generation and expanding solar reduced power imports reliance by 61.8% in Q1, with Morupule A and B driving most of the output. Mining & Project Moves: Arc Minerals plans drilling at its Virgo copper project in Botswana in August, while Giyani Metals filed its K.Hill battery-grade manganese DFS, confirming a post-tax NPV of US$482m and IRR of 20.3%. Local Diversification: Debswana’s Jwaneng CBD project is set to break ground, aiming to shift the town toward retail, services, tourism and logistics beyond mining. Regional Finance: Sanlam’s Satrix is expanding into Botswana via a secondary listing of three ETFs on the BSE. Sports & Business Glance: Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi ran 43.44 in Monaco, edging closer to the 400m world record.