AGP Executive Report

Public Health Watch: A Botswana family says a government clinic in Mankgodi lacked medicines to treat a severely burned infant, forcing a 50km-plus dash to Bokamoso Private Hospital in Gaborone—raising fresh questions about medicine supply and emergency care access. Energy & Investment: A continent-wide shift is underway as African electricity systems open to private capital for generation, storage and grid upgrades, with reliability failures pushing longer power contracts and more complex deal terms. Digital Security: TransUnion reports Botswana’s suspected digital fraud rate at 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025, the lowest in Africa, while warning fraudsters are moving toward higher-trust scams. Retail Strategy: Spar is leaning harder into private-label products to lift margins, with CEO Reeza Isaacs citing the need for better integration after acquiring Encore. Mining & Governance: Commentary flags “base erosion and profit shifting” risks in mining, arguing for stronger protection of national revenue from hidden leakages. Regional Trade: South Africa’s CTICC2 will host key SACU meetings, bringing Botswana and other members together to strengthen customs and cross-border trade. Botswana Energy Ambition: Seth Resources Petroleum says it plans a crude refinery and large storage facility in Chobe District to turn Botswana into a regional petroleum supply hub without producing oil.

Energy & Industry: Botswana’s Seth Resources Petroleum says it plans a crude refinery in Pandamatenga plus a 240-million-litre storage facility in Chobe—turning imported oil into finished products for local use and SADC exports, with 1,000 jobs expected. Mining & Finance: Botswana’s De Beers stake push continues as the country courts the UAE and Oman for support in acquiring remaining shares. Digital Economy: TransUnion reports Botswana’s suspected digital fraud rate at 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025, the lowest across analysed African markets, though fraudsters are shifting to higher-trust scams. Procurement & Local Industry: Botswana’s off-take policy for local procurement faces delays, with investors in Selebi-Phikwe warning that the 30% framework isn’t yet legally enforceable, weakening guaranteed market access. Regional Trade: SACU leaders and officials will meet in Cape Town (CTICC2) from 18–26 June, with Botswana among expected participants to discuss customs and cross-border trade cooperation. Aviation & Tourism: Botswana hosts AviaDev Africa, drawing about 450 delegates from 50+ airlines and stakeholders to expand air links and boost the visitor economy. Business & Markets: Alexander Forbes begins consolidating fund administration platforms across Namibia, South Africa and Botswana into one system to cut costs and improve client service.

Xenophobia Backlash: A new report asks why South Africa’s top business leaders are staying quiet as xenophobic attacks hit migrant workers and disrupt regional trade and investment. Mining Policy Tension: Ghana’s resource nationalism debate is flagged as a “dangerous contradiction,” with calls to block Gold Fields’ lease renewal potentially undermining local businesses. Banking Expansion: Access Holdings says it has finished its acquisition push (about 20 banks in four years) and now wants to be measured against Africa’s biggest bank, Standard Bank. Botswana Energy & Trade: Botswana is planning a Chobe District oil refinery and large storage facility to turn the country into an energy hub without producing crude itself. Procurement Integrity: Zimbabwe’s minister warns public entities are bypassing standard price benchmarks via weak exemptions, risking inflated procurement costs. Digital Security: TransUnion reports Botswana’s suspected digital fraud rate at 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025, the lowest in Africa, though fraud tactics are shifting. Regional Integration: SACU meetings in Cape Town will bring Botswana and others together to discuss customs and trade cooperation. De Beers Ownership Watch: Namibia weighs buying a stake in De Beers, with possible indirect exposure to Botswana and Angola assets. Aviation Dealmaking: Botswana hosts AviaDev Africa to boost air connectivity and tourism partnerships.

Botswana energy ambitions: Seth Resources Petroleum says it wants to build a crude oil refinery and a 240-million-litre storage facility in Chobe’s Pandamatenga area, aiming to turn Botswana into a regional energy hub by processing imported crude for local use and SADC exports. Digital trust in focus: TransUnion reports Botswana’s suspected digital fraud rate at 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025—the lowest in Africa—while warning fraudsters are shifting to higher-trust scams as digital services become more widely used. Procurement and local industry: Botswana’s off-take policy for local manufacturers is still not legally enforceable, with investors in Selebi-Phikwe frustrated by delayed gazetting that leaves implementation inconsistent. Diamonds and De Beers: Botswana is courting the UAE and Oman to help acquire a strategic stake in De Beers as Anglo American moves to exit, seeking partners to strengthen the country’s influence in the diamond value chain. Regional trade talks: SACU leaders and ministers are set to meet in Cape Town (CTICC2) from 18–26 June, with Botswana among expected participants to discuss customs and ways to boost cross-border trade. Finance systems upgrade: Alexforbes has started consolidating fund administration platforms across Namibia, South Africa and Botswana into one system to improve service and cut costs. Aviation and tourism push: Botswana hosts AviaDev Africa, drawing about 450 delegates to discuss expanding aviation networks and unlocking tourism and investment opportunities.

Tourism & Conservation: Botswana’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Boipuso Mmolotsi, joined KAZA TFCA ministers in Victoria Falls to commend Zimbabwe’s First Lady for tourism growth, including enabling 10,000 women to visit the falls. Regional Trade: Cape Town’s CTICC2 will host major SACU meetings from 18–26 June, with Botswana among expected participants, focusing on customs policy and boosting cross-border trade. Mining Revenue Protection: A focus on base erosion and profit shifting in mining highlights how multinationals can leak national tax revenue through profit shifting. Digital Economy & Fraud: TransUnion data shows Botswana’s suspected digital fraud at 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025, the lowest in Africa, while warning fraudsters are shifting tactics. Energy & Industry: Botswana is pushing an oil refinery and petroleum storage plan in Chobe without producing crude, aiming to turn the district into an energy hub. Procurement Integrity: Zimbabwe’s minister warns public entities against abusing procurement price exemptions—an issue that resonates across the region’s push for value-for-money. Aviation & Connectivity: Botswana hosts AviaDev Africa, drawing about 450 delegates to expand air routes and tourism links. De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana is courting the UAE and Oman to help acquire a larger De Beers stake, as Anglo American looks to exit.

Botswana De Beers push: Botswana is reportedly courting the UAE and Oman to help fund the acquisition of a bigger stake in De Beers, aiming to secure “reliable, trusted partners” as Anglo American prepares to exit its remaining holding. Energy reliability: Botswana says major winter load shedding is unlikely this year, citing improved generation performance at Morupule B and stabilising units ahead of June–July demand peaks. Local procurement policy snag: In Selebi-Phikwe, investors are being deterred by delays in gazetting the 30% government off-take law into a legally enforceable instrument, leaving implementation inconsistent. Aviation networking: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa, drawing about 450 delegates from 50+ airlines and aviation stakeholders to build partnerships and expand regional air connectivity. Digital services momentum: Coverage from Telemedia Johannesburg highlights how South Africa’s maturing digital services market is shifting from connectivity to monetising digital engagement, with anti-fraud and governance driving growth. Mining tech in focus: Seequent says it is turning older subsurface data into new mining insights, pointing to growing adoption of modelling tools across West Africa. Regional business context: South Africa’s freight and logistics network showed resilience despite disruptions, though global shipping risks around the Gulf are pushing up costs.

Aviation & Tourism: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa with about 450 delegates from 50+ airlines and aviation stakeholders, aiming to boost air connectivity and grow the visitor economy. Energy Security: Botswana says major winter power cuts are unlikely, citing improved stability at Morupule B Power Station and reduced need for large-scale load shedding. Diamonds & Labour: Botswana Diamond Workers Union plans a nationwide campaign for higher wages and better labour protections across the diamond value chain, highlighting a gap between diamond wealth and worker pay. Mining & Investment: Botswana is seeking UAE and Oman support to acquire the remaining De Beers stake, as the government weighs demand risks amid pressure from synthetic stones. Construction & Trade: Albaddad Holding launched “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a US$1.9bn mixed-use development with hotels, offices, residences and retail, backed by Botswana Development Corporation. Education & Jobs: Botswana’s Higher Education Ministry flags graduate unemployment, pointing to a skills mismatch between training and industry needs. Regional Business Pulse: South Africa’s logistics network showed resilience despite shipping turbulence, while fuel shortages disrupted Botswana rail operations briefly.

De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana is seeking funding partners in the UAE and Oman to help acquire a larger stake in De Beers, as diamond prices soften and synthetic stones rise. Power Reliability: Botswana says major winter load shedding is unlikely this year, citing stabilisation progress at Morupule B and improved generation performance. Diamond Workers Push: The Botswana Diamond Workers Union plans a nationwide campaign for higher wages, better labour protections and stronger localisation across the diamond value chain. New Build for Gaborone: Albaddad Holding has launched “New Botswana City,” a US$1.9bn, mixed-use project with hotels, offices and residences aimed at boosting trade and investment. Banking Watch: BMI warns Botswana’s banking sector may face tighter conditions in 2026 as weak growth, diamond uncertainty and macro-fiscal risks weigh on credit and profitability. Pharma Deal: CFAO Healthcare received Botswana Competition and Consumer Authority approval to buy a 75% controlling stake in Medswana, expanding the local healthcare supply chain. Solar Manufacturing Jobs: Sunlux Solar broke ground on a P14m Tlokweng warehouse and manufacturing facility expected to create about 160 jobs. Digital Economy Caution: A local analysis argues Botswana’s digital growth is uneven, with many firms still relying on manual systems and facing data compliance risks. Mining Exploration Update: North Arrow Minerals reported gold intercept results from RC drilling at its Kraaipan project in southern Botswana.

Diamond value chain pressure: Botswana Diamond Workers Union says it will launch a nationwide campaign for higher wages, better labour protections and stronger localisation, arguing diamond wealth is not translating into decent work across cutting, polishing, sorting and processing. Banking outlook: Business Monitor International warns Botswana’s banking sector may stay stable but face tighter conditions from weak growth, tighter monetary policy and diamond-sector uncertainty, limiting credit demand and profitability. Education-to-jobs gap: Higher Education Ministry says graduate unemployment is driven by a mismatch between skills produced and what industry needs. Pharma deal: CCA approved French CFAO Healthcare’s acquisition of a 75% controlling stake in Medswana, expanding its role in Botswana’s pharmaceutical supply chain. Digital economy caution: A local analysis warns many firms confuse online presence with real digital maturity, citing manual back-end processes and rising regulatory risk. Manufacturing push: Sunlux Solar breaks ground on a P14m manufacturing facility in Tlokweng, targeting about 160 jobs and higher local production of solar lighting. Trade and governance: Botswana’s acting finance minister calls for stronger SADC cooperation to protect financial systems and curb illicit flows. New city investment: Albaddad launches “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a US$1.9bn mixed-use project with hotels, offices and residential towers aimed at boosting trade and tourism.

Labour & Diamonds: Botswana Diamond Workers Union plans a nationwide campaign for higher wages, better labour protections and stronger localisation across the diamond cutting, polishing, sorting and processing chain, after workers reportedly earn as little as P1,900–P3,000 a month. Banking Outlook: Business Monitor International warns Botswana’s banking sector faces tighter conditions in 2026 as weak macro growth and diamond-sector uncertainty limit credit demand, even as capital buffers keep the sector broadly stable. Construction & Real Estate: UAE’s Albaddad Holding has launched “New Botswana City” in Gaborone with Botswana Development Corporation, a $1.9bn mixed-use project across three phases including hotels, offices and a major exhibition/convention anchor. Manufacturing Push: Sunlux Solar broke ground on a P14m Tlokweng warehouse and manufacturing facility expected to create about 160 jobs, with 80% targeted at women and young people. Skills & Jobs: Higher Education Ministry says graduate unemployment is driven by a mismatch between tertiary skills and what industry needs. Pharma Deal: Competition and Consumer Authority cleared CFAO Healthcare’s acquisition of 75% in Medswana, expanding a key pharmaceutical wholesaling link. Digital Economy: A local analysis argues Botswana’s digital growth is uneven, with many firms still running manual processes and facing data-protection and regulatory risks. Governance & Finance: Botswana’s finance minister urged SADC to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing cooperation to protect regional financial stability. Security & Trade: Botswana distanced itself from a US-targeted “Botswana-flagged” oil tanker, citing flag fraud and highlighting sanctions-enforcement disputes.

New Botswana City Deal: UAE’s Albaddad Holding, with Botswana Development Corporation, has launched the $1.9bn New Botswana City in Gaborone, a 1.24m sq m mixed-use project with exhibitions, offices, hotels and residences, starting with a $292m exhibition and convention centre. Solar Manufacturing Push: Sunlux Solar broke ground on a P14m Tlokweng warehouse and manufacturing facility, targeting about 160 jobs (80% for women and youth) and shifting from installation to local production. Pharma Deal in Botswana: France’s CFAO Healthcare won unconditional Competition and Consumer Authority approval to buy a 75% controlling stake in Medswana, expanding its pharmaceutical wholesaling footprint. Skills and Jobs: Botswana’s Higher Education Ministry says graduate unemployment is driven by a skills mismatch between tertiary output and industry needs. Digital Economy Warning: A local analysis argues Botswana’s digital growth is fragile, with many firms relying on manual processes and facing regulatory risk under data protection rules. Cement Turnaround: PPC reported a second year of turnaround, with EBITDA up 31% and a dividend jump, supported by improved performance across South Africa and Botswana. Mining Equipment for Khoemacau: Sandvik secured an underground mining equipment order for Botswana’s Khoemacau Copper Mine, with deliveries starting Q3 2026. Trade and Skills Linkages: Isabela is exploring partnerships with Botswana on trade, workforce development and agriculture, including potential beef export cooperation.

Diamond-linked jobs under pressure: Al Jazeera reports retrenchments at Debswana contractor Enabler Hires, leaving workers in Orapa facing debt and scarce alternatives after 14 years in mining. SADC financial integrity push: Botswana’s acting Finance Minister Wynter Mmolotsi urged stronger regional cooperation on anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing, noting only Angola, Botswana and Eswatini have signed the latest agreement. Flag-fraud dispute: Botswana distanced itself from a U.S.-targeted Persian Gulf tanker, saying it neither registers nor operates vessels, highlighting growing “flag fraud” risks for sanctions enforcement. New city investment for Gaborone: Albaddad Holding and Botswana Development Corporation launched “New Botswana City,” a $1.9bn mixed-use project with an exhibition and convention centre as the first phase. Cement turnaround with regional spillovers: PPC posted a second year of turnaround gains, with EBITDA up 31% and a higher dividend, citing improved performance across South Africa and Botswana. Mining transformation agenda: Botswana’s Future of Mining Summit 2026 (29–30 June) will focus on investment, beneficiation and leadership amid a critical minerals demand shift. Business sentiment softens: A Bank of Botswana survey says firms see tighter conditions ahead, with government spending constraints and higher borrowing costs weighing on operations.

Flag-fraud row: Botswana says it has no link to the “Botswana-flagged” oil tanker M/T Lexie targeted by the US in the Gulf, warning the incident highlights how ships falsely claim national flags to dodge scrutiny and sanctions. Mega-projects: Albaddad Holding and Botswana Development Corporation have launched “New Botswana City” in Gaborone, a $1.9bn, 1.24m sq m mixed-use development with an exhibition and convention centre as the anchor, aiming to boost trade, tourism and investment. Cement turnaround: PPC reports a second straight year of turnaround gains, with EBITDA up 31% to about R2.1bn and a 72% dividend increase, supported by improved performance across South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Mining & capital: Botswana is exploring options to increase its stake in De Beers, seeking more influence as diamond revenues soften amid lab-grown competition and fiscal pressure. Business sentiment: A Bank of Botswana survey says firms see government spending strain, cost pressures and tighter financial conditions ahead, with inflation expectations still within the 3%–6% target band. Future of mining: Botswana’s mining leaders will meet in Gaborone late June to discuss transformation, beneficiation and the exploration investment gap.

De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana is in discussions with the UAE and Oman to help finance a bid for a strategic stake in De Beers, as Anglo American prepares to sell its 85% holding—an effort aimed at giving Gaborone more influence over diamond pricing and marketing amid weaker natural diamond demand and fiscal pressure. Business Outlook: The Bank of Botswana reports firms are increasingly worried about constrained government spending, tighter financial conditions, and rising operating costs, with geopolitical risks expected to keep squeezing supply chains and commodity prices. Mining Transformation: Botswana’s mining leaders are set to meet in late June for the Future of Mining Summit 2026, focusing on investment, beneficiation and how to turn critical minerals demand into broader economic diversification. FMD Controls Eased: Botswana has relaxed Foot-and-Mouth Disease movement restrictions after suppressing the latest outbreak, allowing permitted animal movement and fresh product trade—key for protecting beef export revenues. Tech Services Expansion: Smart Hands Africa adds Supermicro to its services portfolio, expanding installation, support and maintenance across multiple African territories including Botswana. Maritime Security Claim: Botswana denied registering a tanker disabled by the US near Iran’s Kharg Island, saying any vessel falsely flying its flag is engaged in unlawful activity.

Business Sentiment: Botswana firms are getting more cautious as the Bank of Botswana flags weaker government spending, tighter financial conditions and rising cost pressures, with inflation expectations still “well anchored” in the 3%–6% band. Mining & Investment: A Future of Mining Summit in Gaborone (29–30 June) will focus on financing exploration, beneficiation and how the Exploration Investment Company Botswana can help close the early-stage investment gap. Diamonds Strategy: Botswana is in talks with the UAE and Oman to secure a strategic stake in De Beers as Anglo American prepares to sell its 85% holding, aiming to give Botswana more influence over pricing and marketing. Trade & Compliance: Botswana denied involvement in a US action against the “Botswana-flagged” tanker M/T Lexie, saying it does not register or operate vessels under its flag. Livestock Health: Botswana eased FMD controls after suppressing outbreaks, allowing permitted movement of cloven-hoofed animals and derived products within affected zones. Tech & Services: Smart Hands Africa was appointed an authorised Supermicro services partner, expanding installation, support and maintenance across multiple African markets including Botswana. Creative Economy: Botswana warned that piracy and unregulated AI could erode the creative sector unless stronger protections are put in place.

De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana is in discussions with the UAE and Oman to secure a “strategic” stake in De Beers as Anglo American shortlists bidders for its 85% holding, with the goal of greater influence over pricing and marketing of rough diamonds. Diamond Market Pressure: Angola says it will cut supply of small rough diamonds for the next three months to protect prices amid demand shifts and lab-grown competition. Mining Equipment for KCM: JCHX has ordered a 45-unit underground mining fleet from Sandvik for MMG’s Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana, with deliveries starting August 2026. FMD Controls Eased: Botswana’s livestock sector gets a boost as the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture relaxes Foot-and-Mouth Disease controls after suppression of the outbreak, allowing permitted movement and trade. Food Manufacturing Cost Squeeze: Tiger Brands warns some food categories may see price hikes as fuel, logistics and input costs rise, with edible oils in mayonnaise flagged as a key pressure point. Creative Sector Protection: Botswana warns that piracy and unregulated AI could erode the creative economy, urging stronger intellectual property protections. Tech Services Expansion: Smart Hands Africa becomes an authorised Supermicro services partner, adding installation, break-fix and maintenance support across Botswana and other African markets.