AGP Executive Report

Botswana Investment Push: BITC says it will mobilise P30bn in annual investment by 2029/30, target P10bn in exports and create 30,000 jobs a year, building on already exceeding its 2025/26 investment goal. Labour Market Pressure: A HRDC report warns prolonged unemployment is making graduates’ skills go stale, with job scarcity and qualification mismatches driving the problem. Banking Update: Standard Chartered Botswana reports a 22% rise in H1 2026 profit before tax to P171.3m, while it manages an anticipated ownership transition and prioritises protecting franchise value. Regional Trade Ambitions: Botswana and Mozambique agree to elevate ties into a Bi-National Commission aimed at turning decades of cooperation into measurable trade, investment and infrastructure results. AFCON Hosting Setback: Botswana withdraws from the joint 2028 AFCON bid with Zimbabwe and South Africa after failing to meet CAF documentation requirements tied to government funding constraints. Digital Skills Shift: HRDC flags automation and digitalisation risks to routine jobs, while calling for growth in specialised roles like AI and digital transformation. Business & Jobs Angle: Commentary argues Botswana should make it easier for the informal sector—nearly one in four jobs—to operate and grow, instead of policing it. Sports Sponsorship: African Hero injects P4m to bring back Botswana’s Top 8 knockout, with champions set to earn P1.5m. Consumer/Events Fallout: Vendors and ticket holders stranded in Sandton after an African International Hair and Beauty Fair was cancelled over alleged non-payment, with refunds promised within seven days.

Botswana–Mozambique Trade Push: Botswana and Mozambique have agreed to upgrade ties into a Bi-National Commission aimed at turning decades of diplomacy into measurable trade, investment and infrastructure results, with a business forum in Gaborone highlighting a gap between current exports and potential. Labour Market Skills Shift: Botswana’s Human Resource Development Council warns automation and digitalisation are displacing routine work, while demand is rising for tech-led roles like AI and digital transformation, climate-resilient project management and stronger SMME business modelling. Entrepreneurship vs Regulation: A Botswana Gazette opinion argues the country can’t fully back entrepreneurship while policing the informal sector that already supports about a quarter of jobs. Local Agribusiness Spotlight: Wendy Piggery is profiled as a Botswana pig-farming model that adds value by turning manure into fertiliser and using it to cut feed costs. Mining Update: NexMetals reports a major jump in the Selebi Main Mineral Resource Estimate, driven by new drilling, strengthening the base for further work at its Botswana project. Football Funding Setback: Botswana withdraws from the joint 2028 AFCON hosting bid with Zimbabwe and South Africa after missing the deadline and citing financial constraints. Conservation & Livestock Pressure: Botswana feedlot operators renew calls for a practical FMD route to market as cattle remain trapped under restrictions, while conservation coverage continues to debate how to balance livelihoods and wildlife protection.

AFCON Hosting: Botswana has withdrawn from the joint 2028 AFCON bid with Zimbabwe and South Africa after missing CAF’s 14 September deadline, citing financial constraints and the need for government guarantees—forcing the remaining bidders to reshuffle venues and logistics. Trade & Investment: Botswana and Mozambique are upgrading ties into a Bi-National Commission aimed at turning decades of diplomacy into measurable trade, investment, production and jobs, after business forum figures showed Mozambique exports to Botswana far outpacing imports. Water Investment: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Africa to convert water-sector commitments into bankable projects, citing a push to close the continent’s water investment gap ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference. Labour & Skills: Botswana’s HRDC warns automation and digitalisation are displacing routine work, while demand is rising for digital transformation, AI, climate-resilient project skills and stronger SMME business and financial modelling. Entrepreneurship & Food Systems: A Botswana pig-farming entrepreneur, Wendy Piggery, is pitching a value-add model that turns manure into fertiliser to cut costs and meet pork demand. Mining Update: NexMetals reports a major jump in the Selebi Main Mineral Resource Estimate, driven by new drilling, strengthening the base for next technical work. Sports Business: African Hero sponsors Botswana’s Top 8 knockout return with a P4m prize pool, lifting the champions’ payout to P1.5m.

US Visa Bonds: The US State Department has expanded a B1/B2 visa bond programme, requiring eligible applicants from 50 countries to post deposits of about $10,000–$20,000; the list includes many African nations, while India is not covered. SADC Tech in Practice: A SADC-focused analysis says AI adoption is real in mining and minerals, with systems often vendor-delivered and run, while integration gaps remain a key operational hurdle. Botswana Mining Update: NexMetals reports a major jump in the Selebi Main Mineral Resource Estimate for its Botswana project, citing new drilling in the Flexure Zone. Botswana Maize Trade Fallout: Nigeria’s Oyo State says it pulled back from a Botswana maize export plan after feasibility work showed maize economics weren’t viable for export, pivoting toward cassava value chains. Conservation & Livelihoods: Botswana feedlot operators renew calls for a science-based route to market as FMD restrictions leave thousands of cattle stranded. Banking & Crypto: Absa says it has launched institutional digital-asset custody in Africa, aiming to tap a growing crypto market. Football Business: African Hero sponsors Botswana’s Top 8 knockout return, boosting the champions’ prize to P1.5 million. Sports & Community: First Capital Bank Botswana hosts a regional padel grand finale in Gaborone, with Botswana winning both men’s and women’s titles. Pension Administrative Fix: Botswana’s State President ministry orders BPOPF to locate missing records affecting retired BDF soldiers’ pension enhancements.

Mining & Resources: NexMetals says its updated Selebi Main mineral resource estimate for its Botswana Selebi copper-nickel-cobalt project jumps about 72% on the 2024 Selebi Main portion, driven by new drilling in the Flexure Zone, while Selebi North results are expected separately soon. Agribusiness & Policy: Oyo State (Nigeria) says it pulled back from a Botswana maize export plan after data showed large-scale maize exports weren’t viable for local farmers, shifting focus to cassava and other value chains. Conservation & Controversy: Botswana authorised the killing of 23 elephants for independence celebrations, drawing criticism from conservationists and a former president. Finance & Banking: Absa becomes Africa’s first bank to offer institutional crypto custody in South Africa, targeting a growing digital-asset market. Sports & Business: African Hero sponsors Botswana’s Top 8 knockout return after six seasons, with champions set to earn P1.5m. Health Procurement: Libya joins Africa CDC’s pooled procurement mechanism, listing Botswana among participating countries. Youth & Opportunities: Cultural Survival opens applications for the 2027 Indigenous Youth Fellowship (deadline Oct 25).

Transport & Trade: South Africa’s higher fuel-driven transport costs are weighing on regional agricultural exports, with wheat flour shipments to countries including Botswana, Namibia and Eswatini falling in Q2 2026, according to the SA Reserve Bank. Football Business: Botswana’s Top 8 knockout returns after six seasons, sponsored by African Hero with a P1.5m champions’ prize (up from P1.4m in 2019/20). Sports & Tourism: First Capital Bank Botswana swept both men’s and women’s titles at the FCB Padel Club Regional Grand Finale in Gaborone, while Zambia took overall country honours. Agriculture Policy: Nigeria’s Oyo State says it pulled back from a Botswana maize export plan after feasibility work showed maize economics weren’t viable for export, shifting focus to cassava value chains. Diamonds & Jobs: HB Antwerp says failure to finalise a 2023 Botswana strategic partnership has forced it to downsize local operations. Livestock & FMD: Botswana feedlot operators are urging a science-based WOAH route to market for cattle still trapped by FMD restrictions. Banking & Crypto: Absa becomes Africa’s first bank to offer institutional crypto custody in South Africa, targeting a $1.5bn market. Health Procurement: Libya joins Africa’s pooled medicines procurement mechanism via Africa CDC, with Botswana listed among participating countries.

Botswana Independence at 60: Botswana marked 60 years since independence with national celebrations in Gaborone under the theme “Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity,” spotlighting culture, wildlife, diamonds and development gains. Banking pressure in Botswana: Capricorn Group reported a 6.4% profit drop, with weak performance in Botswana—Bank Gaborone swung from profit to loss as funding costs and impairments rose. Retail squeeze: Sefalana posted record revenue but profit after tax fell 45% as margins tightened and costs increased. AFCON hosting fallout: Botswana withdrew from the joint 2028 AFCON bid with Zimbabwe and South Africa after government declined the required financial guarantee, missing CAF’s Sept 14 document deadline. Mining and exploration: One Bullion completed the second 2026 diamond drill hole at its Vumba Gold Project in Botswana, with a third hole now underway. Regional business links: Mozambique President Daniel Chapo said his state visit to Botswana was positive, including plans for new air links to boost integrated tourism and potential gas-driven investment.

Banking Pressure in Botswana: Capricorn Group says its profit fell 6.4% to N$1.87bn, with Botswana dragging results via higher credit impairments and weaker lending margins; Bank Gaborone swung from profit to a loss as net interest margins narrowed and funding costs rose. Retail Profit Drop: Sefalana posted record 2026 revenue of P12.13bn, but profit after tax slid 45% to P234m as margins shrank and costs rose. AFCON Hosting Exit: Botswana has withdrawn from the joint 2028 AFCON bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe after government declined the required financial guarantee, leaving the other two to proceed. Independence at 60: Botswana marked 60 years since 1966 with national celebrations in Gaborone under “Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity,” spotlighting development gains. Clean Energy Ambition: KP Group unveiled “KP 3.0,” targeting 10GW IPP capacity, 10GW third-party EPC execution and 10GWh battery manufacturing by FY32. Mining Update: One Bullion completed the second 2026 drill hole at its Vumba Gold Project and is now underway on the next hole.

Independence at 60: Botswana marked 60 years of self-rule with a Gaborone diamond jubilee under the theme “Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity,” featuring a Main Mall parade and a message from President Duma Boko calling for unity and renewed commitment to national values. Banking pressure: Access Bank Botswana reported a 20% drop in 2025 profit to P79.9m as funding costs, impairments and operating expenses outweighed loan growth. Retail squeeze: Sefalana logged record 2026 revenue of P12.13bn, but profit after tax fell 45% to P234m as margins weakened and costs rose. Local enterprise momentum: BITC says the #PushaBW Store at SSKIA hit P714,153.60 in sales in the third quarter, while Wanzy reported 3,000+ active customers and 72% repeat orders. Sports funding snag: Botswana withdrew from the joint 2028 AFCON hosting bid after government declined to provide the required financial guarantee. Mining & investment signals: Jacaranda Natural Resources launched an $8m IPO to advance copper-gold projects including a Botswana-linked opportunity. Tourism push: KAZA launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative aimed at conservation, jobs and support for women-, youth- and community-led enterprises.

Education & Research: South Africa’s University of Cape Town climbs back into the global top 150, landing at joint 147th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings—its best spot in seven years—while 69 universities across 16 sub-Saharan countries make the list. Innovation & Policy: Kenya rises five places to 97th in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, entering the world’s top 100 for the first time in recent years, with WIPO placing Kenya sixth in Sub-Saharan Africa behind Mauritius, South Africa, Botswana, Senegal and Rwanda. Football Finance: Botswana withdraws from the joint 2028 AFCON hosting bid with Zimbabwe and South Africa after failing to provide CAF-required financial guarantees by the September 14 deadline, leaving Zimbabwe and South Africa to proceed alone. Retail Investment Push: Aliko Dangote targets 10 million investors for his refinery IPO, aiming to broaden retail participation across Africa as demand strains IPO platforms. Tourism & Conservation: KAZA launches a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative to boost conservation, local enterprise and livelihoods across member states, with support for women-, youth- and community-led tourism businesses. Botswana Business Growth: BITC reports strong performance for the #PushaBW Store at SSKIA, with sales hitting P714,153.60 in the third quarter and 74 new local products added during the financial year. Cross-Border Trade Friction: Cross-border bus operators ask for priority weighbridge lanes to cut long queues that can delay passenger travel by up to two hours.

Entrepreneurship & Investment: GEC+Africa 2026 in Cape Town brought about 2,500 delegates from 56 countries to “connect Africa,” with sessions linking entrepreneurs to capital, markets, policymakers and corporate support. Local Retail & Trade: Botswana’s #PushaBW Store at SSKIA hit P714,153.60 in sales in the third quarter, adding 74 new products in the financial year as demand rose for locally made goods and Zebras replica kits. Business Ecosystem Support: Transition Media’s summit aims to move would-be founders from ideas to viable enterprises by connecting them directly to Botswana’s institutions, networks and practical growth pathways. Digital Commerce: Wanzy says it has onboarded 41+ establishments and passed 3,000 active customers, with 72% repeat orders. Political Economy & Governance: Ex-BNF president Otsweletse Moupo rejects a “patronage” framing of cadre deployment, arguing BNF members’ public service is the core mission, with material benefits incidental. Markets & Industry Signals: Solar Industries shares jumped over 6% after incorporating a new Botswana subsidiary to expand into explosives. Regional Finance: FINSEC in Zimbabwe received SECZ approval to coordinate Zimbabwean participation in Dangote Refinery’s regional IPO via a Depository Receipt structure involving the Botswana Stock Exchange. Botswana in the Spotlight: Botswana broke into the top 10 of the Fraser Institute Investment Attractiveness Index, ranking seventh for mining jurisdiction performance. Food & Jobs: Botswana Development Corporation received another 205 Girolando dairy cattle consignment from Brazil to scale Milk Valley Farm and cut reliance on imported milk. Sports & Economy: Botswana withdrew from the joint 2028 AFCON hosting bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe, citing financial constraints and missed CAF document deadlines.

Roads & Trade Corridors: President Mnangagwa says Government will target 50km of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls highway during the current parliamentary session, after uneven progress left about 59.9km open to traffic by June. Mining & Investment Climate: Botswana has climbed into the Fraser Institute’s top 10 Investment Attractiveness Index, ranking seventh globally and improving perceptions of policy and mineral potential. Agribusiness & Food Security: Botswana Development Corporation received another 205 Girolando dairy cattle from Brazil, lifting the imported herd toward 600 as Milk Valley Farm scales up to cut milk import dependence. Regional Cooperation: Mozambique’s President Chapo urged renewed economic dynamism with Botswana, pointing to low trade levels and calling for joint work in logistics, livestock and agro-processing. Climate Resilience: Zambezi Basin states agreed on priorities for a US$130m regional climate-resilience programme to protect livelihoods, ecosystems and food security. Sports & Public Finance: Botswana withdrew from the joint 2028 AFCON hosting bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe, citing financial constraints and missed CAF document deadlines. Tourism & Jobs: Botswana marked 60 years of independence with tourism front and centre, with officials stressing the sector’s role in employment and enterprise.

Belgian Business Push: A delegation of 15 Wallonia technology and industrial firms is in Gaborone to explore partnerships as Botswana accelerates Vision 2036 and diversifies beyond diamonds. Entrepreneurship Boost: Allan Gray Orbis Foundation held Entrepreneurship Awards in Botswana, bringing young founders together with educators, funders and mentors to turn ideas into viable enterprises. Wildlife & Culture: Deputy Minister Moses //Khumub urged San language and heritage preservation at the annual San Cultural Festival in Tsumkwe, linking culture to tourism and enterprise. AFCON Hosting Setback: Botswana has withdrawn from the joint 2028 AFCON bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe after government declined the required financial guarantee, leaving the other two to proceed with CAF. Credit Watch: Moody’s downgraded Botswana’s ratings again to Baa2, citing pressure on public finances from the diamond slump and weaker revenue. Finance & Pensions: Regulators are urging pension capital to move from cash deposits into longer-term investments. Energy & Markets: Botala Energy remains in focus for Serowe gas testing as southern Africa’s power demand outlook draws investor attention.

Wildlife & Farming: In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, herders report fewer lion attacks after years of harsh retaliation that once saw mass lion deaths from poisoning, shifting the human-wildlife conflict story from crisis to cautious hope. Sovereign Credit Watch: Moody’s cut Botswana’s ratings again to Baa2, warning public finances could worsen as diamond slump hits revenue and SACU receipts, with a further risk if Botswana increases De Beers investment via debt. AFCON Hosting Shock: Botswana has withdrawn from the 2028 AFCON joint bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe after government declined the required financial guarantee and missed CAF document deadlines. Mining & Exploration: Talonx has started copper-focused fieldwork at its Kihabe project in Botswana, launching soil sampling and mapping to build a drill-ready pipeline beyond its zinc-lead-silver base. Trade & Infrastructure: SADC says the Cuchamano/Nyamapanda border post is now clearing about 80 trucks a day with longer operating hours, supporting faster regional cargo movement. Regional Integration: Botswana was commended for pushing Tripartite Free Trade Area ratification and reducing non-tariff barriers across COMESA-EAC-SADC. Tourism & Conservation: KAZA TFCA launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative to back MSMEs—especially women, youth and community businesses—across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Sovereign Credit Watch: Moody’s cut Botswana’s rating again to Baa2 from Baa1, warning diamond slump pressures public finances and flagging possible further cuts if De Beers investment is debt-financed. Water & Infrastructure: Gaborone and Francistown water-supply interruptions are driving calls for tighter coordination between government and the private sector to strengthen water and sanitation services. Banking & Pensions: Standard Chartered Bank Botswana lifted H1 profit before tax by 22%, while regulators worry pension funds are still holding too much cash in deposits instead of moving into longer-term investments. Diamonds & Trade: Botswana is pushing to export more jewellery to the US using a 0% import-tariff route, and the Beijing Declaration is set to deepen China-linked natural diamond market ties. Regional Business & Tourism: KAZA launched a regenerative tourism push to support local MSMEs across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Mining Exploration: Talonx has started fieldwork at its Kihabe copper targets, adding a new copper hunt beyond its zinc-lead-silver base. Sports Finance: Botswana withdrew from the 2028 AFCON joint bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe after government declined the required financial guarantee. Public Health: ALMA says a 30% malaria funding cut could mean 146m more cases by 2030, as Botswana’s leaders call for stronger domestic financing. Football & Culture: African Hero revives Botswana’s Top 8 tradition, while Botswana’s Veezo View earns a Zikomo Africa Awards nomination.

Regional Trade Integration: COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area talks get a boost in Gaborone as Botswana is commended for ratifying and pushing harmonised trade policies and cutting non-tariff barriers. Gender & Public Services: A Gazette analysis suggests women consume about 40% more of selected public-service benefits than men, raising questions about access and uptake rather than higher spending. Politics & Business Risk: BDP president Mpho Balopi tells supporters to stay out of his CEDA-linked criminal case as fraud and money-laundering charges proceed. Diamonds & Markets: Botswana eyes deeper De Beers influence and future diamond plans as Moody’s shifts to a stable outlook but warns against debt-financed investment that could worsen risk. Diamond Output: Debswana’s Q2 production jumps 107% to 5.5m carats, even as rough prices face pressure. Health Funding: UNAIDS warns of a deepening HIV funding squeeze while US funding targets DRC Ebola response; Botswana’s President Duma Boko backs UNAIDS regionally. Malaria Financing: ALMA says a 30% malaria funding cut could add 146m cases by 2030, urging stronger domestic financing. Tourism & Conservation: KAZA launches a regenerative nature-based tourism push to support local MSMEs, especially women and youth, across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Labour Reform: A new liquidation framework puts workers first, designed to prevent repeats of BCL and Tati Nickel compensation delays. AFCON Exit: Botswana withdraws from the 2028 AFCON joint bid after failing to meet CAF’s financial guarantee requirement.