AGP Executive Report

Data Centres Push: Africa’s data-centre market is being pitched as a “once in a generation” opportunity, with growth projected from $3.5bn (2024) to $6.8bn by 2030—if the continent can scale power and infrastructure and build local skills. Corporate Moves: Choppies says its CEO bought 780,000 shares (BWP1.17m) while a senior manager sold the same number at the same price, both on-market. Anti-Corruption Pressure: Parliament Speaker Alban Bagbin warned Africa loses about $88.6bn a year to corruption and illicit flows, urging a stronger continent-wide crackdown. Border Compliance: South Africa’s SARS will require foreign-registered vehicles to be declared online before crossing borders from 1 June. Infrastructure Strain: Zimbabwe admitted Treasury limits are slowing the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road rehab, despite tourism disruption. Botswana Link: Botswana’s diamond trade gets a boost as the country becomes an affiliated member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, aiming to strengthen trust and traceability as synthetic gems rise.

U.S.-Iran Maritime Tensions: The Wall Street Journal reports U.S. forces seized an Iran-linked “shadow fleet” tanker in the Indian Ocean, identifying it as the Skywave (302,481 dwt) and pointing to past sanctions tied to the vessel’s shifting flags and alleged Iranian oil cargo. Regional Business Pressure: Famous Brands says profits in its SADC operations fell as consumer spending weakens in markets including Botswana and Zambia, with SADC revenue down 6% and operating profit dropping sharply. Electricity Worry in South Africa (felt regionally): Joburg mayor Dada Morero pleaded with Eskom’s electricity minister to avert a blackout over a R5.2bn debt deadline. Botswana-linked Finance & Skills: CISI launched a women-in-finance initiative, with Botswana among the top applicants. Botswana in the spotlight: Botswana was admitted as an affiliated member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, aiming to strengthen natural diamond trust and traceability as lab-grown competition rises. Energy & climate context: WHO warns pandemic risk is worsening, while conservation stories highlight how pollinators and forests depend on each other.

Anti-Corruption Push: APNAC chair Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin urged Africans to intensify the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows, citing AU/UNECA figures that Africa loses about $88.6bn a year—nearly 3.7% of GDP—money that could fund health, education and infrastructure. Energy & Industry: Vision Group says it has taken steps to protect Tongaat Hulett Botswana assets while THL faces a June 17 liquidation hearing, with job preservation at the centre of its court push. Diamonds & Trade: Botswana was admitted as an affiliated member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, a bid to strengthen trust and traceability as lab-grown competition rises. Transport & Growth: Dubai-based ride-hailing firm Yango plans at least $150m expansion, targeting 10 more African markets this year. Finance & Markets: Botswana’s stock market hit a P1trn milestone, while CISI launched a women-in-finance initiative with Botswana among the top applicants. Health Watch: WHO warns the world isn’t keeping up with pandemic risk as Ebola and other outbreaks strain preparedness.

Pandemic Warning: The WHO says the world is slipping toward an even worse outbreak, with pandemic risk “moving in the wrong direction” as climate change, conflict and mobility rise, and it warns AI tools may be undermined by weak safeguards. Health Sovereignty: The warning lands as Ebola flares in the DRC and Uganda, and experts stress Africa’s growing funding gap as donor support shrinks. Botswana Business Watch: Botswana’s BAMB is weighing a major overhaul after losses of P112.4m, while Air Botswana faces mounting debt and cash strain and is even considering leasing jets to survive. Energy & Power: BPC is pushing for urgent tariff changes, saying creditor pressure has reached P3.5bn as import power costs surge. Markets & Finance: The Botswana Stock Exchange hit a new P1tn milestone, and CISI launched a women-in-finance initiative with strong interest from Botswana. Trade & Tech: Africa Bitcoin Corporation is moving its JSE listing to the Main Board, and Botswana is among countries highlighted for advancing digital ID laws.

Health Security: Experts warn infectious diseases are becoming more frequent and more damaging as Ebola and hantavirus flare up, while donor support fades—pushing calls for “health sovereignty” and more local financing. Energy & Utilities: Botswana Power Corporation has pleaded for urgent tariff adjustments, saying net losses, tight liquidity and rising import costs have left it with a creditor balance of P3.5bn. Markets & Business: The Botswana Stock Exchange hit a new P1 trillion market-cap milestone, while ZHL reported a 28% jump in insurance contract revenue and Famous Brands’ earnings rose on stronger South African performance. Governance & Accountability: Oxpeckers says authorities finally allowed viewing the EIA for Botala Energy’s gas project after months of secrecy. Labour & Diplomacy: Government rejected union calls to bar King Mswati III from entering Botswana. Aviation: Air Botswana plans to lease out jets as financial pressures mount, amid revelations of governance and reporting gaps.

Constitution Watch: Botswana’s region is watching major governance shifts as Zimbabwe’s Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill moves through a crucial phase after a 90-day public consultation period ends, setting up a parliamentary committee report before tabling. Diamond Reality Check: Botswana is also racing to diversify as diamond demand weakens and lab-grown competition bites—diamond production and revenues have fallen sharply, pushing stockpiles higher and widening the fiscal squeeze. Air Botswana Fallout: On the home front, Air Botswana has suspended its Gaborone–Windhoek route, citing mounting operational and financial strain, while MPs hear governance failures have left key leadership posts vacant and reporting stuck. Governance Scrutiny: The Botswana Congress Party is demanding answers over a forensic audit contract reportedly shrinking in scope from 92 entities to 30, raising questions about value for money. Environment & Livelihoods: A major rangeland restoration push is underway to tackle ecological stress across communal grazing lands, aiming to protect rural livelihoods before degradation deepens.

Air Botswana Crisis: Air Botswana has suspended its Gaborone–Windhoek route, citing mounting operational problems and losses of about N$51.9 million in 2025/26, with the airline saying it can’t run routes without enough pilots. Governance Pressure: The same governance paralysis is leaving the carrier behind on statutory reporting, with key posts vacant or acting for months and the board reportedly unable to form quorum for years. Forensic Audit Row: The Botswana Congress Party is demanding answers over a P57m forensic audit whose scope reportedly shrank from 92 entities to 30, asking whether the contract price was renegotiated. National Mourning: Botswana continues to honour late former President Festus Mogae, with regional tributes highlighting his role in HIV/AIDS leadership and economic stewardship. Regional Trade Talks: Botswana’s Duma Boko is pushing an Africa-first approach in France trade talks, arguing for fairer partnerships that prioritise value addition.

Visa Boost for Regional Travel: Nigeria has started a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Rwandan citizens, with Nigeria Immigration Service rolling out the rules at airports, land borders and seaports—no prior visa, fees or pre-approval needed, for tourism, business and official visits. Trade Talks with an Africa-First Push: Botswana President Duma Boko is backing “equal partnerships” as Botswana’s Boko and France trade discussions feed into a wider Africa-forward shift in how global powers court the continent. Courtroom Fight in Sugar: Tongaat Hulett’s business rescue practitioners have blocked Vision’s takeover attempt in Botswana, after a High Court move halted Vision from enforcing a notarial bond while a rescission case heads back to court on 22 June. Air Botswana Governance Woes: Air Botswana says governance paralysis has left audited accounts stuck since 2022, with key posts vacant and the board failing to form quorum for years. National Mourning for Mogae: Festus Mogae’s state funeral and burial are underway in Gaborone, with regional leaders paying tribute. Border Pressure on People: Xenophobic unrest in South Africa is disrupting Botswana informal traders, while travellers also report delays at Namibia’s Ngoma border post.

Air Botswana Crisis: Air Botswana has suspended its Gaborone–Windhoek route, blaming mounting losses and a shortage of pilots, with governance problems also leaving audited accounts stuck since 2022 and key posts vacant. Forensic Audit Fire: The Botswana Congress Party is demanding answers on a P57m forensic audit after its scope reportedly shrank from 92 entities to 30, raising questions about value for money. Tongaat Hulett Takeover Blocked: Business rescue practitioners say Botswana’s High Court stopped Vision’s takeover attempt by interdicting enforcement steps over Tongaat Hulett Botswana assets, with further arguments set for June 22. Governance & Spending Pressure: A government travel freeze is set to redirect funds to anti-drug efforts, while older Auditor General findings also spotlight misuse of COVID-19 relief money. Regional Trade Shock: Xenophobic unrest in South Africa is disrupting Botswana’s informal cross-border trade, with traders reporting suspended trips and rising losses. Environment Push: A major restoration programme targets degraded communal rangelands to protect livelihoods as ecological stress grows. State Mourning: Botswana continues tributes and burial arrangements for former President Festus Mogae.

Aviation Shock: Air Botswana has suspended its Gaborone–Windhoek route, citing N$51.9 million in 2025/26 losses and a shortage of pilots to operate routes reliably—leaving fewer direct options for travellers between Botswana and Namibia. Regional Mourning: Vice President Kembo Mohadi is set to attend the burial of former Botswana President Festus Mogae in Gaborone, as Botswana marks a three-day national mourning period and leaders across the region pay tribute to his statesmanship. Sports Spotlight: Letsile Tebogo is among the headline names for the Diamond League season opener in China, with Duplantis also set to kick things off. Public Finance Scrutiny: A fresh Auditor General report alleges hundreds of millions of pula were misused in Botswana’s COVID-19 response, including spending linked to parties and retreats. Community & Inclusion: Botswana’s Wings for Life World Run returns with strong growth, raising funds for spinal cord injury research.

Oil & Gas Push: ReconAfrica says it’s moving closer to production testing at Namibia’s Kavango West 1X well, with testing expected to start before end-May, zone-by-zone work over up to 60 days, and results due mid-to-late July. Energy Revenue: South Africa is forecast to earn about R18.8 billion from electricity exports to eight Southern African countries, including Botswana, for the year ending 31 March 2026. Sports Access: Azam TV has secured 2026 World Cup rights and will sell entry packages from US$10, aiming to bring live matches to homes across Zimbabwe and the region, including Botswana. National Mourning: Tributes continue for late Botswana ex-president Festus Mogae, with regional leaders highlighting his integrity and public service. Governance & Costs: Botswana’s central bank raised rates to 5.5% after the Iran-linked energy shock, while government travel cuts are set to redirect funds to anti-drug efforts. Border Friction: Travellers report immigration delays at Namibia’s Ngoma border post, linked to a staffing disruption.

COVID-19 Accountability: Botswana’s Auditor General says hundreds of millions of pula meant for the COVID-19 response were diverted to non-COVID activities, including Christmas parties, retreats, boat cruises and other questionable “psychosocial support” spending. Cost-Cutting Travel Ban: Government has imposed a three-month freeze on most public-service travel to free up funds for anti-drug abuse, with the President and Vice President exempt. Monetary Tightening: Botswana became the first African central bank to raise rates after the Iran-linked energy shock, lifting the key rate to 5.5% as inflation is expected to jump. Sports & Hosting: Botswana’s Wings for Life World Run is growing fast, while the CAA has confirmed Gaborone for major senior athletics in 2028. Digital Push: BTC launched “BTC Business” to bundle digital solutions, and Liquid Intelligent rolled out cloud and cybersecurity services. Regional Conservation: A cross-border Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park project is set to strengthen biodiversity and community resilience across Botswana and South Africa.

Sports Leadership & Hosting: Kaizer Chiefs has appointed Bheki Shongwe as its new Group CEO, effective May 2026, bringing him back to the club after earlier stints as MD. Athletics Infrastructure Push: The CAA has awarded Gaborone the 2028 African Senior Athletics Championships, with Port Louis set for 2030, while Ghana’s sports minister urged CAA members to team up to upgrade facilities for future World Athletics events. Public Health & Governance Loss: Botswana mourns former President Festus Mogae, with regional leaders praising his integrity and his role in peace and public health work. Monetary Policy Shock: Botswana became the first African central bank to hike rates after the Iran-linked energy shock, lifting the key rate to 5.5% as inflation pressures mount. Digital & Business Moves: BTC launched “BTC Business” for integrated digital solutions, and Liquid Intelligent rolled out cloud and cybersecurity services under Secure360. Regional Investment & Deals: Broll Property is expanding into Dubai to tap Gulf-Africa capital flows, while Letshego Ghana is set to be taken over by Axian Digital.

National Mourning: Botswana mourns former President Festus Mogae, who died at 86 after a period of ill health; President Duma Boko declared three days of mourning and flags at half-mast, praising Mogae’s disciplined governance and HIV/AIDS leadership. Digital Push: Botswana Telecommunications Corporation launched “BTC Business” to bundle digital solutions for government and firms across sectors, while Liquid Intelligent Technologies marked a decade in Botswana by rolling out cloud and cybersecurity services built around its Secure360 framework. Justice Under Strain: Courts are reportedly short on basic supplies like paper, toner and ink, prompting the Law Society to seek donations—an awkward backdrop as the government presses ahead with a costly Constitutional Court referendum. Economy & Transport: Credit remains sluggish as borrowing falls and defaults rise; Parliament also heard Air Botswana has been a long-running cash drain, with government support and unused bailouts. Regional Sports: Botswana confirmed it will host the 2028 African Senior Athletics Championships, citing lessons from the World Relays.

Botswana mourns Festus Mogae: President Hakainde Hichilema led condolences after the former president’s death on 8 May, praising his democracy, governance and SADC work. Justice system strain: Courts are reportedly short of basic supplies like paper and toner, with the Law Society appealing for donations as a costly constitutional referendum looms. Anti-corruption pressure: A forensic audit points to weak oversight and enforcement across DCEC, EID and DIS, with watchdogs still waiting on key findings. Digital push: Liquid Intelligent launched cloud and cyber security services under Secure360, while Huawei pledged support for Botswana’s digital transformation. Economy & aviation headaches: Credit remains sluggish and Air Botswana’s finances are under scrutiny after revelations of large state support and unused loans. Regional ties: Botswana and Rwanda renewed focus on trade and investment as bilateral volumes dipped. Sports & events: BOSMA’s international softball masters tournament heads to Jwaneng (14–16 June), and Temwa Chawinga is nominated for RASA Sportswoman of the Year.

Academic Leadership: Cameroon’s Prof. Sunny Aiyuk has been appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Botswana Open University after an open, internationally benchmarked recruitment process, with psychometric testing backing the choice. Anti-Corruption Pressure: A forensic audit this week says Botswana’s anti-graft system is failing at the top—flagging DCEC, EID and DIS for weak oversight and enforcement, with the full report still awaited by watchdogs. Africa–France Dealmaking: At the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, President William Ruto and France’s Emmanuel Macron pushed a “sovereign equality” partnership, with Macron announcing €23bn for energy, AI and agriculture. Economy Watch: Botswana’s inflation outlook is worsening—fuel and transport costs are expected to push prices into double digits, squeezing household spending. Business & Connectivity: BTC has launched “BTC Business,” positioning its renewed business division for digital solutions across government, banking, mining and more. Youth & Creativity: FNBB’s Bodiragatsi Jwame, Lentswe Lame 4.0 expands to connect young creators to real opportunities, not just showcases.