AGP Executive Report

Trade & Industry: Namibia’s trade deficit widened to N$5.5 billion in June as imports hit a record N$18.3 billion, outpacing exports of N$12.9 billion, though food trade still delivered a N$743 million surplus. Botswana–Beef Markets: Botswana’s FMD-related restrictions forced it to surrender part of its premium Norwegian beef quota, unlocking about N$100 million for Namibia under the SACU-EFTA quota-sharing arrangement. Air Transport: Parliament heard that only three of Air Botswana’s six aircraft are operational after P355.9 million in fleet renewal over five years, leaving disruptions and losses unresolved. Courts & Infrastructure: The Court of Appeal lifted orders that froze funds and stalled the Modipane–Mabalane Road, citing procedural and disclosure failures in an urgent ex parte bid. Labour & Immigration: Government raids exposed alleged misuse of farm worker permits to place expatriates in unrelated jobs, prompting tighter enforcement and prosecutions. Regional Trade Talks: India and South Africa moved to revive a long-delayed preferential trade agreement, with Botswana in SACU and critical minerals, pharma and manufacturing flagged. Tourism & Agribusiness: The Okavango International Beef & Fish Festival is set for Sept 25–26 in Shakawe, aiming to turn local food and culture into business and investment opportunities.

Air Botswana Watch: Parliament hears only 3 of 6 aircraft are operational after P355.9m fleet renewal, forcing schedule cuts and leaving losses and disruptions unresolved. Court Order Lifted: Botswana’s Modipane–Mabalane Road project funds were unfrozen after the Court of Appeal found procedural and disclosure failures in an urgent ex parte move. Trade & Beef: Botswana extends Namibia’s Norwegian beef lifeline under SACU-EFTA, unlocking about N$100m in projected export earnings for Meatco. Regional Integration: SADC pushes faster industrialisation after its Industrial Week in Durban, urging deeper regional value chains and stronger public-private partnerships. Okavango Tourism & Agribusiness: The Okavango International Beef & Fish Festival is set for Sept 25–26 in Shakawe, spotlighting local producers and culinary tourism. Infrastructure by Communities: Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo–Tsholotsho road rehabilitation gains momentum through community funding and a Zinara diesel donation, showing how local partnerships can cut transport costs. Climate & Water Security: Namibia warns El Niño could worsen Lower Orange River water shortages, urging basin-wide planning with Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa. Business & Jobs: CJ Global Express Group announces a US$890m regional investment across Zimbabwe and Botswana, with recruitment for 300+ roles. Connectivity Boost: Emirates and South African Airways expand codeshare to add nine cities, including Gaborone and Windhoek.

Regional Infrastructure & Transport: Zimbabwe’s Zinara has donated 5,000 litres of fuel to support the community-led Tsholotsho Road Rehabilitation Initiative, aimed at fixing the Bulawayo–Tsholotsho road and cutting repair costs for operators. Community-Led Development: Chief Mathuphula hailed the same initiative as a “land built by its owners” model, noting residents have already mobilised resources to power equipment for a 90km stretch. Tourism & Food Economy: The inaugural Okavango International Beef & Fish Festival is set for September 25–26 in Shakawe, positioning local agribusiness and fisheries alongside culture and tourism. Botswana–Russia Diplomacy: Botswana and Russia are advancing talks on opening a Botswana embassy in Moscow amid warnings that some citizens are being deceived into combat recruitment in the Russia-Ukraine war. Aviation Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways expanded their codeshare, adding routes that include Gaborone, boosting business and tourism travel links across southern Africa. Business & Finance: CJ Global Express Group says it will invest US$890m across Zimbabwe and Botswana, including building a five-star hotel near Gaborone and creating 300+ jobs. Sports Governance: Botswana’s football bodies will hold annual meetings on the same day after a BFL AGM collapse, with youth-player and league-expansion proposals likely to resurface.

Aviation & Trade Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways expanded their codeshare into a reciprocal deal, adding nine routes that include Johannesburg–Gaborone plus links to Windhoek, Lusaka, Harare and Victoria Falls—boosting seamless travel for business and tourism across southern Africa. Diplomacy & Citizen Protection: Botswana intensified talks with Russia on opening a Botswana embassy in Moscow as the government warns more citizens are allegedly being deceived into combat in the Russia-Ukraine war. Regional Infrastructure: Botswana and Namibia completed the feasibility study for the Trans Kalahari Railway, moving the project toward financing and procurement planning. Business & Jobs: CJ Global Express Group announced a US$890m investment across Zimbabwe and Botswana, including a five-star hotel near Gaborone and recruitment for 300+ jobs. Energy & Economy: South Africa’s electricity generation fell 8.1% in June for the 13th straight year, underscoring ongoing power-supply pressure across the region. SME Support: Khoemacau Copper Mining partnered with Absa Bank Botswana to empower citizen-owned SMEs tied to the mining value chain. Sports & Culture: Botswana’s Francistown sought Bulawayo firefighting expertise, while Mophato Dance Theatre marked 15 years with “Chaba” performances in Gaborone.

AfDB Outlook: The African Development Bank says Botswana was in contraction in 2025, with growth at -0.3% after -2.8% in 2024, blaming diamond dependence and a collapse in investment amid global diamond weakness. Regional Rail Push: Botswana and Namibia have completed the feasibility study for the Trans Kalahari Railway, with next steps focused on financing, transparent procurement and community engagement before construction timelines are announced. Mining & SME Support: Khoemacau Copper Mining and Absa Bank Botswana have partnered to empower citizen-owned SMEs, aiming to channel more mining-linked value to local entrepreneurs. Aviation Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways have expanded their codeshare into a reciprocal deal, adding nine routes that include Johannesburg–Gaborone (Botswana) plus links to Windhoek, Lusaka, Harare and Victoria Falls. US Visa Bond Update: The US made a permanent visa bond programme for 30 African countries, with Botswana listed among those covered, raising the maximum refundable bond to $20,000 for certain B-1/B-2 applicants. Digital Safety: Botswana’s Village Digital Safety initiative is tackling mobile money scams and cybercrime through village-to-village awareness sessions. Sports & Business: Silver Strikers Ladies were drawn in CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA qualifiers in Gaborone, while the Makgadikgadi Grand Slam Series 2026 was launched to grow softball and sports tourism.

Aviation & Trade Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways have expanded their long-running codeshare into a fully reciprocal deal, adding nine new routes that include Johannesburg–Gaborone (Botswana) plus links to Windhoek, Lusaka, Harare and Victoria Falls—along with three domestic South African routes—so travellers can book single tickets with coordinated schedules and through-checked baggage. Regional Infrastructure Jobs: Botswana and Namibia have completed the feasibility study for the Trans-Kalahari Railway, clearing the way for implementation of the roughly US$16bn project that targets construction to start in 2027 and is projected to create about 10,000 jobs in the first phase. Mining & Public Finance: De Beers has rejected renewed claims that Botswana is owed P14bn in unpaid taxes, as opposition pushes for clarity in Parliament. Digital Safety & Scams: Botswana Police warn that 22 citizens are missing after being lured by overseas job offers, while a village-led digital safety initiative highlights how mobile-money and phone scams are spreading in rural communities. Sports & Tourism: The inaugural Tati River Pre-Season Tournament is set for 8 August in Francistown, aiming to boost local business and position the city as a football destination. Human Rights: Anti-trafficking network Talitha Kum says it expanded into Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini, reaching 1.21m people globally in 2025.

Human Trafficking & Scams: Botswana Police warn that 22 citizens are reported missing after being lured overseas by “lucrative jobs,” with authorities also intercepting eight others and flagging risks of trafficking and labour exploitation. Digital Safety: A village-by-village community initiative is pushing practical cybercrime awareness after residents report mobile-money and impersonation scams that drain savings. Trade & Transport: Botswana’s Trans-Kalahari Railway feasibility study clears a key hurdle, with construction targeted for 2027 to link Mmamabula coal to Walvis Bay and boost jobs and regional logistics. Mining & Tax: De Beers rejects renewed claims it owes Botswana P14bn in unpaid taxes, as opposition presses government for clarity in Parliament. Banking & SMMEs: Bank Gaborone and LEA seal a partnership to help entrepreneurs become more bankable through training, mentorship and tailored funding support. Aviation Connectivity: Emirates and South African Airways expand their codeshare into a reciprocal deal, adding nine destinations including Gaborone. Local Development & Water: A Mayeyi chief says Sangwali village is being left out of regional development plans, citing long distances to services and drought-driven water shortages. Sports (Business Angle): Francistown eyes firefighting expertise and a new pre-season Tati River tournament aimed at drawing visitors and boosting local trade.

De Beers Tax Row: De Beers has rejected Botswana’s alleged P14bn unpaid tax claim, saying it met its obligations, as opposition parties push government for clarity in Parliament. Road & Trade Corridor: Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road rehabilitation is set to restart after funding was secured, with contractors to be mobilised and more kilometres surfaced. Visa Access Watch: Panama has listed only nine African countries for visa-free entry, including Botswana, while major markets like Nigeria and Ghana are left out—highlighting how travel freedom shapes business mobility. Entrepreneurship Support: Bank Gaborone and LEA sealed a partnership to help SMMEs become more bankable through training, mentorship, incubation and tailored banking. CEDA Inclusion Push: CEDA is converting key business publications into Braille to widen access to its entrepreneurship and funding information. Football as Local Business: Organisers are positioning the Tati River Pre-Season Tournament (8 Aug) as a Francistown tourism and commerce boost, with big clubs and expected visitor spend. Human Trafficking Alert: Talitha Kum warns that trafficking is increasingly cyber-enabled and evolving fast, urging stronger prevention and protection.

Banking & SMMEs: Bank Gaborone and the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) have signed a three-year MoA to help Botswana entrepreneurs become more bankable, with training, mentorship, incubation and tailored funding support. Inclusive Entrepreneurship: CEDA is converting key entrepreneurship publications into Braille to remove barriers for people with visual impairments and widen access to its programmes. Tourism & Business Confidence: Chobe Holdings says it is entering FY2027 with momentum, reporting revenue growth to P714 million and customer advances above P92 million, while flagging geopolitical risks that could cool travel demand. Consumer Pressure on Small Firms: Botswana small businesses report customers are spending less, from salon owners seeing clients cut hair at home to ride-hailing drivers facing weaker demand. Infrastructure & Regional Trade: Botswana and Namibia are pushing to turn Trans-Kalahari Railway plans into an execution roadmap before year-end, focusing on financing, procurement and local participation. Sports as Investment: Government defends hosting the 2027 TAFISA World Congress as a strategic investment for economic diversification and long-term benefits. Football Investment Watch: Gaborone United’s owner Nicolas Zakhem is credited with building sustainable club infrastructure and jobs, as Botswana football seeks to break the cycle of short-lived “investment” promises.

Botswana Trade Watch: Statistics Botswana reports a P3.2 billion trade deficit in May 2026 as export earnings fell 22.4% to P4.8 billion, hit mainly by lower diamond and copper sales. Diamond Sector Update: De Beers rough diamond production rebounded 88% to 7.8 million carats in Q2, but Anglo American warns planned maintenance at Orapa and Jwaneng later in 2026 may weigh on output. US Market Access: The US removed a temporary 10% tariff on Botswana-origin imports, restoring duty-free entry for qualifying exports under AGOA—though officials urge Botswana to push for AGOA renewal before year-end. Gold Mining Revival: Nova Africa Resources signed to acquire assets of the long-defunct Mupane Gold Mine, aiming to restart operations and create jobs pending approvals. Business & Finance: Bank Gaborone and LEA ink a three-year MoA to boost SMME financing and mentorship, while Chobe Holdings says it’s entering FY2027 with P92 million in customer advances and 12% revenue growth. Policy & Governance: The Trade Ministry says “fronting” is letting foreigners control citizen-reserved businesses, and Botswana’s teachers’ unions reject calls to reintroduce corporal punishment. Mining Labour Relations: Minerals and Energy Minister Bogolo Kenewendo met the Botswana Mine Workers Union, signaling a possible thaw after complaints of weak consultation.

US–Botswana Trade Boost: The US lifted a temporary 10% tariff on Botswana-origin diamond imports from July 24, restoring duty-free access under AGOA, but officials warn Botswana must push for AGOA renewal before Dec 31, 2026. Gold Revival Bid: Nova Africa Resources signed an agreement to acquire assets of the long-defunct Mupane Gold Mine, pending regulatory approvals, aiming to restart operations and create jobs. Export Pressure: Statistics Botswana shows export earnings fell by P5.4bn in Jan–May 2026 to P25.6bn, with diamonds down P6.65bn; the trade deficit widened by P3bn. Digital Payments Push: Absa’s MobiTap is expanding mobile merchant payments in Botswana, positioning client experience as a core business strategy. Retail Resilience: Sefalana posted record annual revenue of P12bn, but profit before tax dropped 40% amid economic strain and higher costs. Visa Bond Shock: The US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, with Botswana among affected countries—up to $20,000 for some B1/B2 applicants. Mining Exploration: Blaze Minerals flagged promising copper-lead-zinc results at its Dinokwe project in Botswana. Infrastructure Watch: Botswana and Namibia advanced feasibility work for the Trans Kalahari Railway. Governance & Jobs: The Gambling Authority board distanced itself from an acting CEO’s disputed communications, while Parliament heard 700 companies notified retrenchments affecting 5,392 workers (Jan 2024–May 2026).

Diamond Sector Signals Recovery: Statistics Botswana says diamond production rose 4.7% in Q1 2026 to 4.89 million carats, with Debswana lifting its 2026 target by about 20% to 18 million carats after better machinery performance and recovered ore grades. Anti-Corruption Push in Minerals: Debswana and the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) signed an MoU to strengthen corruption prevention, investigations, integrity promotion and public awareness to protect Botswana’s strategic mineral resources. Hemp Moves Toward Commercial Farming: Dibete Farm has been earmarked as the first commercial hub after hemp trials at NARDI confirmed the crop can grow under local conditions, with land preparation already underway for licensed producers. Beef Export Market Pressure: Primefast and JS Beef have taken the government to court, alleging authorities are blocking cattle and beef exports while the domestic market cannot absorb production, and asking for engagement with South African import conditions. Engen Takeover Concerns: A public hearing by the Competition and Consumer Authority flagged issues as Fusion Spark seeks to take over Petroleum Holdings’ 70% stake in Engen Botswana. US Visa Bond Rule Hits Botswana Too: The US confirmed a permanent visa bond programme effective 3 August, potentially requiring up to $20,000 refundable deposits for B1/B2 applicants from covered countries including Botswana, aimed at reducing overstays. Retail Turnaround Watch: Choppies’ regional retreat—exiting South Africa and Zimbabwe among others—highlights how the Botswana-based retailer is restructuring to restore profitability. De Beers Marketing in Asia: De Beers launched its “Desert diamonds” campaign in Shanghai, betting on demand for natural diamonds through a high-profile event with jewellery partners and media. Trade & Entrepreneurship Oversight: Botswana’s PAC heard concerns over BDC CEO pay and the Chema Chema programme, with officials promising probes and admitting budgeting and training gaps.

Botswana Trade & Enterprise Oversight: Botswana’s Public Accounts Committee is probing Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) after claims that CEO Oteng Keabetswe’s pay rose to P400,000 a month, with Trade and Entrepreneurship Permanent Secretary Joel Ramaphoi saying the appointment happened when there was no board and was made by the minister. Entrepreneurship Programme Scrutiny: Ramaphoi also told the PAC that the Chema Chema programme was “rushed” and “bound to fail,” citing weak budgeting, beneficiaries lacking business training, and a reported funding shortfall of about P195 million for approved applicants. US Visa Policy for Botswana Travellers: The US has made its visa bond programme permanent, meaning consular officers may require refundable deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 business and tourist visas for nationals from 50 countries, including Botswana, with the bond returned only if visa conditions are met. Regional Payments Watch: Angola’s kwanza is set to join the SADC-RTGS system as a settlement currency, and SADC officials hint that Botswana pula could be next, aiming to cut cross-border conversion costs. Diamond Market Pressure: De Beers reported a $123m half-year loss and plans to cut production in the second half as weaker demand and lab-grown competition squeeze prices—an issue that also matters for Southern Africa’s diamond-linked economies.

U.S. Visa Bonds (Botswana in the list): The U.S. State Department is making its visa bond programme permanent from Aug 3, 2026, letting consular officers require refundable deposits of $10,000, $15,000 or up to $20,000 for B1 business and B2 tourist applicants from 50 countries—including Botswana—to curb overstays (money is refunded if travellers comply and leave on time). Regional Health Security: WHO says an 8-year health security and emergency response strategy (2022–2030) is already being implemented in Botswana and will likely expand further across Africa, aiming to strengthen prevention, diagnostics and resilient health systems. SADC Payments Push: Angola’s kwanza is set to join the SADC-RTGS system as a settlement currency, with the committee hinting that Botswana pula could be onboarded later to cut cross-border FX costs. Botswana Business & Courts: Pro-Serve scores a Court of Appeal win in the Modipane–Mabalane Road dispute, overturning a High Court order that had frozen funds and limited contract management. Critical Minerals Deal: M2i Global signs a non-binding collaboration with Evrensel Impact Group, expanding its critical minerals pipeline across multiple African countries including Botswana. Crime (Gaborone): A botched robbery in Block 8 leaves one suspect dead and another remanded, with police hunting the remaining suspects.

US Visa Bonds Go Permanent: The U.S. State Department has made its visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require refundable deposits up to USD 20,000 for some B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries (30 in Africa), effective Monday—a move aimed at cutting overstays. Regional Payments Push: Angola’s kwanza has been added as a settlement currency in SADC-RTGS, with hints that Botswana pula could follow, aiming to reduce cross-border conversion costs. Botswana El Niño Preparedness: Botswana has urged national readiness for likely 2026/27 El Niño impacts, warning of erratic rains, dry spells, heat, and risks to farming, water, health and rangelands. Mining & Value Chain: A Botswana-focused debate highlights the need to move from exporting raw ore to building processing and certified value—tying competitiveness to power costs, tax incentives and licensing. Courtroom Business Update: Pro-Serve Consulting Botswana scores a win after the Court of Appeal overturned a High Court order that had frozen funds tied to the Modipane–Mabalane Road project. Local Crime: A Gaborone robbery case lands in court after one suspect was arrested and another died during a botched burglary attempt.

Ageing & Social Protection: Experts at an AU meeting urged governments to consult older people when planning policies and services, saying retirees’ skills and lived experience should be built into education and development programmes. Anglo American / De Beers: Anglo American reported a 35% jump in operating profit to $4bn for the first half of 2026, while continuing plans to sell De Beers for about $1bn amid uncertainty over timing and approvals. Botswana Diamond Trade: Botswana welcomed the US removal of the extra tariff on Botswana-origin natural diamonds from 24 July, restoring competitiveness for qualifying rough and loose stones (but not necessarily finished jewellery). Critical Minerals Deal: M2i Global signed a non-binding collaboration with Evrensel Impact Group to identify and develop critical minerals opportunities across several African countries, including Botswana. Legal & Infrastructure: The Court of Appeal backed Pro-Serve in a contract dispute over the Modipane-Mabalane Road project, overturning a High Court order that had frozen related funds. El Niño Preparedness: Botswana urged national preparedness for likely 2026/27 El Niño impacts, warning of erratic rains, dry spells, heat and risks to agriculture, water, health and wildland fires. Regional Payments: Angola’s kwanza was added as a settlement currency in the SADC-RTGS system, with plans to onboard more currencies like the Botswana pula. US Visa Changes: The US is shifting routine visa processing to regional hubs from 1 August, affecting multiple African missions including Gaborone, with applicants directed to Johannesburg. Botswana Sport Sponsorship: Sunbet pledged P4m to sponsor Gaborone United over two seasons, adding to its broader investment in local sport and community initiatives.