AGP Executive Report

Diamond Revenue Boost: Botswana’s diamond sales topped P9 billion in Q1 2026, with government collecting over P4 billion from royalties and dividends; Bank of Botswana says foreign exchange reserves are steady at about P58 billion. Diamond Demand Watch: Mines minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo says there’s a soft recovery in natural diamond demand in key markets like the US and China, while Botswana keeps supply discipline amid lab-grown pressure and De Beers restructuring talks. Regional Trade Agenda: The 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town (26 June) will review the SACU Strategic Plan and push industrialisation, value chains and trade facilitation across Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. Digital Payments Deal: FMB Capital Holdings and Visa sign a five-year partnership to expand secure digital payments and financial inclusion across Southern Africa, including Botswana. Banking Innovation: BSB bets on digital banking to become a primary bank in Botswana. Health Procurement Tensions: Government moves to stabilise medicine supply after months of pricing and procurement disputes, seeking 30-day stock commitments from suppliers. Football Reform: Botswana Football Association launches a performance-based Impact Programme tying regional funding to plans, accountability and measurable results. Tourism Positioning: Wilderness marks Botswana’s conservation-led tourism strategy as a long-term economic advantage, with industry leaders meeting in Gaborone.

Botswana–Artemis Accords: Botswana will sign the US-led Artemis Accords at NASA headquarters in Washington on 25 June, with Communications and Innovation Minister David Tshere attending, as Africa’s space ambitions grow. Diamond Demand: Mines minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo says Botswana is seeing a soft recovery in natural diamond demand in key markets like the US and China, supported by global marketing, while maintaining supply discipline amid lab-grown competition and a tough market. Court Case (Moagi): Seiyuan Electric Botswana-related corruption and money laundering trial proceedings begin again, with defence objecting to a late State witness statement and seeking fairness before testimony continues. Trade Integration (SADC): SADC legislators, including Botswana’s Dumelang Saleshando, complete UNCTAD training on advancing AfCFTA trade integration, with focus on non-tariff barriers and practical border and customs frictions. Agriculture & Livestock: Government launches a National Fodder Strategy with FAO support to cut feed imports, boost climate-resilient fodder production, and reduce the dairy import bill. Telecom (BTC): BTC rolls out its “Own Your Mark” consumer campaign, partnering with Botswana athlete Collen Kebinatshipi to push connectivity and new customer offerings. Business & Finance (Standard Chartered): Standard Chartered explores selling its Bahrain wealth and retail banking unit, while corporate and investment banking there remains unchanged.

SADC Trade Integration: Botswana’s Dumelang Saleshando says SADC PF and UNCTAD training ended June 5, sharpening parliamentarians’ push for AfCFTA implementation and tackling non-tariff barriers, customs delays and standards gaps. Diamond Demand & De Beers: Botswana’s mines minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo reports a soft recovery in natural diamond demand in the US and China, while talks on Anglo American’s De Beers sale are said to be in the “last stages,” with Botswana already holding 15%. Power & Water-Climate Trade-offs: A study mapping 3,139 African power plants warns that expanding electricity will strain water resources and raise emissions, depending on generation type. Agriculture & Livestock Resilience: Government launched a National Fodder Strategy with FAO support to cut feed imports and boost climate-resilient fodder supply, targeting higher agriculture GDP contribution and a bigger cattle herd. Banking & Compliance: Bank of Botswana coverage flags inflation pressure and a separate risk assessment pointing to vulnerabilities in commercial banking linked to money laundering and tax evasion. Botswana Business Moves: BTC rolled out its “Own Your Mark” consumer brand campaign with athlete Collen Kebinatshipi, while Falcon Metal Resources Botswana says it has found high-grade gold near Francistown and is partnering for further exploration. Parliamentary Accountability: PAC escalated scrutiny by referring the Gabane Infrastructure Project to DCEC and issuing subpoenas over cost overruns and governance failures.

Botswana’s De Beers push: President Duma Boko says Botswana is seeking UAE and Oman support to buy a strategic stake as Anglo American moves ahead with selling its 85% holding, with any increase in Botswana’s current 15% stake subject to approvals. Energy & power market: Botswana secured $100m for the 100MW Tati Solar Project, backed by FirstRand/Rand Merchant Bank, targeting commercial operations in 2027 and power sales into the Southern African Power Pool. Banking digitisation: Botswana Savings Bank (BSB) is rolling out “Own Your Mark”-style digital-first services, letting customers do most routine transactions via app, internet, USSD, agency banking and payments. Mining & exploration: Belararox says drilling targets are firming up for its Kalahari copper project, citing strong geological continuity into the Khoemacau belt. Corporate & communications: Botswana will host NASA’s Artemis Accords signing ceremony in Washington, while Gaborone is set to host a Sub-Saharan Africa Corporate Communications Summit focused on business reputation and leadership messaging. Regional business backdrop: Stanbic Bank Botswana reports steady 2025 profit (P710m) despite margin pressure, while Standard Chartered’s Botswana franchise sale process continues.

Digital Banking Push: Botswana’s BSB says it’s investing heavily in digital banking and now lets customers handle most routine transactions via mobile, internet, USSD, agency banking and merchant payments as it targets “Botswana’s Primary Bank” status. Banking Sector Updates: Stanbic Bank Botswana reports steady 2025 profitability (P710m after tax) despite tighter margins and higher funding costs, while Standard Chartered Bank Botswana says it will keep operating as it moves toward the sale of its local franchise. Public Finance Scrutiny: PAC has referred the Gabane project to the DCEC after cost escalation from about P214m to roughly P285m, raising questions over procurement and oversight. SME Support: A Kgwebo Connect discussion highlights that SMEs often miss growth because they don’t engage banks beyond transactions, with calls for more relationship-led banking. Energy & Power: Botswana is set to build its first large-scale solar plant after securing $100m financing for a 100MW Tati Solar project feeding the Southern Africa Power Pool, aiming for commercial operation by 2027. Agriculture Risk: North East cattle owners fear vaccine shortages after Botswana Vaccine Institute reportedly ran out of FMD booster boosters, leaving herds only partially protected. Regional Air Links: Embraer’s Connecting Africa 2026 report says Africa’s intra-regional connectivity gap is widening, with 55 unserved route pairs and demand-led corridors still lacking direct flights.

Rail & Power Push: Botswana is set to start building its first large-scale 100MW solar plant after securing $100m financing, with power sold into the Southern Africa Power Pool and commercial operations targeted for 2027—an early signal of how Botswana plans to monetize rising regional electricity demand. Transport Investment: Zimbabwe’s government says it is moving ahead with greenfield railway projects and recapitalisation efforts for National Railways of Zimbabwe, aiming to shift freight off roads and strengthen logistics capacity. Border Management: Botswana’s ambassador to South Africa says the country does not expect a major influx of undocumented migrants after SA’s June 30 deadline, citing professional border monitoring and that many entries are transit rather than settlement. Agriculture Shock: Farmers in Botswana’s North East report a Foot-and-Mouth Disease booster vaccine shortage, raising fears that cattle may not complete the second dose—especially with damaged cordon fencing increasing wildlife contact risk. Diamond Sector Watch: De Beers CEO says the diamond producer’s sale could be concluded in weeks, with Botswana among countries seeking equity stakes. Media Governance Debate: Botswana-linked commentary continues on proposals for a media Ombudsman to handle complaints and boost trust without undermining press freedom.

Botswana–South Africa Migration: Botswana expects no major influx of undocumented migrants after South Africa’s June 30 deadline, saying it can monitor its 1,000km-plus border and that most entries are transit. Energy & Power: Botswana is set to build its first large-scale 100MW solar plant after securing $100m financing, feeding power into the Southern Africa Power Pool with commercial operations targeted for 2027. Agriculture & Livestock Health: Farmers in Botswana’s North East are alarmed after Foot-and-Mouth Disease booster vaccines reportedly ran out, risking incomplete protection and sales disruptions. Mining & Exploration: Serval Resources says it has fully funded copper exploration programmes in Namibia and Botswana (plus a smaller Côte d’Ivoire push), running to mid-2027. Diamonds Deal Watch: De Beers CEO says the diamond firm’s sale could be concluded in “weeks rather than months,” with Botswana among countries seeking equity stakes. Regional Trade Security: Botswana’s border management confidence comes as the wider region debates faster, smarter customs systems to cut delays and logistics costs.

Energy & Investment: Botswana is set to start building its first large-scale solar plant after developers secured $100m financing for the 100MW Tati Solar Project, with power to be sold into the Southern Africa Power Pool and commercial operations targeted for 2027. Mining & Capital Markets: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the diamond group’s long-running sale could be concluded in weeks rather than months, with southern African governments including Botswana among those seeking equity stakes. Copper Exploration: Serval Resources has locked in fully funded exploration work programmes across Namibia and Botswana (plus Côte d’Ivoire), using mapping, geophysics and soil sampling through mid-2027. Border Management: Botswana says it does not expect a major influx of undocumented migrants after South Africa’s June 30 deadline, citing its ability to monitor a 1,000km+ border and noting many arrivals are transit. Social Sector: UNICEF warns children in Botswana are increasingly affected by a strained health system, including medicine shortages and uneven access to quality care. Policy & Governance: A draft proposal for a media Ombudsman is being discussed as a way to strengthen accountability and handle public complaints without undermining press freedom.

Energy & Coal Policy: Botswana-linked FutureCoal Africa moves to end “fragmented voices” on coal, energy security and industrial investment, with an Africa chapter announced in Zimbabwe. Diamond Deal Watch: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the diamond giant’s sale could be completed in “weeks rather than months,” with Botswana and other southern African states seeking equity stakes. Mining Jobs at Risk: South Africa’s Petra Diamonds faces labour unrest at Finsch over salary guarantees as business rescue continues, while retrenchment plans at Cullinan add further workforce uncertainty. Copper Exploration Push: Serval Resources has locked in fully funded exploration programmes in Namibia and Botswana through mid-2027, with teams mobilising for fieldwork and drilling targeting copper under Kalahari sand cover. Botswana Border Management: Botswana expects no major surge of undocumented migrants after South Africa’s June 30 deadline, citing professional border monitoring and that many entries are transit. Petroleum Compliance: BERA shuts six fuel stations for safety and environmental breaches, signalling tougher enforcement across Botswana’s retail fuel sector. Health & Children: UNICEF warns Botswana’s strained health system is worsening child outcomes amid medicine shortages and uneven access to care. Regional Cooperation: Botswana and Lesotho’s new binational commission prioritises water, energy, trade and investment, including vaccine support and water-transfer plans. Business & Aviation: Puma Energy Botswana backs the Air Access agenda, linking better connectivity to tourism, trade and jobs.

Petra Diamonds labour unrest: The National Union of Mineworkers says workers at Petra’s Finsch mine have downed tools after concerns that June salaries may not be guaranteed during business rescue, warning up to 1,800 jobs could be affected as retrenchment processes loom. Botswana media reform debate: A proposed Media Ombudsman is being framed as a practical way to handle complaints and boost ethical journalism without undermining press freedom, amid ongoing concerns about trust in news. Mining exploration push: Serval Resources says it has fully funded copper exploration work programmes in Namibia and Botswana (plus a smaller Côte d’Ivoire programme), using mapping, geophysics and soil sampling to de-risk future drilling. Copper licences change hands: Galileo Resources has agreed a conditional $3m sale of two Botswana copper prospecting licences to Metal Capital, a Sandfire subsidiary. Energy and compliance crackdown: BERA has shut six filling stations for safety and environmental breaches, including failures like non-functional oil-water separators and missing leak monitoring systems. Monetary policy steady: Botswana’s central bank kept its policy rate unchanged, saying earlier hikes improved liquidity and supported the foreign exchange market. Child health warning: UNICEF reports Botswana’s children are increasingly affected by medicine shortages, weak service quality and unequal access to care.

Monetary Policy Watch: Botswana’s central bank kept its policy rate unchanged, saying earlier hikes have improved liquidity and supported the foreign exchange market. Energy & Safety: BERA shut six filling stations after a May enforcement drive, citing failures like broken oil-water separators, weak fire protection and missing leak monitoring wells. Mining & Exploration: Serval Resources has locked in fully funded copper exploration work in Namibia and Botswana (plus a smaller Côte d’Ivoire programme), with field teams mobilising for drilling targets from late 2026. Regional Trade & Diplomacy: Botswana and Lesotho used the new Bi-National Commission to push implementation on water, energy, trade and investment, including a Botswana foot-and-mouth vaccine pledge and planned water transfer projects. Child Health: UNICEF warns Botswana’s children are increasingly hit by medicine shortages, weaker service quality and widening access gaps. Business & Finance: Giyani Metals says its Botswana manganese project is economically viable, seeking strategic partners for battery-grade output. Aviation Connectivity: Puma Energy Botswana reiterated support for the Air Access agenda, linking better air links to tourism, trade and jobs.

Monetary Policy Watch: Botswana’s central bank kept its policy rate unchanged, saying earlier hikes have eased liquidity and supported the foreign exchange market. Petroleum Compliance: BERA shut six filling stations for safety and environmental breaches, including failed fire protection and missing leak monitoring wells, signalling tougher enforcement in the retail fuel sector. Health & Medicines: UNICEF warns children are increasingly hit by medicine shortages, weak immunisation and unequal access to care, while Botswana Doctors Union says stock-outs remain widespread and “victory” claims are premature. Regional Cooperation: Botswana and Lesotho vowed to deepen ties via a binational commission, prioritising water, energy, trade and agriculture, including vaccine support and plans for water transfer. Mining & Commodities: Galileo agreed to sell two Botswana copper prospecting licences to Sandfire’s Metal Capital, while De Beers reports a rebound in US natural diamond demand led by Gen Z. Energy & Investment: Botswana is set for its first large-scale solar plant, the Tati Solar Project, targeting commercial operations in 2027 and selling into the Southern Africa Power Pool. Business & Trade: Botswana pushes intra-African trade through forums aimed at easing inflation and commodity shortages and improving business movement. Sports Tourism: Botswana will host the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III in Gaborone from July 13–18, with a focus on women’s tennis development.

Energy & Investment: Botswana is set to begin construction of its first large-scale solar plant, the 100MW Tati Solar Project, after securing about $100m in financing, with power to be sold into the Southern African Power Pool and aimed for commercial operations in 2027. Trade & Regional Growth: Botswana and Lesotho reaffirmed their push for greater intra-African trade at a business forum in Gaborone, focusing on investment, job creation and safer movement of businesspeople amid inflation and commodity shortages. Business & Jobs (Regional): South Africa’s Tongaat Hulett has narrowly avoided liquidation after an IDC–Vision Consortium deal withdrew the liquidation application, keeping the company in business rescue and protecting an estimated 250,000 jobs across the sugar value chain, with IDC converting claims into equity and extending funding. Competition Law: Botswana’s insurance sector faces a tribunal showdown in August over alleged motor repair cartel behaviour, with CCA accusing major insurers of steering spare parts and labour terms to preferred suppliers. Health System Pressure: Botswana Doctors Union warns that medicine stock-outs remain widespread, saying government “victory” claims risk eroding public trust. Sports Tourism: Botswana will host its first Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III event in Gaborone from July 13–18, with a strong development focus for women’s tennis and youth pathways. Cross-Border Security: Botswana says it will not treat people fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa as refugees, while monitoring border movements ahead of a June 30 deadline.

Solar Power Push: Botswana is set to start construction of its first large-scale solar plant, the 100MW Tati Solar Project, after securing about $100m in financing, with power sold into the Southern African Power Pool and commercial operations targeted for 2027. Intra-Africa Trade: Botswana reaffirmed its push for greater intra-African trade at a Botswana–Lesotho Business Forum, citing the need to tackle inflation, commodity shortages and safer movement of businesspeople. Women’s Sports & Tourism: Botswana will host the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III in Gaborone from 13–18 July 2026, aiming to boost women’s tennis, youth participation and sports tourism. Health System Warning: The Botswana Doctors Union says medicine stock-outs remain widespread, especially in remote areas, and warns that government “victory” claims could erode public trust. Competition Tribunal Case: Botswana’s Competition and Consumer Authority has taken major insurers to the Competition Tribunal over alleged motor repair cartel conduct, including claims about preferred spare parts suppliers and labour-rate arrangements. Jobs Saved in Sugar Rescue: Tongaat Hulett’s liquidation threat has been averted after an agreement involving South Africa’s IDC and the Vision Group, aimed at preserving about 250,000 jobs across the sugar value chain. Cross-Border Migration Stance: Botswana says it will not treat people fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa as refugees, while monitoring potential spillover ahead of South Africa’s 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants. Local Entrepreneurship: Gaborone’s Old Naledi entrepreneur Botlhe Ngwaga is building the “Zola Mdeni” fashion brand from township stories into a growing clothing business.

De Beers sale momentum: De Beers’ CEO says the Anglo American diamond unit sale could close in “weeks rather than months,” with Botswana (already a 15% stakeholder) among governments in the bidding consortia. Tongaat Hulett rescue in focus: South Africa’s sugar giant has avoided liquidation after a last-minute tripartite deal between the IDC and Vision Group, with the IDC converting post-commencement finance into an equity stake; the plan aims to protect about 250,000 jobs across the regional value chain. Botswana copper licences deal: Galileo Resources will sell its Botswana copper prospecting licences via a deal that includes a $3m upfront payment plus potential $20m–$80m success payments, while shifting its focus to Zambia and Zimbabwe. Energy for mining: Lucara Botswana is tendering a 30MW solar project for the Karowe mine, with possible staged rollout and battery storage, targeting commercial operations in 2027/28. Digital services lesson for Botswana: Telemedia Johannesburg highlights how South Africa’s more mature digital ecosystem is shaping Botswana’s approach, especially around locally relevant content and affordable payment options. Wildlife conservation context: Tanzania’s latest census puts it top for lions and buffaloes, while also showing a sharp elephant decline over two decades—placing Botswana and Zimbabwe ahead in elephant numbers. Botswana sport/business: Bona Life renews title sponsorship of the Betway Clash of Legends at the National Stadium, while Township Rollers faces a financial crisis over unpaid wages and player unrest.

Botswana Business & Economy: Botswana’s Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) reported improved 2025 performance, with revenue rising to P78.8 million and profit after tax up to P20.6 million, alongside P2.5 million in dividends, as it pushes a strategy to grow revenue tenfold by 2030. Mining & Investment: Sandfire’s Botswana-linked move is advancing after its subsidiary agreed to buy two Kalahari Copper Belt licences from Galileo Resources, with US$3m upfront and potential success payments tied to copper reserve size. Trade & Industry Support: Botswana’s air connectivity push is showing results, with the Air Access initiative credited for helping secure and expand routes through market intelligence and route marketing support. Energy, Tech & Skills: The University of Botswana is facing fresh scrutiny over whether its innovation push is turning prototypes into real economic impact, with calls for a stronger ecosystem beyond the UniPod lab. Environment & Policy: Government says it is preparing for a full ban on single-use plastics by 2027, even as the plastic levy continues to raise about P1.5 million monthly. Sports & Governance: Township Rollers is in crisis over unpaid wages and player unrest, while the Botswana Women’s League medal mix-up has reignited concerns about how women’s football is supported. Regional Context: World Bank expects Sub-Saharan Africa growth to slow in 2026 as energy shocks bite, and UNICEF warns almost all children globally face climate hazards.