Botswana Minute.
Monday, 4 May 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 4 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 4 May 2026
Politics

Botswana removes colonial-era provisions criminalizing same-sex relations

The News

In March 2026, the government formally deleted provisions from Section 164 of the Penal Code that criminalized consensual same-sex relations through a statutory instrument, aligning the law with a 2019 High Court ruling that found the provisions unconstitutional.

Why it matters

Landmark removal of colonial-era laws criminalizing same-sex relations represents a transformative legal and human rights moment for all Botswana.

4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

Politics

  1. Botswana removes colonial-era provisions criminalizing same-sex relations

    In March 2026, the government formally deleted provisions from Section 164 of the Penal Code that criminalized consensual same-sex relations through a statutory instrument, aligning the law with a 2019 High Court ruling that found the provisions unconstitutional.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Government funds idle, misused: Auditor General review finds systemic dysfunction

    An Auditor General review reveals a pattern of dysfunction across multiple government funds, with money not used, not tracked, and spent outside intended purposes. The Debt Participation Capital Fund has had no activity since 2015 and held P9 153 713 as at March 31, 2023, raising concerns about its relevance and the efficiency of public resource utilisation.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. BPP moving to expel Minister Nono Kgafela Mokoka

    The Botswana People's Party is set to expel specially elected MP and cabinet minister Nono Kgafela Mokoka following her suspension over alleged misconduct and public criticism of party leadership, deepening internal tensions within the party.

    4 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  4. BCP internal divisions now public ahead of July elections

    The BCP, traditionally known as a disciplined party that managed internal competition privately, is experiencing unprecedented public conflict as members clash openly and organised factions formally campaign ahead of the party's July elective conference in Mogoditshane. Party observers have raised concerns about whether the Central Committee can contain the situation.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. State delays return of former DIS head's assets

    The State has yet to return assets of a former Directorate of Intelligence and Security head despite a consent order agreed between both parties, raising questions about missing property and deteriorating holdings amid ongoing court delays.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  6. BDF honours over 500 soldiers at annual medal parade

    More than 500 current and former Botswana Defence Force members were honoured on Thursday during the 49th Medal Awards Parade for outstanding service and conduct. A total of 528 personnel received medals across five categories: 134 with the Duty Code Order, 297 with the Pearl Jubilee Medal, 84 with the Distinguished Service Medal, and 13 with the Foreign Service Medal.

    4 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  7. Government freezes P183 million in fraud-linked assets

    As of January, P179 million in assets believed to be proceeds of fraud, money laundering, or corruption had been detected; the figure has since risen to P183 million, according to findings from a country risk assessment report on money laundering and financial terrorism.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  8. Minister Mohwasa denies evading Khama on DIS matters

    Minister Moeti Mohwasa rejected claims that his ministry is avoiding accountability over questions raised by Ian Khama regarding Directorate of Intelligence and Security operations and administration.

    4 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  9. Botswana launches first specialised Commercial Court

    Botswana has officially launched its first specialised Commercial Court to fast-track business disputes, corruption cases and complex divorce settlements while reducing court backlogs.

    4 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Business

  1. Auditor General identifies P105m billing errors at WUC

    According to the Auditor General's report for the financial year ending 31 March 2023, debtor balances of P105 million were erroneously created in the Water Utilities Corporation's debtors' book, largely due to meter reading errors. As a result, 257 customers were issued bills exceeding P100,000.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Banks widen lending margins against BoB guidance

    Commercial banks are raising effective lending rates by widening margins above Prime Lending Rates, moves the Bank of Botswana's Monetary Policy Committee says dilute its recent policy signals aimed at stabilizing credit market conditions.

    4 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  3. Civil Aviation Authority plans three new air routes

    Botswana's Civil Aviation Authority is planning to introduce three new air routes to strengthen connectivity, attract investment and grow the aviation sector. Further details will be unveiled at the AviaDev Africa Conference in Gaborone in June, where more than 400 delegates and at least 20 airlines are expected to attend.

    4 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  4. Ministry pursuing 24-hour economy backed by World Bank research

    The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship is advancing a 24-hour economy model, supported by World Bank research showing weaknesses in tourism diversification, including low tourism visits, shorter stays, and weak infrastructure.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Letshego exits five African markets amid losses

    Letshego Africa Holdings Ltd., a Gaborone-based lender, is selling units in Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda to Axian Digital Venture Holding and Management Ltd., deepening its retreat from regions that have driven the company into the red.

    4 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  6. Competition regulator approves West International acquisition of AfriSam

    Botswana's Competition and Consumer Authority has cleared the takeover of AfriSam and its subsidiaries by West International New Building Materials, a Singapore-based entity associated with Hong Kong-listed West China Cement, subject to conditions intended to secure domestic investment and participation.

    4 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Mining & Energy

  1. De Beers rough diamond output rises, Botswana leads

    De Beers' rough diamond production rose to 7.13 million carats in the first quarter of 2026, up 17 percent year-on-year, with Botswana's mines producing 4.81 million carats—about 67 percent of group output.

    4 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  2. NexMetals reports improved copper, nickel recoveries at Selkirk

    NexMetals Mining Corp. has reported improved metallurgical results at its Selkirk project in Botswana. Tests using core from its 2025 drilling programme confirmed Selkirk can produce separate saleable copper and nickel concentrates, strengthening the case for developing it as a standalone mine rather than a stranded asset.

    4 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  3. Debswana and BDC sign MOU to diversify economy

    Debswana Diamond Company and Botswana Development Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate economic diversification and reduce Botswana's dependence on diamond revenues, with focus on building a pipeline of future investments.

    4 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Abattoirs owe millions in unpaid cattle slaughter levies

    An audit found that abattoirs across Botswana owe P2.3 million in unpaid slaughter levies, with some arrears dating back to 2012, despite a legal requirement to pay levies within 14 days of slaughter.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. FMD outbreak threatens beef exports and household livelihoods

    Botswana is battling a serious Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak that has spread across several parts of the country, impacting beef exports and causing loss of access to the European Union market under the SADC–EU partnership agreement. The Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture says many households depend on cattle for income and food, and government is now working with private sector and faith-based organisations to develop a recovery plan.

    4 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  3. Maun residents given deadline to remove residential pigs

    Council officials in North West District have given residents of Maun and surrounding villages until 15 May 2026 to remove pigs from residential premises, citing sanitation concerns and nuisance complaints.

    4 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  4. EU raises biosecurity concerns over Botswana FMD outbreak

    The European Union has flagged biosecurity concerns over an FMD outbreak in a key livestock zone linked to Botswana's only EU-approved slaughterhouse, threatening the country's beef exports to the EU.

    4 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Society

  1. Audit finds counterfeit drugs, expired stock in government supply

    An audit covering the year to March 2023 found P9 million in counterfeit medicines in the government supply chain and P95.5 million in expired drugs held by the CMS, with over P62 million of expired stock linked to COVID-19 vaccines.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Drug shortage forces patients to search between clinics

    Drug shortages across Botswana are forcing patients, particularly the underprivileged, to travel between clinics in search of medication, with many unable to fill prescriptions and health workers unable to provide treatment. Patients with conditions like diabetes are being turned away with referral notes instead of medication.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. AAB celebrates 30 years, emphasises architecture's role in national development

    The Architects Association of Botswana marked its 30th anniversary at a gathering where president Thandeka Palai stressed that the profession's progress is a collective effort built on foundations laid by predecessors. Acting Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Keoagile Atamelang described the milestone as testament to vision and commitment, noting that architecture extends beyond buildings to encompass dignity, identity, and environments supporting human development.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. About 60 youths attend informational session on Russia opportunities

    An April 5 recruitment meeting at the University of Botswana drew about 60 youths and parents for what was described as an informational session on opportunities in Russia. Attendees were predominantly female (98 percent), and flyers indicated the opportunities were open only to women aged 18 to 22 with secondary school education and without major illnesses.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

Culture

  1. Rising stars perform at Perfect Noise Sessions event

    Music lovers attended an afternoon-into-evening showcase featuring raw talent in an intimate setting. Performers included Stephanie Johnson (R&B), Lynn Rosie (vocals), Droz Dream (rap), and DJ Fauz.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Charma Gal advocates decentralizing Kgosi ya Mosadi festival

    Charma Gal has called for moving the Kgosi ya Mosadi cultural event beyond Gaborone and surrounding areas to reach remote communities across the country, aiming to make the festival more inclusive and accessible.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

Sport

  1. BFA regional elections set as prelude to 2028 congress

    The Botswana Football Association issued a writ of election for regional elections this week, a key step toward the 2028 elective congress. BFA president Tariq Babitseng, who received 24 votes in the previous 2024 congress, is expected to face a challenge in the next election.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Francistown Open debuts to widen table tennis talent pool

    The BTTA held its debut Francistown Open tournament at Adansonia Hotel last weekend, decentralising national events beyond Gaborone to widen participation and develop talent across all regions.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Gaborone United wins second consecutive FNB Premiership title

    Gaborone United has won their second consecutive FNB Premiership crown, marking what the source describes as a "red revolution" after years of dominance by rival Township Rollers between 2015 and 2019.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. Police commissioner urges public partnership for World Athletics Relays safety

    BPS Commissioner Dinah Marathe emphasized that the success of the World Athletics Relays depends on cooperation from the public, business community, and stakeholders, urging Batswana to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and work with security personnel.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Botswana's relay team wins gold at Gaborone athletics

    Botswana's national athletics relays team won the 4 x 400m gold at the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26, held at the National Stadium where the country's independence was declared in 1966. The victory united the nation across different backgrounds, with Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe among the celebrating fans.

    4 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  6. National Stadium crowd roars without vuvuzelas at relay event

    At the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26, fans at the National Stadium cheered without using vuvuzelas, creating what commentators described as an electric atmosphere that differed markedly from the usual plastic drone of horns that typically accompanies local sports events.

    4 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  7. Four Botswana athletes' doping case heard in high court

    Four track athletes—Refilwe Murangi, Lydia Jele, Karabo Mothibi, and Zibane Ngozi—had their case heard by the high court this week, alleging fabrication, manipulation and fraud in their doping test results that returned positive for banned substances.

    4 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  8. 2025 Botswana National Sport Awards nominees announced

    The 2025 Botswana National Sport Awards have produced a strong list of nominees for sportsman and sportswoman of the Year, with athletes, footballers, judokas, chess and karate practitioners in contention. The Sportsman of the Year category includes sprinter Collen Kebinatshipi, who won double gold at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in the 400m and 4x400m relay and set a national record of 43.53 in the 400m, footballer Goitseone Phoko, who helped Jwaneng Galaxy win the Orange FA Cup and featured in AFCON 2025, and judoka Tumiso Phuthego.

    4 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

World & Region

  1. Russia denies forcing African volunteers into Ukraine war

    Russia's Embassy in Botswana stated that all those who joined Russia in the war against Ukraine did so voluntarily, in a rare public comment on the recruitment of Africans to the war front.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Ukraine seeks missing Botswana citizens fighting in war

    Ukraine's Ambassador to Botswana says the embassy is working to help Botswana and other African countries locate citizens believed to have been deceived into joining the Russia-Ukraine war, responding to inquiries from relatives of missing persons last seen in Russia.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Zimbabweans recruited to fight in Russia, at least 15 dead

    Zimbabwe's Information Minister reported that at least 15 Zimbabweans recruited to fight for Russia have died on the frontlines, describing it as a "sophisticated scheme of deception, exploitation, and human trafficking" where shadowy agencies lure people via social media with promises of lucrative jobs abroad.

    4 May 2026 · Mmegi →

Opinion

  1. Botswana must urgently pursue economic reforms beyond diamonds

    An opinion piece argues that Botswana faces economic pressure from flat diamond sales and stalled growth, warning that the country cannot delay necessary reforms. The author notes that diamonds powered Botswana's rise to upper-middle-income status by 2007, but soft market conditions now threaten economic momentum.

    4 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

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