Botswana Minute.
Monday, 18 May 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 18 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 18 May 2026
Politics

Botswana tightens financial sanctions and anti-money laundering systems

The News

Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe said Botswana must reset its financial integrity systems to address weaknesses in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks that threaten the country's global financial reputation. He warned that Botswana's historically strong governance record had weakened through gradual erosion of standards, citing international assessments showing regulatory gaps.

Why it matters

Vice President warns that erosion of Botswana's financial integrity standards threatens its global reputation and economic standing.

18 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Politics

  1. Botswana tightens financial sanctions and anti-money laundering systems

    Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe said Botswana must reset its financial integrity systems to address weaknesses in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks that threaten the country's global financial reputation. He warned that Botswana's historically strong governance record had weakened through gradual erosion of standards, citing international assessments showing regulatory gaps.

    18 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. BNPC faces leadership vacuum and funding challenges

    The Botswana National Productivity Centre's acting Executive Director told Parliament's Standing Committee on Statutory Bodies and State Enterprises that the organisation has operated for years in an unstable environment marked by repeated reform attempts, leadership instability, and lack of oversight structures.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Government rejects union calls to ban King Mswati III

    Trade unions have called for King Mswati III to be barred from Botswana, citing poor labour practices and concerns that his entry would damage the country's image as a defender of democracy and human rights in the region. The government has rejected these calls.

    18 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  4. Mogae's legacy of debate and good governance merits protection

    Botswana's third president, Festus Mogae, who died recently, was known as a fierce intellectual debater who would engage in spirited arguments to advance his viewpoints.

    18 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  5. Former president Festus Mogae dies at age 86

    Festus Gontebanye Mogae, who served as Botswana's president for two terms starting in 1998, has died at age 86. The article traces his political ascent from Finance Minister through a 1992 land inquiry report that forced Vice President Peter Mmusi's resignation, creating the vacancy that elevated Mogae to the vice presidency under Sir Ketumile Masire.

    18 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  6. Festus Mogae's economic policies shaped Botswana's development

    An article chronicles the late former president Festus Mogae's most prominent economic policy decisions throughout his career, from his studies in Development Economics at Oxford and Sussex universities through roles at the Ministry of Finance, the International Monetary Fund, and the Bank of Botswana, to his eventual presidency.

    18 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Business

  1. BPC management says tariff structure unsustainable despite operational progress

    BPC told a parliamentary committee this week that while it has made measurable progress under its 2021 "Maduo 26" strategy, the current electricity tariff structure is no longer financially sustainable as costs continue to rise.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. First Capital Bank sponsors Women Evolve 2026 event

    First Capital Bank partnered as official financial sponsor for the Women Evolve event, a platform for women entrepreneurs, professionals, business leaders and aspiring innovators themed around women's role in business and leadership. The bank highlighted the financial sector's recognition of women's importance in driving economic growth and business resilience.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. BPC seeks tariff adjustment amid P3.5 billion creditor balance

    The Botswana Power Corporation has appealed to the government for urgent tariff adjustments, citing persistent net losses, tightening liquidity, and mounting cash flow constraints that have resulted in a creditor's balance of P3.5 billion.

    18 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  4. Air Botswana to lease jets to ease financial pressures

    Air Botswana will lease out its Embraer E175 and E170 aircraft to other airlines to generate short-term revenue amid mounting financial difficulties. The airline's new General Manager told Parliament the carrier operates a two-flight schedule requiring three aircraft but currently holds six.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Air Botswana board lacks quorum following recent resignations

    Air Botswana's newly appointed board is not quorate amid resignations. The airline's general manager says the airline has operated nearly six years without a stable governing structure, weakening oversight and disrupting operations at the national carrier.

    18 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  6. BIBF launches three new financial services programmes

    The Botswana Institute of Banking and Finance has launched three new programmes designed to produce graduates ready for the practical demands of the financial services sector, in direct response to industry needs.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  7. BAMB Plans Overhaul After P112.4 Million Losses

    The Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board is considering strategic reforms and a possible public-private partnership following losses of P112.4 million between 2022 and 2025, attributed to fraud, procurement failures, and operational weaknesses.

    18 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  8. Air Botswana posts losses despite P330 million revenue

    Three months after taking office, Air Botswana's chief executive reported mounting losses, debt pressures and fleet challenges to Parliament on Monday, even as the airline recorded its highest revenue of P330 million at the end of 2024.

    18 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  9. Auditor General flags P197 million unaccounted for at BAMB

    The Auditor General's report revealed P197 million in unaccounted for funds at BAMB, which were disbursed by government to procure produce from local farmers for the Strategic Grain Reserves. Before Parliament, BAMB's leadership was confronted with findings of weak internal controls, poor accountability, deteriorating infrastructure, and widespread negligence.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

Mining & Energy

  1. Boko sets 18-month deadline for Botswana nuclear reactors

    President Duma Boko has outlined plans for Botswana to move from uranium exploration to operational modular nuclear reactors within one and a half years amid global competition for uranium.

    18 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  2. Lucara Underground Project financing advances in first quarter

    Lucara Diamond Corp says financing and rare stone recoveries for its Karowe Underground Project strengthened its position in the first quarter of 2026, marking a key phase in the project's execution.

    18 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Agriculture & Land

  1. BAMB pursues P27 million debt from single grain company

    The Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board grapples with mounting debt, with only six percent reportedly recovered by February. Nearly P27 million of the outstanding debt is linked to a single company that collected grain from Pitshane silos without adequate guarantees or payment arrangements.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

Society

  1. Top referee provisionally charged with sexual misconduct

    A senior match official has been provisionally charged with sexual misconduct harassment following a complaint from fellow referee Lesang Tooto, a female official in Botswana. The disciplinary committee reviewed evidence and witness testimonies before laying charges.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. BTU defends Moriti insurance scheme for teacher protection

    The Botswana Teachers' Union (BTU) says the Moriti scheme, which launches this month, provides long-term protection for members against death, disability, critical illness and accidents, and that due process and consultations were conducted before implementation, though the union acknowledges some members have raised concerns about consultation and affordability.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Medical supply shortage exposes nurses to patient abuse

    A shortage of medical supplies in healthcare facilities nationwide is exposing nurses and midwives to abuse from patients, as they are often the first point of contact and bear the anger and frustration of the public over circumstances beyond their control.

    18 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  4. Ministry prioritises early childhood development training launch

    The Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education has launched training for early childhood development practitioners, with Minister Nono Kgafela-Mokoka arguing that investment in early years produces the highest social and economic returns and that early childhood development is foundational for learning, human capital development, social cohesion, and national prosperity.

    18 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Culture

  1. Bodiragatsi Jwame, Lentswe Lame expands to support youth creatives

    A P2 million-backed partnership is repositioning the Bodiragatsi Jwame, Lentswe Lame initiative from a talent showcase into a broader development platform aimed at creating sustainable opportunities for young creatives in Botswana's creative industry through skills development, entrepreneurship, and long-term support.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Mzansi Magic debuts drama series about a woman supporting her family

    Strings Attached, airing Mondays at 8pm on Mzansi Magic (Channel 161), follows a young woman who leaves school to support her family and attracts the attention of a wealthy and powerful man.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Malebogo Dintwe transforms childhood dream into culinary career

    Malebogo Dintwe, who grew up in Selebi Phikwe, initially aspired to work at a hotel front desk but enrolled at Gaborone Technical College in 2001 to pursue a Hospitality Operations course, where she gained competitive entry among nearly 1,000 applicants for 27 places. Between 2001 and 2004, she trained across hospitality's core pillars including cookery, eventually establishing herself as a respected chef commanding her own kitchen.

    18 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Sport

  1. Desert Race returns to Gaborone after years in Jwaneng

    Botswana's iconic 1,000km off-road motorsport endurance race is relocating from Jwaneng to Gaborone, with organisers expecting the move to mark a bigger, louder, and more commercially powerful era for the event.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Former Iran coach Amos refocuses on local talent development

    Amos, who was appointed Iran's middle-distance coach in October 2025 before departing, says he is realigning with his long-term coaching vision and priorities, citing achievements including international medals, national records, and athlete development during his tenure.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Men's 4x400m relay team named Team of the Year

    Botswana's men's 4x400m relay team, fresh from a 2025 World Championship triumph, was crowned Team of the Year, while coach Chilume 'Chippa' Ntshwarang was recognised for guiding the unit to continued success in global athletics.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. 2026 FIFA World Cup to feature 48 nations on DStv

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the USA, Mexico and Canada, will feature 48 nations and will be broadcast live on DStv, with matches available anytime and anywhere.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. 17-year-old Raguin loses professional tennis debut in Gaborone

    Ntungamili Raguin, 17, lost his first professional match at the ITF Gaborone M15 tournament, falling 7–5, 3–6, 5–7 to USA's Preston Brown. The youngster led 5–2 in the deciding set but attributed early nerves and fatigue to his inability to convert match points.

    18 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  6. Botswana gains experience at African Athletics Championships in Ghana

    Botswana's team management says the country's young athletes are gaining valuable experience competing at the ongoing African Athletics Championships in Ghana. As of Thursday, Botswana had secured two gold medals (Lee Eppie in the men's 400m and Kemorena Tisang in the men's 400m hurdles) and four silver medals, with the technical team having set an ambitious target of four gold medals.

    18 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Botswana and South Africa launch Kgalagadi conservation initiative

    Botswana and South Africa have launched a cross-border conservation initiative to strengthen management of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and unlock tourism-led economic growth and community development. The project, supported by the European Union through the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area Financing Facility and implemented in partnership with African Parks, reflects renewed commitment to biodiversity conservation and regional cooperation.

    18 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

World & Region

  1. Ramaphosa to visit Botswana for bilateral talks May 20-21

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit Botswana at President Duma Boko's invitation for a two-day State Visit to co-chair the sixth session of the Botswana-South Africa Bi-National Commission and strengthen cooperation across socio-economic, political, defence, security, and regional integration matters. The visit is expected to include bilateral agreements in water management, energy, corrections, tourism, and science and innovation.

    18 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Opinion

  1. Botswana drifting from press freedom principles, Mmegi warns

    On World Press Freedom Day, Mmegi warns that Botswana is "quietly drifting away" from independent and pluralistic media principles, with the media environment increasingly reflecting "quiet return of media capture" despite optimism after the 2024 political transition.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Media must hold power accountable, independent journalism essential

    An opinion piece argues that media should maintain independence from power, fulfilling its role to scrutinize the powerful while supporting the vulnerable. The piece cites Botswana's media for reporting on public health supply shortages and deteriorating school infrastructure.

    18 May 2026 · Mmegi →

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