Botswana Minute.
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
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Archive Minute from Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Mining & Energy

Botswana admitted to World Federation Diamond Bourses

The News

Botswana's admission to the WFDB through the Botswana Mercantile Exchange and Diamond Hub signals the country's intention to strengthen its role in diamond trade facilitation and position itself as an international diamond trading hub. Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Kenewendo said the membership would enable Botswana to work with global partners in reigniting the diamond sector.

Why it matters

Botswana's admission to the World Federation Diamond Bourses signals intent to reignite the diamond sector as a trading hub.

19 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Mining & Energy

  1. Botswana admitted to World Federation Diamond Bourses

    Botswana's admission to the WFDB through the Botswana Mercantile Exchange and Diamond Hub signals the country's intention to strengthen its role in diamond trade facilitation and position itself as an international diamond trading hub. Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Kenewendo said the membership would enable Botswana to work with global partners in reigniting the diamond sector.

    19 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Unherded cattle hampering FMD surveillance in Lobatse area

    FMD surveillance in Zone 11 around Lobatse is being delayed by farmers' unkraaled livestock, particularly at Peleng Dam where cattle from neighbouring villages gather. The Department of Veterinary Services has so far examined 15,000 cattle and vaccinated 7,761 livestock in the Lobatse office area, but is urging farmers to construct temporary cattle crushes to facilitate disease control measures.

    19 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Society

  1. Defendant claims confession coerced in Karema murder case

    Sithole, accused of killing Tlotso Karema in 2022 at Lobatse, disputes his confession statement before court, with his defence attorney arguing the admission was extracted through police torture. An investigating officer testified Sithole admitted to the killing and described using a needle and bathing with the victim's blood before dumping the body near Kanye.

    19 May 2026 · Mmegi →

Culture

  1. Botswana gospel artist Selebo nominated for two US music awards

    Gospel artiste Gaone Selebo has earned a double nomination at the Gospel Choice Music Award in Atlanta, Georgia, recognised in Gospel Religious Promoter of the year and Radio Announcer of the year categories. She previously won Best Radio Announcer of the year at the same awards last year.

    19 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Sport

  1. Desert Race returns to Gaborone with improved safety measures

    The second round of the Botswana Off Road Racing Championship will take place in Gaborone during June 19–21. Race director Moin Ahmad said organisers are aware of previous spectator chaos and congestion issues, particularly from the event's years in Jwaneng, and are working to address them.

    19 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Dinare take first-leg advantage in Premier League promotion race

    Two teams are contending for the single remaining Premier League slot after Prisons XI and Tonota FC secured automatic promotion. Dinare won the first leg of their two-legged playoff.

    19 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Chiefs reach Orange FA Cup final after beating Orapa

    Chiefs (Magosi) defeated Orapa United 2-1 in the Orange FA Cup semi-final at the National Stadium on Saturday evening, advancing to the Season 7 final where they will face defending champions Jwaneng Galaxy.

    19 May 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. Botswana confirmed to host 25th African Athletics Championships 2028

    Botswana will host the 25th African Senior Athletics Championships in 2028, with the Confederation of African Athletics confirming the hosting rights after the Botswana Athletics Association presented its readiness case. It will be Botswana's first time hosting the African Senior Championships.

    19 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  5. Botswana hosts ITF World Tennis Tour events with global participation

    Gaborone hosted the ITF World Tennis Tour M15 and W15 events, attracting over 500 entries from 28 countries across six continents. The tournaments demonstrated international confidence in Botswana as a capable host of world-class sporting events.

    19 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  6. Matebele football club to fold due to financial difficulties

    Matebele director Lame Mokache says the club will cease operations on 22 May 2026 because financial difficulties and the current economic environment make it too expensive to continue sponsoring football.

    19 May 2026 · Mmegi →

World & Region

  1. Xi uses Chinese philosophy to promote China-U.S. coexistence

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump visited the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, where Xi explained the traditional Chinese philosophy of "Hehe" (peace, harmony and coexistence) to Trump as a foundation for a stable China-U.S. relationship. Trump concluded his state visit and departed for Washington on Friday.

    19 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

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