Botswana Minute.
Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 10 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Politics

BCP legislator Nkawana reflects on political journey

The News

Nkawana, a 70-year-old Botswana Congress Party legislator now in his second term, spent over 34 years in public service before entering politics. He ran unsuccessfully for Parliament in Gaborone South (2009) and Selebi-Phikwe East (2014) before winning seats in 2019 and 2024, and believes the Selebi-Phikwe constituency is a BCP stronghold.

Why it matters

BCP legislator Nkawana's political journey reflects party consolidation in Selebi-Phikwe and broader parliamentary representation trends.

10 June 2026 · Mmegi

Politics

  1. BCP legislator Nkawana reflects on political journey

    Nkawana, a 70-year-old Botswana Congress Party legislator now in his second term, spent over 34 years in public service before entering politics. He ran unsuccessfully for Parliament in Gaborone South (2009) and Selebi-Phikwe East (2014) before winning seats in 2019 and 2024, and believes the Selebi-Phikwe constituency is a BCP stronghold.

    10 June 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Sepopa double murder trial pre-trial requirements still pending

    The prosecution and defence have not yet complied with pre-trial Order 68 requirements in the case against Sepopa, who is accused of fatally shooting his wife Bogolo Sepopa and junior Same Moapare in July 2023. The High Court adjourned the matter to November 9, 2026, with the accused remaining out on bail.

    10 June 2026 · Mmegi

  3. Statutory instrument removes Penal Code provisions criminalizing carnal knowledge

    On 27 March 2026, the Law Revision Commissioner published Statutory Instrument No. 41 of 2026, which deleted paragraphs (a) and (c) of section 164 of the Penal Code that had criminalized carnal knowledge against the order of nature and permitting such an act. The article raises questions about whether this constituted rectification or reform of law that Parliament had previously deferred addressing.

    10 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

Business

  1. Botswana ranks fastest-growing debt surge globally: IMF

    According to new International Monetary Fund data released Monday, Botswana has been ranked as the country with the fastest-growing debt surge in the world, placing scrutiny on public finances and raising questions about implications for households.

    10 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  2. Foreign reserves rise to P56 billion in March

    Botswana's foreign reserves improved from P55.3 billion in February to P56 billion in March, with the Pula Fund reaching P29.1 billion and the Government Investment Account at P9.1 billion, driven by factors including diamond earnings and hard currency-denominated debt.

    10 June 2026 · Mmegi

  3. Key economic recovery projects proceed despite growth challenges

    Lobatse MP Kamal Jacobs says government priority projects for economic resuscitation and employment creation are progressing on schedule, citing the Milk Valley Farm expansion programme (expecting 200 cows from Brazil by June 2026), BMC and tannery upgrades, and meat value-addition facilities as examples advancing domestic production and reducing import reliance.

    10 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  4. Botswana launches P25.5 billion mixed-use development near airport

    Botswana has begun construction of a P25.5 billion mixed-use development near Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, described as one of the country's largest private-sector-led investments aimed at diversifying growth beyond diamonds.

    10 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  5. Botswana's Government Investment Account rebounds in March

    Botswana's fiscal savings account has staged a remarkable recovery after months of decline, with fresh Bank of Botswana figures showing a sharp rebound in the Government Investment Account (GIA) during March.

    10 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  6. Botswana's inflation falls below target, but food prices remain high

    Botswana's consumer price growth fell below the central bank's target range for a second consecutive year in 2025, but persistent increases in food prices continued to erode household purchasing power, particularly among lower-income families.

    10 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  7. Letshego withdraws from five African markets after losses

    Letshego Africa Holdings is withdrawing from Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda following a combined loss after tax of P519.5 million in the year ended December 2025, despite operating income of P1.46 billion.

    10 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  8. BVI capacity constraints cost Botswana key market

    Botswana Vaccine Institute's struggle to meet regional demand for foot-and-mouth disease vaccines is causing South Africa to turn to alternative suppliers after years of relying on the state-owned producer.

    10 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  9. Botswana banks profit down 13.8% in Q1 2026

    Botswana's nine commercial banks posted combined net profit of P851.5 million in the first quarter of 2026, down 13.8 percent from P988.1 million in Q1 2025, as rising funding costs and credit risk pressures weighed on earnings.

    10 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

Mining & Energy

  1. Botswana unlikely to face major power cuts this winter

    Government officials express confidence that Botswana's power supply will stabilise during the peak winter season, and the Ministry of Minerals and Energy says the Botswana Power Corporation is not expected to introduce large-scale load shedding.

    10 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  2. Diamond workers launch nationwide campaign for higher wages

    Diamond workers are set to launch labour campaigns across Botswana's mining value chain, arguing that the industry generates billions in wealth while employees remain poor.

    10 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  3. Court of Appeal backs Nova Africa for Mupane Gold Mine

    The Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the Nova Africa consortium and liquidator Kopanang Thekiso over rival bidder Ulsan Botswana in the Mupane Gold Mine liquidation proceedings, which the Botswana Mineworkers Union initiated in February 2025 on behalf of frustrated members.

    10 June 2026 · Mmegi

Agriculture & Land

  1. Serowe residents oppose private paving stone mining license

    Residents of Khumase lands in Serowe have petitioned the President against private mining of paving stones in their area, alleging that a community trust member acquired a prospecting license for personal benefit while the community was establishing a community trust since 2017.

    10 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Society

  1. Government unable to trace fake Facebook accounts

    The government has admitted it cannot unmask fake Facebook accounts harassing citizens, though experts argue that digital footprints can be traced by investigators with appropriate tools.

    10 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  2. Ministry confirms isolated Ebola screening refusals at border

    The Ministry of Health has encountered instances of travellers refusing Ebola screening at Tlokweng Border Post, but says the cases remain isolated and the situation is under control with awareness efforts ongoing.

    10 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  3. Government securing months of medicines via emergency procurement

    Health Minister Stephen Modise announced that government is addressing medicine shortages through emergency procurement measures, including six to 12 months' worth of supplies from the IDA Foundation and seven months' worth from the United Arab Emirates, with additional consignments arriving in coming weeks.

    10 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Culture

  1. Artist Wame Bodutu celebrates African culture through visual art

    Wame Bodutu, an Afrocentric visual artist from Molepolole, has pursued art since primary school in 2008 and graduated from the University of Botswana with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2024. After mentorship from artists Bezuba Kaunda and Rodney Keitemoge, she has moved into mural painting and sold artworks, inspiring other women to pursue creative careers.

    10 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Sport

  1. Botswana swimmers win two bronze medals at African championships

    Botswana swimmers won two bronze medals at the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Open Water Championships in Mauritius, with Benco Van Rooyen and Muela Mutie taking medals in their respective divisions. The achievement is notable given Botswana's lack of natural marine environments for training, with the team competing against athletes from coastal nations with year-round ocean and river access.

    10 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Kanye United wins Southern Block promotion playoffs

    Kanye United secured promotion to the Debswana First Division South after winning the 2026 BFA Southern Block Promotional Playoffs with 12 points and +7 goal difference. The team will compete in the top division next season against established clubs.

    10 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

World & Region

  1. US official praises Botswana ties built on shared democratic values

    A US official stated that the enduring relationship between the United States and Botswana is built on shared values, citing the fact that the US is the world's oldest democracy and Botswana is Africa's oldest multi-party democracy, both sharing belief in the rule of law and government by elected officials.

    10 June 2026 · Mmegi

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