Botswana Minute.
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
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Politics

Government shifts outsourced services back to direct management

The News

The government's insourcing policy aims to bring selected services previously outsourced to private companies back under direct state management to improve public service delivery, create stable jobs for citizens, and reduce reliance on private contractors. The policy was prompted by persistent challenges with outsourcing, including rising costs, poor accountability, and worker welfare concerns.

Why it matters

Insourcing policy shifts public services from private contractors to state management, promising better delivery, accountability, and job creation for citizens.

20 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

Politics

  1. Government shifts outsourced services back to direct management

    The government's insourcing policy aims to bring selected services previously outsourced to private companies back under direct state management to improve public service delivery, create stable jobs for citizens, and reduce reliance on private contractors. The policy was prompted by persistent challenges with outsourcing, including rising costs, poor accountability, and worker welfare concerns.

    20 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

Business

  1. Commercial bank credit growth slows to 2.6 percent

    The Financial Stability Council reports that annual growth in commercial bank credit has declined to 2.6 percent in February 2026 from 5.8 percent a year earlier, as banks face liquidity pressures that have prompted some to pause lending and focus on balance sheet stability.

    7 hours ago · Mmegi →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Selebi Phikwe citrus project expansion requires stakeholder consultation

    The Minister for State, President, Defence and Security says proper consultations with relevant stakeholders will be undertaken before the Selebi Phikwe Citrus Project expands its operational land. The project currently employs more than 300 permanent staff and has contributed to job creation and economic diversification in the region.

    20 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  2. Government deploys 1,050 workers to support FMD containment efforts

    Botswana's Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has deployed 1,050 Ikageng Workers to support foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control activities across villages in Ramotswa, Good Hope, and Tsabong districts. The workers will assist in establishing a containment zone to isolate affected areas and protect the country's livestock industry and international trade status.

    20 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

  3. Ministry directs assessment of FMD-affected farmers and livestock households

    The Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has instructed District Councils in Foot and Mouth Disease affected areas to assess and register farming communities and livestock-dependent households impacted by the outbreak. The exercise aims to establish the scale of impact and build a database to guide government decisions on relief and support interventions.

    20 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

Society

  1. School Feeding Programme advances despite supplier delays

    The School Feeding Programme is being implemented across Kanye District despite delays in food commodity supplies affecting schools and staff. All schools have received sorghum meal, milk, and tea, with some schools partially supplied beans and samp; the council received P6,531,500 in first-quarter funding to reinstate fruits and vegetables supply in Term 2.

    20 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

Culture

  1. GIMC Afro Tech returns with focus on inclusivity

    The Gaborone International Music and Culture Afro Tech event resumes on June 30 at the GICC marquee, featuring DJ Kabila and local DJs, with organizers emphasizing support for marginalised groups including women, youth, and disabled artists.

    20 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

Sport

  1. Bona Life renews sponsorship of Clash of Legends this weekend

    Bona Life has renewed its title sponsorship of the 2026 Betway Clash of Legends, an event at the National Stadium bringing together former football greats from Township Rollers, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates to celebrate football heritage and community pride.

    7 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. BDF Karate Open Championships scheduled for June 2026

    The Botswana Defence Force Karate Open Championships scheduled for 20 June 2026 aim to bring together karate athletes from across Botswana in a national competition focused on development, discipline, and performance.

    7 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette →

  3. BDF hosts inaugural Botswana Karate Open in June

    Botswana Defence Force will stage its inaugural Karate Open Championship on June 20 at the UB Indoor Sports Arena, open to all karate styles in the country and featuring athletes from BDF's seven karate clubs and other institutions nationwide across multiple age groups and categories.

    20 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

World & Region

  1. Boko calls for unified African response to Ebola outbreak

    President Advocate Duma Boko called for urgent political, financial and technical support to contain the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, emphasizing that infectious diseases transcend borders and require collective action. Speaking at a June 16 virtual meeting, Boko stressed the importance of regional cooperation, protecting frontline health workers, and enhanced cross-border surveillance to respond to the outbreak, which has a joint preparedness and response plan valued at US$518 million.

    20 hours ago · Daily News Botswana →

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