Botswana Minute.
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
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Archive Minute from Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Politics

New Employment and Labour Relations Act takes effect July 2026

The News

Botswana's Employment and Labour Relations Act (ELRA), which came into full effect on July 1, 2026, consolidates three separate pieces of legislation into a unified framework to modernize employment standards and strengthen worker protections. The law introduces significant changes including caps on fixed-term contracts at 12 months unless objectively justified, with breaches resulting in automatic conversion to indefinite status.

7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

Politics

  1. New Employment and Labour Relations Act takes effect July 2026

    Botswana's Employment and Labour Relations Act (ELRA), which came into full effect on July 1, 2026, consolidates three separate pieces of legislation into a unified framework to modernize employment standards and strengthen worker protections. The law introduces significant changes including caps on fixed-term contracts at 12 months unless objectively justified, with breaches resulting in automatic conversion to indefinite status.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Suspended Kweneng Land Board chair plans to reapply for position

    Kgang Kgang, suspended chairperson of the Kweneng Land Board for more than a year, has announced his intention to apply for renewal of his term when his contract expires. Corruption charges against him were withdrawn by the courts due to insufficient evidence, but his suspension remains in place without a formal disciplinary hearing, and he says the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture has not responded to his letters seeking clarity on his case.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

  3. BNF postpones executive secretary's disciplinary hearing

    The Botswana National Front has deferred the disciplinary hearing of its executive secretary, who was suspended in February and faces allegations of abuse of office and misconduct. The postponement follows his request for documents and witness details needed to prepare his defence.

    7 July 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. Court halts Bargaining Council activities pending ruling

    An interim court order has halted operations of the Public Service Bargaining Council after the Manual Workers Union challenged the constitutionality of the body, arguing its framework is legally questionable.

    7 July 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. Government limits Top Achievers sponsorship to undergraduate studies

    Starting in 2026/2027, government will sponsor qualifying beneficiaries for undergraduate studies only, ending Master's and Doctoral programme coverage. The move aims to ensure financial sustainability, with beneficiaries required to select A-Level subjects aligned with government priority skills, and government determining study destinations based on programme quality, accreditation, and cost-effectiveness.

    7 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  6. Speaker urges MPs to strengthen knowledge and ethical leadership

    Speaker Dithapelo Keorapetse called on Members of Parliament to continuously strengthen their knowledge, skills and ethical leadership, saying an effective legislature is central to good governance. He said Parliament should embrace technological innovation, including artificial intelligence, to improve its functions.

    7 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  7. Kelebeng brings fresh parliamentary energy through sports and arts background

    A fellow MP praises Minister Kelebeng for bringing youthful energy to Parliament and the sport and arts fraternity, crediting him with sponsoring three Bills including the Cinematography Bill, and overseeing the successful hosting of the World Relays. Kelebeng and his colleague met during opposition student activism at the University of Botswana.

    7 July 2026 · Mmegi →

  8. BPF unity talks collapse amid faction sabotage accusations

    Fresh efforts to reunite the Botswana Patriotic Front have failed, with rival factions trading accusations over the collapse of a reconciliation process intended to end the party's leadership dispute.

    7 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  9. Statutory instrument deletes Penal Code provisions criminalizing homosexuality

    On 27 March 2026, the Law Revision Commissioner published Statutory Instrument No. 41 of 2026, deleting paragraphs (a) and (c) of section 164 of the Penal Code that criminalized carnal knowledge against the order of nature and permitting such an act. The article raises questions about the constitutional method and authority behind the removal.

    7 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  10. Palapye council chair dispute moves to Lobatse High Court

    David Ikanyeng has withdrawn his urgent High Court case in Gaborone and will instead pursue a judicial review in the Lobatse High Court challenging Minister Motshegwa's decision to reinstate Kabo Ketshogile as Palapye District Council chairman.

    7 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Business

  1. Botswana's merchandise trade rebounds in April 2026

    Botswana's international merchandise trade recovered strongly in April 2026 after a sharp slowdown the previous month, though a trade deficit persisted.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Cooperatives identified as driver of Botswana's economic resilience

    The Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship said cooperatives are suited community-based enterprises to help reposition the country's economy. Financial cooperatives serve nearly 70,000 citizens, with mobilised savings of approximately P1.8 billion and member loans worth P2.6 billion.

    7 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  3. Economy expanded 3.5 percent in first quarter

    The economy expanded by 3.5 percent in the first quarter, with most sectors recording growth, while agriculture and construction declined. The Finance Ministry views this as a sign of possible rebound this year.

    7 July 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. Bank of Botswana posts P5.2 billion profit for 2025

    The Bank of Botswana posted net income of P5.2 billion in 2025, up from P3.9 billion the previous year, driven by realised investment gains and foreign exchange sales despite significant unrealised market losses.

    7 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  5. Former BCL miners petition presidency to fire liquidator

    Former BCL Mine workers have petitioned the Office of the President to terminate the liquidator's contract, citing alleged opacity in the mine's wind-down process.

    7 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  6. Botswana economy returns to growth after two-year contraction

    Botswana's economy returned to growth in the first quarter of 2026, ending two years of contraction as diamond-related activity and electricity production rebounded. However, the recovery remains uneven, with weak household spending, lower investment, and a sharp fall in exports highlighting the fragility of the upturn.

    7 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  7. BURS implements major tax law overhaul from July

    The Botswana Unified Revenue Service has implemented a raft of new tax laws from July 1 aimed at tightening compliance, broadening the tax base and modernising revenue administration, marking the country's biggest tax system overhaul in decades.

    7 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  8. G4S Botswana narrows losses but profitability remains elusive

    G4S Botswana's latest financial results show the security firm has moved beyond crisis management into early recovery, with a sharply narrower loss and stronger operating margins, though the business is still searching for a sustainable return to profitability.

    7 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Mining & Energy

  1. Botswana mining sector rebounds in Q1 2026

    The Index of Mining Production rose to 82.2 in Q1 2026, up from 77.2 a year earlier, marking a 6.3 percent year-on-year increase after a difficult 2025 when diamond production declined. The quarter-on-quarter jump from 40.9 in Q4 2025 to 82.2 in Q1 2026 signals recovery in a sector critical to Botswana's economy.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Government ramps up non-diamond mineral exploration investment

    Botswana's government is launching a major mining sector shake-up to reduce reliance on diamonds and diversify mineral wealth. At the Future of Mining Summit, the Minister of Minerals and Energy outlined plans to increase investment in non-diamond mineral exploration and regulatory reforms, setting a target to boost spending on non-diamond exploration to P150 million by 2029.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

  3. Vice President outlines sustainable mining strategy at global summit

    Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe addressed the Future of Mining Summit in Botswana on June 29, 2026, presenting a roadmap that links resource development to industrial diversification and environmental stewardship, emphasizing that mining must extend beyond extraction to foster diversified economies and resilient communities.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

  4. De Beers contributed P11.3 billion to Botswana economy in 2025

    De Beers contributed an estimated P11.31 billion to Botswana's economy in 2025 through taxes, local procurement, wages, and shareholder returns, slightly below the previous year's P11.47 billion despite continued global diamond market weakness.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

  5. Turkish group AgaOne acquires Mupane gold mine stake

    Following a legal battle, Turkish precious metals group AgaOne Commodities, in partnership with citizen-owned Nova Africa, has acquired a stake in Mupane gold mine. AgaOne's chairman plans to restart gold production and expand operations.

    7 July 2026 · Mmegi →

  6. New BERA board to strengthen energy regulation and oversight

    The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority has announced a new Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Energy and Minerals. The board is expected to strengthen energy regulation, licensing oversight, tariff-setting, compliance enforcement and consumer protection.

    7 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  7. Botswana backs mining exploration beyond diamonds

    Botswana is committing new resources to exploration and implementing a sharper exploration push with higher spending targets, aiming to build a stronger pipeline for mineral discoveries beyond diamonds.

    7 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  8. De Beers sale completion expected within weeks

    De Beers' chief executive has indicated that the long-running uncertainty surrounding the diamond company's future ownership could soon end, with a sale potentially completed within weeks.

    7 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

  9. Botswana power imports fall as local generation reaches record

    Botswana reduced its dependence on imported electricity in the first quarter of 2026 after local power generation surged to its highest level on record, marking a milestone in the country's pursuit of energy security.

    7 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Former BDP candidate claims loss of prime Hika La Ngwanyana land

    Rev. Dr. Rupert Hambira, former BDP parliamentary candidate for Gaborone Central, has lodged a formal complaint to Bakgatla Ba Ga Mmanaana Kgosi Oscar Mosielele regarding the loss of his one-hectare piece of land adjacent to Hika La Ngwanyana dam, alleging it was taken under pretext of developments that have not materialized and that he was dissatisfied with the process and handling of his concerns.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Matopi farmers, South African firm launch joint venture

    The Matopi Commercial Farmers Association and South Africa's Pinion have signed a Joint Venture Agreement to establish Matopinion Farming (Pty) Ltd, backed by projected investment exceeding P288 million and expected to create 183 direct jobs. The partnership is positioned as part of Botswana's economic diversification away from diamonds and toward agricultural modernization and export-oriented growth.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

  3. Beef measles surge detected in Chobe District cattle

    The Department of Veterinary Services has raised concern over a spike in beef measles cases detected in cattle at slaughter facilities in Chobe District between March and May, with six cases in May, nine in April, and one in March. A principal veterinary officer attributed the surge to a breakdown in sanitation and hygiene standards, noting the parasitic disease spreads when cattle ingest tapeworm eggs from human faeces on pasture.

    7 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  4. Botswana Meat Commission payment delays persist despite reform pledges

    Two months after delivering over 800 cattle to the Botswana Meat Commission's Maun abattoir, farmers in Ngamiland await payment despite assurances payments would be made within days. The Ngamiland Joint Farmers Association chairman said the delays have left farmers struggling with bank loans and operational costs, and the group plans to petition if the situation does not improve.

    7 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →

Society

  1. Judge rejects BHC legal defense in employee removal case

    A Maun High Court judge has rejected the Botswana Housing Corporation's legal argument in a case brought by three former employees challenging their removal. The applicants are seeking a declaration that their June 19, 2026 dismissal letters are unlawful and should be set aside.

    7 July 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Man accused of rape and murder found dead

    A man wanted by police on a warrant of arrest was found hanging by a passerby. He had been out on bail in connection with a rape case in which he was accused of raping his own daughter when she was 14 years old in December 2024.

    7 July 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Toddler in critical condition after gas truck collision

    A toddler was struck by a gas delivery vehicle as it was leaving a yard after offloading a cylinder. The child sustained serious head injuries and remains in critical condition at Princess Marina Hospital.

    7 July 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. Police arrest two over suspected illegal game meat possession

    Two people were arrested after police, acting on a public tip-off, caught them in possession of suspicious quantities of fresh meat.

    7 July 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. NAHPHA urges Prison Service to develop condom access policy

    The National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency has called on the Botswana Prison Service to lead the development of a policy framework allowing condom distribution to inmates, with NAHPHA offering support.

    7 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  6. Afrobarometer survey shows Batswana anxiety over jobs, living costs

    An Afrobarometer survey reveals growing public dissatisfaction in Botswana, with unemployment, rising cost of living, and widening inequality identified as the country's biggest concerns.

    7 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  7. Government to monitor P300 child support grant spending

    The government will closely monitor the new P300 Child Support Grant to ensure it is spent on its intended use. The Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has warned mothers and primary caregivers that the grant must be used exclusively for its designated purpose.

    7 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  8. Teachers union urges boycott of proposed national schools music festival

    Botswana Teachers Union is calling on educators to withdraw from the proposed National Schools Music Eisteddfod, citing lack of consultation, remuneration agreements, and fair working conditions.

    7 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Sport

  1. CAF rejects proposal to expand AFCON to 28 teams

    The Confederation of African Football has rejected a proposal by CAF President Patrice Motsepe to expand the Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams, citing lack of internal consultation and concerns about logistical, financial, and competitive implications. The decision maintains the current 24-team format in place since 2017.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Schoolteacher coach quietly shaped Botswana sprint talent

    Chilume Ntshwarang, a reserved schoolteacher and coach known as "Chippa," has spent more than two decades developing Botswana's sprint athletes, including Collen Kebinatshipi, while deliberately avoiding the spotlight and prioritizing results over recognition.

    7 July 2026 · Weekend Post →

  3. Gabs Open karate championship attracts over 600 competitors

    Organisers of the 16th Gabs Open International Karate Championships say the tournament has potential to become one of the continent's premier karate competitions. The World Karate Federation-sanctioned event attracted over 600 youth, cadet and elite karatekas from the region and beyond, including competitors from South Africa, Oman, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and interest from European nations, the United States, and North Africa.

    7 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  4. Mazottie FC qualifies for national women's football championships semifinals

    Mazottie FC advanced to the National DTCB Women's Football Championships semifinals after winning their block playoffs over the weekend with victories over Makufa SC (5-1) and Maletamotse SC (1-0). The semifinals are scheduled for Gaborone on July 25-26.

    7 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

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