The Speaker of the National Assembly and Leader of Opposition hailed Botswana's inaugural official opening of Parliament's Legislative business as an institutional statement that the legislature should be a co-equal and operationally independent branch of government, not subordinate to the Executive.
14 July 2026 · Mmegi →
The Speaker of the National Assembly and Leader of Opposition hailed Botswana's inaugural official opening of Parliament's Legislative business as an institutional statement that the legislature should be a co-equal and operationally independent branch of government, not subordinate to the Executive.
14 July 2026 · Mmegi →
A whistle-blower report presented to the Public Accounts Committee on Defence and Finance has exposed that the C-130 aircraft transferred to the Botswana Defence Force represent a lifecycle commitment rather than a straightforward donation, potentially creating a multi-billion Pula financial obligation for Botswana.
14 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
A whistleblower report alleges that Botswana's 2024 acquisition of a C-130 military cargo aircraft from the United States, described as a donation, required approximately US$20 million in payments plus an additional US$6 million anticipated for maintenance by 2026, totaling over US$26 million by 2027. The report characterizes the transaction as functioning economically as a sale or lease rather than a true donation.
14 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Parliament is establishing a credit and cooperative society (SACCOS) to assist MPs and ex-MPs struggling with employability and insufficient retirement benefits after leaving office, with support from the Botswana Savings and Credit Cooperative Association.
14 July 2026 · Mmegi →
Botswana People's Party president Motlatsi Molapise says the party has been infiltrated by individuals pursuing their own agendas rather than the party's interests, following recent dissolution of key party structures.
14 July 2026 · Mmegi →
The Botswana Patriotic Party dissolved its Youth League following disputes over funding and financial transparency demands, and the Youth League's failure to support party amendments ahead of an elective congress.
14 July 2026 · Mmegi →
The government has launched a voluntary separation programme targeting senior public servants without publicly disclosing how many positions could be abolished, whether vacancies will be filled, or what the future structure of the public service will look like.
14 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
The government has been accused of flouting the rule of law and deliberately delaying payment of millions of pula owed to 32 judge drivers over unpaid standby allowances. The judge drivers have accused the Attorney General's Chambers of attempting to evade its financial obligations despite a court award.
14 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
The Speaker of the National Assembly called on MPs to rise above partisanship in service of the nation, act as guardians of the Constitution and stewards of public trust, and view parliamentary scrutiny of budgets and spending as patriotic accountability rather than obstruction.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
The Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa, told Parliament that a high-performing legislature is measured not just by bills passed but by legislation quality, oversight effectiveness, and public trust. He called for constructive debates during the winter session, emphasizing that every debate and law should serve to improve the lives of Batswana and that lawmakers should work as a unit to advance citizens' interests, regardless of their political affiliations.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
The Speaker of the National Assembly says Parliament operates under financial constraints that limit MPs' ability to serve citizens effectively. Parliament's proposed recurrent budget is P206 million (0.2% of the total national budget) and development budget is P8 million (0.03% of the development allocation) for the 2026/2027 financial year.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
At the opening of the Third Meeting of the Second Session of the 13th Parliament, Leader of Opposition Dumelang Saleshando called for strengthening Parliament to ensure it becomes inclusive and reflects the vital role that both government and opposition play in democracy. He urged the Speaker and Clerk to ensure every parliamentary process inspired trust and treated all members equally.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Industry experts at the inaugural CEO Africa Roundtable argued that artificial intelligence is essential to achieving Botswana's goal of doubling its economy to $40 billion by 2036, with speakers emphasizing localized AI applications in manufacturing and supply chains as keys to economic diversification and reducing resource dependency.
14 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
A CEO roundtable in Gaborone heard that achieving a $40 billion economy by 2036 requires a fit, healthy workforce. BOMAID, which covers approximately 95,000 lives and holds a 54% market share in Botswana's medical aid sector, spent over P100 million on client care during COVID-19, demonstrating health's role as an economic pillar.
14 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
Botswana's tax agency announced a new 27.5% personal income tax for those earning above P400,001 annually, replacing the previous 25% maximum rate. The change is part of broader tax reforms aimed at expanding the tax base and improving compliance.
14 July 2026 · Mmegi →
Officials announced that private medical practitioners and deputy sheriffs will need to register for VAT as government modernises tax administration and boosts domestic revenue collection. Private healthcare providers previously exempt from VAT since 2023 will begin charging VAT from 1 August 2026, after a July adjustment period.
14 July 2026 · Mmegi →
Air Botswana's former captain Benedict Gaborakanelwe has disputed the national carrier's claim that he unlawfully refused to operate a Johannesburg flight, arguing he was following aviation safety procedures designed to prevent fatigued pilots from flying.
14 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Minet Group, a pan-African insurance brokerage and employee benefits firm with over 70 years of operational experience across nine African markets including Botswana, has completed its transition from Capitalworks to private equity firm Adenia Partners following regulatory approvals.
14 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe have launched the first phase of a fiber optic project linking Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, and the wider Paratus continental network. The initial active segment runs from Plumtree to Bulawayo as part of a public-private partnership agreement signed in June 2025.
14 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
CEO Africa Roundtable founder Kenias Mafukidze announced commitments to establish an investment desk, deliver three bankable flagship projects by 2027, and bring annual CEO delegations to Botswana, as part of a vision to help double the economy from $20 billion to $40 billion by 2036 through diversification away from raw commodity exports toward high-value industries including digital innovation, renewable energy, agro-processing, and tourism.
14 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
Botswana's tax revenue currently stands at approximately 13 per cent of GDP, and the Botswana Unified Revenue Services is pursuing reforms to Value Added Tax, Income Tax and the Tax Administration Act to increase this to 25 per cent over the next three years. Acting Commissioner General Phodiso Valashia said the goal is to enable Botswana to finance more of its own development, strengthen fiscal sovereignty, and reduce dependence on debt.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Botswana Oil Limited's P1 billion expansion of the Francistown fuel depot is 88 percent complete and on track for completion in April 2027. The project will add 60 million litres of storage capacity to the existing 38 million litres, significantly increasing the nation's strategic fuel storage and energy security.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
The Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) is commercialising research breakthroughs through licensing, full technology transfer, and spin-off companies to support local SMEs and create jobs. Acting Director Lesego Moribame outlined the institute's Technology Transfer Office framework, which uses intellectual property protection and business development to turn laboratory innovations into thriving businesses.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Botswana's local electricity production surged 72.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, driven by higher output from Morupule A and B power plants and solar facilities. The increase suggests the country's costly reliance on imported power may ease, following years of steep import bills that reached P1.7 billion in 2024.
14 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
President Advocate Duma Boko visited the Dibete Ostrich Multiplication Unit, a state-owned breeding facility established in 2006 near Gaborone, signalling a government push to revive Botswana's commercial ostrich sector as an alternative economic driver amid volatile diamond markets. The sector, which produces high-value feathers, lean meat and premium leather, has been constrained by the absence of a reliable local feed value chain.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Thatayaone Suping Suping is claiming more than P1 million in damages after the wrong medication was allegedly dispensed at Grand Health Pharmacy on December 19, 2025, leaving him with severe skin reactions, persistent itching, emotional trauma, and lasting embarrassment.
14 July 2026 · Mmegi →
A 32-year-old pedestrian died after being struck by a truck trailer in Mmopane; preliminary investigations suggest the front section of the truck had already passed before the trailer struck him.
14 July 2026 · Mmegi →
Water Utilities Corporation is nearing completion of multi-million Pula infrastructure projects in Tsabong District, with pipelines and upgrades between 98–99 per cent finished, to address a daily water deficit of 280 cubic meters. Solar-powered borehole conversions have been completed at Maralaleng, Omaweneno, Tsabong, and McCarthy's Rust.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
A teen has been charged with rape after an alleged attack in Kuke. The suspect claimed the two had previously been in a relationship, according to Gantsi Police Station Commander Superintendent Motlamedi George.
14 July 2026 · Mmegi →
Five suspects aged between 19 and 63 were arrested and charged with hunting without permission after allegedly being caught with 12 dead warthogs at a private game ranch in West Hanahai, near Gantsi. The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
14 July 2026 · Mmegi →
Botswana has reached its highest primary school enrolment in five years and moved closer to universal primary education, but a statistical review indicates that keeping children in classrooms remains a greater challenge than enrolling them.
14 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Maitlamo Junior Secondary School, opened in May 2016 in response to community concerns about overcrowding and distance at existing junior schools in Maun, celebrated ten years of operation marked by learner achievements, teacher commitment, and community support.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
The annual Kokotsha July Derby, organised by the Kokotsha Village Development Committee and Kokotsha Community Horse Racing Association, returns to Resting Place Grounds on July 20 with top local riders, community celebrations, and entertainment including performer Steve Mi'Gruva' Mane.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Botswana tennis player Ntungamili Raguin became the first from his country to reach the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Junior Championships, partnering with Nigeria's Oluwaseun Peter Ogunsakin in doubles. The unseeded pair lost to the top-seeded Brazilian and Slovakian players in the semi-final match tiebreak, but both players became the first from their respective nations to reach a Junior Grand Slam semi-final.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
France and Spain will play the first semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday evening, with Les Bleus having eliminated Morocco and La Roja overcoming Belgium. Kylian Mbappe leads France's attack with 8 goals and 3 assists in the tournament, while Spain won their most recent meeting 5-4 in the UEFA Nations League semifinals in June 2025.
14 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
Township Rollers have agreed a five-year technical sponsorship with Italian sportswear brand Diadora valued at P20 million, covering match kits, training gear, and technical apparel. The partnership is expected to ease operational costs and allow the club to invest in football development.
14 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
A coalition of Botswana Football League shareholders is mounting an effort to unseat board chairperson Sipho Showa, citing financial deterioration, governance lapses, and breach of an alleged July resolution endorsing board rotation. The dispute emerges amid the league's struggle with funding shortfalls and eroding commercial partnerships.
14 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
Freestyle dancer Alvan-Michael Okere has earned the right to represent Botswana at the Red Bull Dance Your Style global championship scheduled for October 24 in Zurich, Switzerland, after winning a competition following a year of intensive training.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
England and Argentina will face each other in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinal at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday evening, with the winner advancing to Sunday night's final. England defeated Norway in the previous round through Jude Bellingham's brace, while Argentina overcame Switzerland with a goal from Julian Alvarez.
14 July 2026 · Weekend Post →
Botswana's Hospitality and Tourism Association has disputed long-standing claims that most international visitor spending never reaches the country's economy, arguing that only a fraction is retained abroad as travel agent commissions.
14 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Debswana has invested P1.7 million to develop a heritage centre at Mmalekwa Cultural Heritage Site in Kanye, the burial place of Bangwaketse chiefs and forefathers. The project aims to preserve local history and culture, support heritage tourism, and create economic opportunities for the community.
14 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Former president Ian Khama has alleged that individuals linked to Zimbabwe have been dispatched to Botswana as part of a plot against him, following tensions with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government.
14 July 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →