Botswana Minute.
Monday, 17 August 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 17 August 2026
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Archive Minute from Monday, 17 August 2026
Politics

Chief Justice rejects LSB bid to block South African FMD lawyer

The News

The High Court dismissed the Law Society of Botswana's urgent application to rescind the ad hoc admission of South African Advocate Reginald Willis, who was brought in to represent two companies challenging the government's handling of foot-and-mouth disease affecting Botswana's cattle industry and beef exports. Chief Justice Ketlogetswe found the LSB's challenge "misconceived" and ruled that the Society had been properly notified and was not a necessary party to the underlying application.

17 August 2026 · Mmegi

Politics

  1. Chief Justice rejects LSB bid to block South African FMD lawyer

    The High Court dismissed the Law Society of Botswana's urgent application to rescind the ad hoc admission of South African Advocate Reginald Willis, who was brought in to represent two companies challenging the government's handling of foot-and-mouth disease affecting Botswana's cattle industry and beef exports. Chief Justice Ketlogetswe found the LSB's challenge "misconceived" and ruled that the Society had been properly notified and was not a necessary party to the underlying application.

    17 August 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Unions call on UDC to step down after failed salary negotiations

    Labour movements have concluded that the UDC government has failed to address pressing issues from its 2024 election campaign and should make way for another administration. The standoff stems from nearly two years of stalled salary negotiations between unions and the government, with the dispute escalated to the courts.

    17 August 2026 · Mmegi

  3. UDC leadership absences attributed to government responsibilities

    UDC spokesperson Molutsi said the party president and deputy president's demanding government responsibilities make it difficult for them to attend NEC meetings, though he maintained the NEC continues to meet with representatives from coalition parties and communicates with the two leaders through briefings and resolutions.

    17 August 2026 · Mmegi

  4. Forensic audit report remains undisclosed to government officials

    Former Permanent Secretary to the President Emma Peloetletse has disclosed that neither senior nor junior government officials, including herself, have seen the final report of Botswana's long-anticipated forensic audit.

    17 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  5. DIS employs 54 deputy directors costing P26 million annually

    The Directorate of Intelligence and Security has made an unprecedented appointment of 54 deputy directors at the E2 scale level, costing P25,920,000 annually in salary expenses, according to a revelation by Ramotswa MP Boniface Mabeo. The Permanent Secretary to the President has promised a thorough investigation following the disclosure.

    17 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  6. Seretse files misconduct complaint against Judge Cameron

    Businessman Bakang Seretse has filed a formal complaint against retired South African Constitutional Court Judge Edwin Cameron, who serves on the Botswana Court of Appeal, accusing him of prejudgment and intemperate judicial language in cases related to the National Petroleum Fund scandal.

    17 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  7. PSP to consult DIS over P100 billion controversy

    The Permanent Secretary to the President said the Office of the PSP will consult the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Director General over allegations of missing P100 billion from the Bank of Botswana in 2019, following contradicting assertions made during Public Accounts Committee appearances by the DIS, DPP, and DCEC.

    17 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  8. 299 BDF non-commissioned officers complete basic military training

    A total of 299 non-commissioned officers of the Botswana Defence Force have completed a six-month basic military training course. The Minister for State President, Defence and Security commended the graduates for their resilience and patriotism, emphasizing the importance of upholding the honour of the uniform and government priorities including strengthened border security through technology.

    17 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Business

  1. Household debt reaches P68.6 billion as overcommitment rises

    Financial overcommitment occurs when monthly income cannot adequately cover both household needs and debt obligations. The Bank of Botswana estimated household debt at P68.6 billion in December 2024, up 12% from P61 billion in the previous survey.

    17 August 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Botswana's nation brand shapes capital investment decisions

    A country's reputation—shaped by perceptions of political stability, contract certainty, skills, infrastructure, and government responsiveness—influences the cost of capital and foreign direct investment alongside traditional factors like tax rates and logistics.

    17 August 2026 · Mmegi

  3. Botswana's first major steel-processing plant targets 2027 launch

    A new downstream steel-processing facility plans to produce about 100,000 tonnes annually, targeting Botswana's solar power industry which relies on galvanised steel. Construction is expected to complete by December, with production targeted for the first quarter of 2027.

    17 August 2026 · Mmegi

  4. BITC and BIUST sign five-year partnership for STEM growth

    The Botswana Investment and Trade Centre and Botswana International University of Science and Technology have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding to combine research, investment and youth talent to drive economic growth and position Botswana as a regional hub for science, technology and innovation.

    17 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  5. Corruption drives P174.68 million in CEDA, BDC criminal proceeds

    A Financial Intelligence Agency report on money laundering and financing risks within development institutions found that corruption accounted for P174.68 million, or roughly 87 percent, of identified criminal proceeds from offenses reported since 2021 at CEDA and BDC.

    17 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  6. BPC awards P1 billion smart meter tender amid pricing dispute

    Botswana Power Corporation's smart electricity meter procurement tender (7392/25-01) drew 21 bids, with the lowest international bidder receiving 70 percent allocation while a local joint venture quoted roughly four times the price. BPC says the process was transparent and governed by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority.

    17 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  7. BPOPF assets grow 10.2% toward P130bn target by 2027

    The Botswana Public Officers' Pension Fund's assets grew 10.2% to P116.38 billion, leaving it P1.7 billion short of its P130 billion strategic target expected by March 2027. Growth came despite a 39% increase in benefits paid during the year, driven by higher retirements, death benefits, and transfers out of the fund.

    17 August 2026 · Mmegi

  8. Risk of terrorism financing exists despite lack of evidence

    A Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship warned that the absence of evidence of terrorism financing or proliferation financing does not mean these risks do not exist, speaking at the launch of a Sectoral Risk Assessment Report for Development Finance Institutions by the Financial Intelligence Agency. He called for vigilance, collaboration and accountability, noting that development finance institutions' high-volume lending and financing of legal persons could obscure beneficial ownership and increase susceptibility to misuse.

    17 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  9. Botswana's four public universities sign procurement cooperation pact

    University of Botswana, Botswana Open University, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, and Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on public procurement practice, establish best-practice frameworks, and explore joint purchasing arrangements to leverage their combined budget of more than P6 billion.

    17 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  10. DFIs urged to strengthen financial crime controls before evaluation

    Development Finance Institutions have been urged to strengthen their anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing controls as Botswana prepares for a critical mutual evaluation of its financial crime controls. A Sectoral Risk Assessment Report for DFIs launched by the Financial Intelligence Agency emphasized that risk management must involve boards, executives, credit teams, and frontline staff, not just compliance officers.

    17 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  11. Botswana inflation falls to 9.4% in July on fuel prices

    Botswana's annual inflation declined to 9.4 percent in July from 10.7 percent in June, driven by a sharp drop in fuel prices that reduced transport costs by 6.5 percent.

    17 August 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  12. African Development Bank values Botswana's natural capital at $116 billion

    The African Development Bank estimates Botswana's natural capital—comprising wildlife, rangelands, water, and other natural assets—at $116 billion as of 2020. The figure represents the value of natural assets over time rather than money available for public spending, as Botswana's diamond-dependent economy seeks alternative sources of growth and financing.

    17 August 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  13. Botswana's growing workforce poses jobs creation challenge ahead

    Botswana's working-age population (aged 15–64) is projected to rise to 67.6 percent of the total population by 2038 from 63.3 percent in 2023, creating a demographic dividend that will depend on the country's ability to generate jobs and raise productivity.

    17 August 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  14. Government retains P1,500 daily per diem for public servants

    Botswana's government has retained a P1,500 daily local per diem for public servants, with P900 now requiring receipts for accommodation at licensed hospitality establishments from September 1, 2026, while P600 for meals and incidental expenses will not require receipts. The Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana said the move could boost demand in the hospitality industry.

    17 August 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

Mining & Energy

  1. MMG discovers copper-silver deposit at Khoemacau mine

    MMG Ltd has discovered a new copper-silver deposit called Kgwebe at its Khoemacau mine in Botswana, adding an estimated 1.4 million tonnes of contained copper and 90 million ounces of silver to the operation's mineral resources, located about six kilometres from the existing Zone 5 mine.

    17 August 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

Agriculture & Land

  1. Government disputes feedlot operators' FMD containment claims

    Feedlot operators have taken government officials to the High Court, claiming losses of P27.8 million, but the government argues in its affidavit that the farmers seek to expose the public to the risk of Foot and Mouth disease spread for private economic benefit.

    17 August 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Government races to complete 400km route to end FMD crisis

    Minister of Lands and Agriculture Dr Dikoloti told Parliament that completing a 400km route could unlock international beef markets and reverse economic damage from prolonged livestock restrictions, urging farmers to exercise patience as the government works to end the foot-and-mouth disease crisis.

    17 August 2026 · Mmegi

  3. Feedlot firms drop BMC lawsuit, pursue government officials instead

    Two feedlot companies have withdrawn their court action against the Botswana Meat Commission and now seek to sue the Director of Veterinary Services, the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, the Attorney General, and several industry bodies. The firms, represented by a South African FMD expert lawyer, argue that vaccinated feedlot cattle have been left stranded with millions of pula at stake.

    17 August 2026 · Mmegi

Society

  1. Botswana faces skills drain as young workers seek opportunities abroad

    Botswana's labour market faces a growing skills challenge as young adults continue to leave the country for education, employment and professional opportunities. Statistics Botswana's Population Projections 2022–2038 show annual net migration is projected to fall from 2,449 people in 2023 to 1,204 by 2038.

    17 August 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  2. Central Medical Stores convenes medicine suppliers meeting

    Central Medical Stores invited registered medicine suppliers to a meeting on 23 June 2026, amid public concern over medicine availability in the public health system.

    17 August 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

Culture

  1. Gammangwato FM to begin online broadcasts this month

    Gammangwato FM, owned by the Ngwato Development Trust, will start broadcasting online this month as a first step toward eventual FM transmission. The station is beginning online due to budgetary constraints—each FM transmitter costs over P350,000 and covers only a 50 km radius—and plans to gradually expand coverage of the Gammangwato region by purchasing additional transmitters as funding allows.

    17 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Botswanan filmmaker trained through MultiChoice Talent Factory program

    Goitsemang Scarlett Chalumbila completed the MultiChoice Talent Factory program, which bridges education and professional practice in Southern Africa, and now works as a Digital Content Producer at Bullsheep Creative Studios while founding Sewelo Media. The program provided her with hands-on experience and industry mentorship to build a sustainable career in film and media.

    17 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  3. Maitisong Theatre celebrates cultural legacy ahead of 40th anniversary

    Botswana's first working theatre, founded in 1987, approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027 by hosting the Maitisong Festival from August 21–23, themed "in concert" to unite audiences, artists, and families in celebration of drama, dance, and song.

    17 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  4. Textile workshops bring women together for crafting

    Textile enthusiast Opelo Letshwiti hosts loom and crochet workshops in Extension 9 that teach practical skills while providing women an opportunity to pause, connect, and unwind. Drawing on 14 years in the textile industry, Letshwiti's community initiative aims to help participants slow down through hands-on crafting.

    17 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Sport

  1. Mazottie's championship win exposes resource gap between regions

    Gaborone-based Mazottie FC won the DTC Botswana Women's Football Championship with a 7-0 victory over Dunamis and Daughters FC, but the lopsided result highlights systemic disparities in training facilities, infrastructure, and corporate support between capital-based and regional clubs.

    17 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Mochudi Centre Chiefs win Sunbet Charity Cup pre-season tournament

    Mochudi Centre Chiefs defeated Gaborone United 2-1 to win the Sunbet Charity Cup, continuing their dominant pre-season form. The victory marked Chiefs' second successive win over GU, while Gaborone United struggles to find their rhythm despite fielding Premier League-winning players.

    17 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  3. First Capital Bank sponsors Lions Cricket Club with P80,000

    First Capital Bank has provided P80,000 sponsorship to Gaborone-based Lions Cricket Club to support cricket development and sports participation. The bank's CEO described it as a strategic partnership aimed at community and sports development, while the Botswana Cricket Association CEO welcomed the support for athlete development and national cricket programmes.

    17 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  4. Township Rollers secure three-year P6m sponsorship with Hope Tee Energy

    Township Rollers FC announced domestic energy company Hope Tee Energy as their new front-of-shirt sponsor in a deal worth P6 million over three seasons at P2 million per season, commencing in 2026-27. The sponsorship aims to help revive the club after financial struggles in the past season led to player departures and a FIFA transfer ban.

    17 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  5. Township Rollers secure multiple sponsorship deals worth millions

    Township Rollers have secured sponsorships including a two-year P2 million agreement with Bet267 (guaranteeing P1 million annually for 2026/27 and 2027/28), plus deals with Diadora and Options, marking a commercial turnaround for the 16-time league champions after recent financial difficulties.

    17 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  6. CAF inspection offers hope for National Stadium's return

    A CAF inspection visit to Gaborone this week has reignited hopes that the National Stadium could regain continental approval to host international matches. The BFA is pushing for Category Three status, which would allow national teams and local clubs to host CAF interclub competitions at home, easing pressure on Francistown's Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, currently the country's only CAF-certified venue.

    17 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  7. BFA expresses disappointment with BFL leadership turmoil

    The Botswana Football Association has expressed strong disappointment with the Botswana Football League's leadership and shareholders, with BFA president Oabile Tariq Babitseng warning of possible decisive action once the BFA National Executive Committee reviews a report on the crisis. Babitseng stated that the BFA granted the league autonomy expecting unified, professional management, but recent conflicts have fallen short of those expectations.

    17 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  8. Young cyclists excel at national mountain bike championships

    The Botswana Cycling Association praised young mountain bike riders' development at the BCA National MTB championships over the weekend, with junior and youth category competitors displaying strong form and gaining experience on challenging terrain. Winners included Loapi Mmokele in the youth female 15km category, Simphiwe Potongwane in the junior male 30km race, and Myra Mantle in the Under-23 female category.

    17 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

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