Botswana Minute.
Thursday, 3 September 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 3 September 2026
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Archive Minute from Thursday, 3 September 2026

Politics

  1. Boko urges African investors to fund continent's development

    President Boko called on African investors and entrepreneurs to directly fund growth through targeted investment channels, saying African business leaders must take charge of industrial transformation. He added that governments must create enabling environments for local investors to prosper.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Government and unions deadlock on local per diem rates

    Government and public sector unions have reached another deadlock over local per diem, with the Directorate of Public Service Management rejecting the unions' preferred P800 arrangement.

    18 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette

  3. DCEC cautions rise in reports doesn't mean more corruption

    The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime has cautioned against equating a rise in corruption reports with an increase in corruption itself, saying the growing number of reports does not automatically mean corruption is increasing.

    13 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette

  4. LEGABIBO seeks to join legal challenge on penal code provisions

    LEGABIBO, an LGBTQ rights organisation, has applied to join Biggie Ganda Butale's High Court challenge against the removal of same-sex provisions from the Penal Code, arguing that Butale lacks legal standing and is pursuing an academic and political dispute rather than a legal one.

    13 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette

Business

  1. PrimeTime accelerates debt reduction, skips distribution for 2026

    BSE-listed property group PrimeTime will forgo distributing earnings for the financial year ending 31 August 2026, directing retained cash and proceeds from P98.4 million in property disposals toward reducing borrowings as part of its multi-year deleveraging strategy amid elevated borrowing costs.

    23 hours ago · Weekend Post

  2. Continental Reinsurance to list on Botswana Stock Exchange in October

    Continental Reinsurance Holdings Limited is scheduled to list on the Botswana Stock Exchange's Main Board on October 5 in an initial public offering worth roughly 2.1 billion pula, marking the first time a private-equity shareholder has exited an investment through a Botswana listing of this nature and testing investor appetite for a pan-African reinsurer.

    3 September 2026 · Weekend Post

  3. BERA gives fuel retailers three months to fix safety breaches

    The Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) has warned fuel retailers that they have three months to rectify serious safety and environmental violations, or risk closure, licence suspension, or licence revocation.

    18 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette

  4. FNB and SPEDU partner to finance post-mining Selebi Phikwe projects

    First National Bank Botswana and SPEDU have signed a partnership agreement to address financing gaps for industrial investment projects worth between 5.9 billion and 6.8 billion pula in the Selebi Phikwe region, testing whether Botswana's push toward private sector-led economic diversification can succeed.

    19 hours ago · Weekend Post

Mining & Energy

  1. Botswana launches 100 MW solar project amid foreign ownership concerns

    Minister Bogolo Kenewendo launched the 100 MW Mmadinare Solar PV Cluster as part of Botswana's energy transition, though questions remain about foreign ownership and whether long-term wealth from the energy shift will benefit the country.

    11 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette

Agriculture & Land

  1. Botswana assesses readiness for regional agricultural data system

    Botswana is conducting a national workshop to evaluate its agricultural information systems and their readiness to integrate into a wider Southern African Agricultural Information Management System (AIMS), which aims to improve information sharing, early warning systems, and coordinated responses to food security challenges among member states.

    3 September 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Botswana aims to expand cattle herd to five million by decade's end

    President Duma Boko reaffirmed the goal of rebuilding Botswana's national cattle herd from around 1.6 million animals in 2024 to close to five million by the end of the decade. An expert commentary argues the expansion must be judged by productivity, sustainability, and farmer income rather than cattle numbers alone.

    11 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette

  3. Government establishes aquaculture zones to boost fish production

    Government will develop Aquaculture Development Zones in high-potential areas including Okavango, Chobe, and the SPEDU area to shift from import-dependent to export-driven fish production. The zones will provide infrastructure and services to attract investors, with plans including expanded hatchery capacity and a mini-hatchery in Shakawe to address fingerling shortages.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  4. Drought and foot-and-mouth disease threaten Botswana livestock

    Botswana faces twin crises: a possible drought and foot-and-mouth disease in cattle, confirmed in the North-East District in late January. The UK and EU have suspended beef imports, forcing the Botswana Meat Commission to refund P123 million and projecting revenue losses exceeding P200 million for 2026.

    20 hours ago · Weekend Post

Society

  1. Five Otse men arraigned for murder and grievous bodily harm

    Five men from Otse have been arraigned in Lobatse Magistrates Court on charges of murder in relation to the death of Opelo Molebatsi on August 26 at Sakutswane Lands, and for causing grievous bodily harm to Onkemetse Molebatsi on the same date. Police requested the accused remain in custody, citing ongoing investigation, witness statements still to be recorded, and community tensions.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Foundation secures medication donation for retired BDF soldiers

    A foundation founded by Kitso Motshidisi received a medication donation from politician Mpho Balopi to help retired soldiers struggling to access consistent supplies for managing chronic conditions. The initiative addresses identified gaps in healthcare access among vulnerable elderly retirees.

    21 hours ago · Mmegi

  3. High Court bars GUC law graduates from Botswana bar exams

    The Gaborone High Court ruled against Gaborone University College of Law and Professional Studies, preventing its law graduates from registering for the Law Society of Botswana bar examinations. The court sided with the Law Society's position that GUC's Leeds Beckett University franchise qualifications do not meet the Legal Practitioners Act requirement that only graduates from the University of Botswana or listed universities may practise law in the country.

    3 September 2026 · Weekend Post

  4. Rakops community raises P62,000 to revamp junior secondary school

    Residents of Rakops and neighbouring villages in Boteti launched a community fundraising effort to repair Rakops Junior Secondary School, which serves about 920 learners but faces deteriorating hostels, classrooms, ablution facilities, and teachers' accommodation. A 13-member committee formed by community members raised P45,000 from residents' contributions and P17,000 from a fundraising dinner.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  5. BoMAID, Princess Marina Hospital partner on breast cancer detection

    Bomaid will hand over clinical supplies including biopsy needles and drains to Princess Marina Hospital's Breast and Endocrine Unit, in a partnership aimed at detecting breast cancer earlier when it remains more treatable. The handover reflects a coalition of government, clinical, health financing, and civil society groups addressing delayed cancer detection in Botswana and southern Africa.

    19 hours ago · Weekend Post

  6. Botswana hosts 2026 African conference on climate-resilient healthcare

    The Botswana Association of Family Physicians is organizing the 9th WONCA Africa Region Conference 2026 to foster collaboration among African nations on building resilient primary healthcare systems amid climate and health challenges. The conference aims to bring together African academics and health professionals to address issues including food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and non-communicable diseases through locally sourced research and stronger continental partnerships.

    20 hours ago · Weekend Post

Culture

  1. Mophato Dance Theatre premieres CHABA production

    Mophato Dance Theatre premiered CHABA, a four-day production at Gaborone City Council Town Hall, directed by Andrew Kola and Kalima Mipata. The production, attended by Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, compresses 15 years of dance by Mophato while telling 60 years of Botswana's story from 1966 to present, celebrating the country's cultural heritage and its preservation and development.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Avani Gaborone hosts Bubbles & Bites spring brunch event

    Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino held a Bubbles & Bites brunch event to welcome spring, featuring mimosas and dining as a social occasion.

    20 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette

  3. Dolly Parton's music shaped generations of Botswana listeners

    Dolly Parton, though born in Tennessee, became an honorary icon in Botswana through Radio Botswana broadcasts that introduced her music to generations of listeners and embedded her in the country's musical memory.

    20 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette

  4. 18th Dithubaruba Cultural Festival celebrates Bakwena heritage

    The Dithubaruba Cultural Festival, held at Ntsweng Museum in Molepolole, will feature about 40 traditional groups performing dance, music, poetry, and crafts for 24 hours. The event also welcomes Bakwena and Tswana groups from South Africa, including first-time performers and renowned cultural icons.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  5. Radio Botswana marks 60th anniversary with Matsiloje live broadcast

    Radio Botswana held a live broadcast in Matsiloje on August 14 to celebrate the station's 60th anniversary and prepare for Independence Day celebrations, honouring veteran broadcaster Phillip Moshotle, known as "Mokgankgara", who was born and raised in the village and became a beloved voice for Batswana listeners for decades.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  6. BOMU 2026 music awards generate buzz and debate

    Botswana's music industry gathered for the XIV Botswana Musicians Union awards, featuring performances and a winner controversy that sparked discussion.

    13 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette

Sport

  1. BET267 provides P360,000 sponsorship to two football clubs

    BET267 has sponsored Mosetse FC and Tutume Rangers with P360,000 total to help with financial demands of competing in the First Division North. The company's director said the support extends beyond jersey sponsorship.

    3 September 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Ogaketse prepares to fight Mboyiya for IBO title

    Botswanan boxer Kutlwano Ogaketse will face South Africa's Aphiwe Mboyiya for the International Boxing Organisation All Africa Championship title in Gaborone on September 18. Ogaketse's team has studied Mboyiya's fighting style and is preparing physically and tactically for the bout, which marks the first IBO championship tournament hosted in the country.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  3. TAFIC FC secures P2 million sponsorship from PstBet Botswana

    Francistown-based TAFIC Football Club has secured a P2 million sponsorship deal from PstBet Botswana covering a three-season partnership, including full playing kit support. The package is intended to drive the club's long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  4. Tebogo and Kebinatshipi pursue Diamond League titles in Belgium

    Botswana's Letsile Tebogo and Collen Kebinatshipi will compete in the Diamond League final in Belgium this weekend, with Kebinatshipi facing a competitive field in the men's 400m on Friday and Tebogo competing in his event on Saturday.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  5. Botswana Football League calls opening week encouraging

    The Botswana Football League described the opening week of the 2026/27 FNB Premiership as encouraging despite pre-season uncertainty and an early fixture setback involving Township Rollers, citing strong response from clubs, players, supporters and other stakeholders.

    18 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette

  6. Gaborone United faces Yanga in CAF Champions League campaign

    Back-to-back Botswana champions Gaborone United will open their 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign at home on Saturday against Tanzania Mainland champions Young Africans SC at the National Stadium in Gaborone.

    18 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette

Tourism & Environment

  1. Cresta Mowana opens Ku Muzi Boma cultural dining experience

    Cresta Marakanelo Limited has opened Ku Muzi Boma at Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa in Kasane, an immersive cultural dining experience featuring Botswana cuisine, music, and dance designed to encourage longer tourist stays. The company is shifting its strategy from providing accommodation to creating complete destination experiences that increase economic value.

    22 hours ago · Weekend Post

  2. Botswana's heritage tourism underdeveloped compared to wildlife

    Heritage and cultural tourism, which allows visitors to understand a country's history and traditions, has not received the same attention in Botswana as wildlife tourism, despite the country's numerous historical sites such as Lobatse's Fish Keitseng Monument, Samora Machel Museum, and Mandela's hideout.

    19 hours ago · Mmegi

  3. Botswana emerges as source and transit point in illegal pangolin trade

    A fresh cross-border arrest reveals that growing numbers of Batswana are being caught in the illicit pangolin trade, with Botswana increasingly functioning as a source and transit point for Asian markets.

    13 hours ago · The Botswana Gazette

World & Region

  1. BDF and NDF launch joint military exercise Tshwaragano III

    The Botswana Defence Force and Namibia Defence Force have launched joint military exercise Tshwaragano III in Lobatse to deepen operational effectiveness, exchange professional knowledge, and strengthen regional peace and security cooperation amid evolving cross-border security challenges.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

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