Botswana Minute.
Friday, 9 October 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 9 October 2026
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Archive Minute from Friday, 9 October 2026

Politics

  1. Botswana reaches 60 years of independence

    Botswana has reached its 60th anniversary, an age described as considerable for a nation and comparable to middle age in human life.

    9 October 2026 · Weekend Post →

Business

  1. AI adoption creates widening skills gap in global workforce

    A PwC survey of 49,364 workers across 48 countries finds that while some employees adopt AI tools confidently and seek raises, the majority lack sufficient learning resources to keep up—with access to training dropping from 59 percent to 51 percent year-on-year.

    9 October 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Botswana received P288 billion in transfers during 2025

    More than a quarter of a trillion pula flowed into Botswana in 2025 through mining receipts, family remittances, foreign investment, and digital-currency transactions.

    9 October 2026 · Weekend Post →

  3. Liquor lobby proposes alternative operating hours to 24-hour economy plan

    The Botswana Nightclubs and Bars Association and Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association have submitted an alternative operating model to the Ministry of Trade and Industry that rejects the government's 24-hour economy in its current form, arguing it creates an uneven playing field that shifts profitability towards bars while hurting nightclubs and festivals. The proposal recommends differentiated operating hours: bars from 10:00 to 22:00 on weekdays and 12:00 to 20:00 on Sundays; restaurants and lounges from 10:00 to 02:00 on weekdays; and nightclubs from 18:00 to 06:00.

    9 October 2026 · Weekend Post →

  4. Dawnbell challenges copyright royalty ruling in High Court appeal

    Dawnbell, represented by Ndadi Law Firm, has filed an appeal in the High Court against a Magistrate's Court decision ordering it to pay over P38,000 in copyright royalties. The academy argues the court imposed liability without requiring COSBOTS to disclose the specific materials and authors on which the royalty claim was based.

    9 October 2026 · Mmegi →

  5. BDC returns to profit after P171m turnaround

    The Botswana Development Corporation has returned to profitability through a one-year turnaround programme that reversed a P171 million loss via stronger income, tighter costs, asset recycling and lower impairments.

    9 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Government considers replacing land boards with central commission

    The UDC government is weighing a proposal to dissolve Botswana's existing land boards and consolidate their authority into a single, centralised Land Commission. The timing coincides with the expiration of land board members' three-year terms, and the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture is studying the restructuring, though details remain unclear.

    9 October 2026 · Weekend Post →

Society

  1. Duma Boko Primary School opens January with 380-learner capacity

    The newly established Duma Boko Primary School in Gaborone Block 7 will welcome its first cohort in January with an initial capacity of 380 learners from reception through standard 5, with priority admission given to Block 7 residents. The facility, handed over by private developers to government, aims to offer high-calibre public education with a technology-enabled curriculum.

    9 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. BPS, education ministry partner on vehicle maintenance

    The Botswana Police Service and the TVET ministry have agreed to use Technical and Vocational Education and Training workshop facilities for maintenance and servicing of police vehicles, addressing a backlog of repairs while providing TVET students with practical workplace experience and making better use of government infrastructure.

    9 October 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Government's wildlife slaughter offer to Serowe remains open

    The government says Bangwato still have until the end of October to take up its wildlife slaughter offer for Botswana's Independence celebrations, despite Paramount Chief Lt Gen Ian Khama's preference for cattle.

    9 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Culture

  1. Botswana's Rammoni appointed FIDAF Africa vice chairperson

    Rammoni was appointed vice chairperson of the International Federation of Dance Festivals (FIDAF) Africa during the organisation's executive committee meeting in South Korea, promoted from Director of FIDAF in Africa. He is the first Motswana to serve in FIDAF leadership.

    9 October 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. Hosanna Gospel Singers to record with Dr Tumi

    Hosanna Gospel Singers will record live with Dr Tumi at the Gaborone International Convention Centre on October 24 at 7pm. The event, titled The Encounter (GIA 26), features a 23-voice choir and six-piece band performing new unreleased songs in front of an audience.

    9 October 2026 · Mmegi →

  3. Way Kay releases Amapiano EP Woza Way Kay October 9

    Producer and DJ Way Kay is releasing a six-track EP called Woza Way Kay on October 9, featuring collaborations with Justin 99, ShaunStylist, Omit ST, Galectik and Sandza de Keyz, built around infectious rhythms and dancefloor energy rooted in Amapiano, Afro House and 3Step.

    9 October 2026 · Mmegi →

  4. South African TV series Shaka iLembe goes international

    Shaka iLembe: Zulu King, a South African television series that broke local TV records, is expanding to global audiences with its isiZulu storytelling and African-scale production.

    9 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Sport

  1. Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs clash Saturday

    Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs will play at the National Stadium on Saturday in a Botswana Premier League match. Both teams are emphasizing competitive performance, with Chiefs' coach prioritizing team development and Rollers' coach describing the club as in a rebuilding phase.

    9 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  2. Regional basketball tournament marks Botswana's 60th independence anniversary

    Teams from Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Lesotho will compete in the Khumo Ya Batswana Bots60 Basketball Tournament at Royal Aria Indoor Sports Complex from October 9 to 11, across six age and gender categories. The tournament aims to foster unity and demonstrate how sport can strengthen ties among nations.

    9 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  3. Chiefs face Rollers in Royal Encounter at National Stadium

    Mochudi Centre Chiefs, on a four-match unbeaten league run, play Township Rollers in the Royal Encounter on Saturday night at the National Stadium, with pride and early season momentum on the line.

    9 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  4. BNSC pledges continued funding for 2026 Region 5 Youth Games

    The Botswana National Sports Commission says preparations for the 2026 AUSC Region 5 Youth Games will remain funded despite government spending pressures.

    9 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Tourism & Environment

  1. Botswana's elephant relocation efforts stall over transportation costs

    Botswana's plans to relocate surplus elephants to other African countries are encountering obstacles as recipient nations resist high transportation costs, with Mozambique recently pulling back from agreements.

    9 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

World & Region

  1. Botswana, Mozambique establish Binational Commission for deeper cooperation

    Botswana and Mozambique have agreed to elevate their bilateral cooperation framework into a Binational Commission chaired by their respective presidents to deepen political relations and widen trade. The decision was announced by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo during a three-day state visit to Botswana hosted by President Duma Boko, with the new structure intended to enhance accountability and track implementation of bilateral agreements.

    9 October 2026 · Weekend Post →

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