Officers on E and F salary scales have grown frustrated as unions pursue court action against the government's Voluntary Separation Programme, with the National Amalgamated Local and Central Government and Parastatal Workers Union taking government to the High Court to halt a recent exit process.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Officers on E and F salary scales have grown frustrated as unions pursue court action against the government's Voluntary Separation Programme, with the National Amalgamated Local and Central Government and Parastatal Workers Union taking government to the High Court to halt a recent exit process.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Public sector union NALCGPWU filed a High Court case in Maun accusing government of introducing the Leadership Transformation Programme-Voluntary Separation Project without negotiating with unions, arguing it violates the 2008 Early Exit Policy that can only be changed through negotiation.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The Leadership Transformation Programme, initially framed as a civil service revitalisation effort, has triggered disputes over whether the voluntary management initiative requires consultation with trade unions, leading to High Court applications, temporary suspensions, and renewed legal challenges between the Directorate of Public Service Management and public-sector unions.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
The Sefhophe by-election has brought heightened political activity to the village, with the UDC, BDP, BCP, and BPF all contesting and attracting supporters and visitors. The increased campaign presence has boosted local traffic, accommodation demand, and business spending, while some residents have noted improvements in government services.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Justice William Moncho dismissed Ikanyeng's court application challenging the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs' refusal to recognise his election as Palapye council chairperson, finding that he had failed to comply with a statutory requirement to give the Minister and Attorney General notice of his intention to sue the government.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Businessman Bakang Seretse is challenging prosecutors handling his 63-count case in a High Court proceeding that could test the legal foundation for delegated prosecutorial authority.
12 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime is pursuing corruption cases ranging from a headteacher accepting P700 to former ministers facing charges linked to a billion Pula road contract.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
The Botswana National Front has questioned the feasibility of the Umbrella for Democratic Change's flagship election promise to introduce a P4000 minimum wage, with a BNF draft policy document calling for a more realistic minimum wage and raising concerns about economic sustainability.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
The BIUST Alumni Association has declared opposition to a proposal to rename Botswana International University of Science and Technology after late president Festus Gontebanye Mogae, accusing the government of advancing consultations with key stakeholders before formally hearing alumni views.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
President Advocate Duma Boko will face a defining decision over the future of Botswana's intelligence services as the contract of Brigadier Peter Fana Magosi, director general of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security, expires on 13 October 2026.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
Regional chairpersons within the Botswana Democratic Party are pressing party president Mpho Balopi to relinquish his position while he faces criminal charges.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
Bakang Seretse and three others have filed an appeal against a ruling by Broadhurst Regional Magistrate Mareledi Dipate that permitted DCEC officers to continue prosecuting the National Petroleum Fund case. The defendants are facing 63 counts including stealing by agent, money laundering, forgery of an official document and conspiracy to defraud government.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Before facing corruption charges related to a P272 million infrastructure tender, former MP John Thiite and businessman Nicholas Zakheem saw the State lose a key component of its case when the Francistown High Court dismissed the DPP's application to forfeit a luxury vehicle, finding a lack of admissible evidence linking it to proceeds of crime.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
The National Amalgamated Local and Central Government and Parastatal Workers Union has taken the government to the High Court in Maun, seeking to prevent implementation of its Leadership Transformation Programme among union members without prior negotiation. The union argues the programme is a modification of the existing Botswana Public Service Early Exit Policy adopted in December 2008, which cannot be unilaterally amended.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
Botswana is presenting its traditional kgotla—a community assembly where residents discuss public issues and seek consensus—as a response to global democratic backsliding. The country hosted the 2026 Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy in Gaborone from October 7–10, arguing that Africa's indigenous governance systems contain lessons for democracies facing declining public trust and political polarization.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
Justice Professor Oagile Bethuel Key Dingake, an internationally recognised jurist and former Botswana High Court and Court of Appeal judge, is Botswana's nominee for election to the International Court of Justice for the 2027–2036 term. He holds a PhD in Law, has authored more than seven legal books on constitutional law and human rights, and chairs the Africa Judges and Jurists Forum.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
Botswana aims to establish an e-mobility hub for producing and assembling electric vehicle components, leveraging its 50-year diplomatic relationship with China. A site has been identified in Serorome Valley along the Tropic of Capricorn for the project, with President Advocate Duma Boko visiting China to benchmark against Fuzhou's 30-year development transformation.
12 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Moody's Ratings has upgraded Botswana's economic outlook to stable, affirming confidence in the country's strong credit fundamentals and investment-grade status. The upgrade reflects confidence in Botswana's institutional framework and prudent policymaking, and highlights opportunities from diamond production recovery and non-diamond mining growth.
12 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Business Botswana representatives highlighted the National Business Conference as a venue for constructive engagement between government and the private sector, saying Botswana's changing economic landscape requires fresh thinking on investment, technology, skills and competitiveness, with business central to economic transformation.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Botswana's transport sector diverged sharply in Q2 2026: vehicle registrations fell 7.2% to 7,536 units and rail freight declined 16.4% to 143,531 tonnes, while aircraft movements surged 67.6% and passenger traffic climbed 35.8%, driven by tourism demand.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Loans classified as "special mention" by Botswana's banking sector increased 78.3% from P3.1 billion in 2024 to P5.5 billion in 2025, reflecting mounting financial pressure on borrowers amid job losses, business closures, and economic slowdown.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Botswana's six-month fuel tax holiday has ended, and three levies on petrol and diesel—the Fuel Levy, Road Fund Levy, and Security of Supply Margin—have resumed collection as of 8 October 2026.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
The Bank of Botswana raised P3.1 billion at its September government securities auction, bringing estimated net securities financing for the first half of the 2026/27 financial year to about P6.45 billion. The improved budget outlook could reduce the government's original financing requirement.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Letshego Africa Holdings Limited has fully repaid its P483 million loan facility from the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund, including all accrued interest, by the maturity date at the end of September 2026.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
President Duma Boko called for closer cooperation between government and the private sector at the Second Presidential Business Roundtable to unlock investment and develop industries capable of driving growth beyond mining, though businesses continue to face bureaucratic hurdles in securing finance.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
The Dangote group plans to use IPO proceeds to expand into energy and other opportunities, including a pipeline through Botswana. Local pension funds holding more than P176 billion have signalled strong interest in accessing the IPO.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Bank Gaborone has appointed Tsaone Raboloko as Managing Director effective 9 October 2026, following regulatory approval. Raboloko, who has served as Acting Managing Director since June 2026, brings experience in finance, risk, and compliance, and has been with the bank since February 2018.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
The Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS) secured a magistrate's court judgment requiring Dawn Bell Academy, founded by author and pastor Ndiko Muzila, to pay P38,276.64 in disputed licensing fees for the use of copyright-protected literary and image works. Ms Muzila has disputed the ruling and signalled an appeal, arguing she is being charged for reproducing her own works.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
Speaking at the inaugural Made in BW – Sold to the World Expo 2026 in Palapye, Minister Ntsima challenged businesses to establish strong domestic market foundations before pursuing exports, arguing that local customers help producers refine quality, packaging, and value. The government committed to support local enterprises through preferential procurement and the Economic Diversification Drive.
12 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
The 5th Corporate Governance Summit will gather board directors, chief executives and governance professionals from the Southern African Development Community in Kasane from November 11-13, 2026, themed on redefining ethical leadership and overcoming corporate rot through organizational integrity rather than compliance checklists.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
Absa Bank Botswana has introduced Garmin Pay, enabling customers with compatible Garmin smartwatches to make contactless payments by tapping their wrist at payment terminals.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
BBS Bank's loss widened from P17 million in the six months ended June 2025 to P71.5 million during the same period in 2026, partly driven by investment costs for digitalization, automation, and expanding its services. The bank's total assets declined 6.91% to P5.215 billion as management focused on balance-sheet optimization.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
The BNF will discuss a policy proposal to expand Botswana's diamond sector beyond mining into manufacturing, jewellery, trading and technology through a purpose-built Diamond Beneficiation City. The proposal recommends first commissioning a feasibility study before government commits to construction.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Canadian miner NexMetals has increased the mineral resource at its Selebi Main copper-nickel project in Botswana to 32.47 million tonnes grading 1.53% copper and 0.97% nickel, up from 18.89 million tonnes in its 2024 estimate, strengthening prospects for reviving the former BCL mining district.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Tataki Mining Company, owned by US firm Global Critical Resources, has shifted its strategy from processing surface stockpiles to restarting the Phoenix open pit near Matsiloje while refurbishing its processing plant. The company acquired the former Tati Nickel Mining Company assets in 2024 for US$15 million, following the mine's closure in 2016.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Botswana's export earnings rose to P5.16 billion in July 2026, with diamonds accounting for 60.2% of total exports and copper contributing 23.1%, together generating more than 83% of export earnings. Mining remains the foundation of external trade, though the country continues to face reliance on a narrow commodity base for long-term economic resilience.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
Botswana's economy expanded by 8.7 percent in the second quarter of 2026, driven by a surge in diamond output from mines that had been throttled during a downturn. Diamond production climbed to about 3.4 million carats from 2.7 million the previous quarter, with De Beers reporting Botswana accounted for 5.5 million carats in the period.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
A nine percent electricity tariff increase for 2026/27 and ongoing power interruptions are prompting Botswanans to consider solar energy and alternative sources. The Absa Green Energy Loan offers up to 100 percent financing for solar installations, enabling households and businesses to reduce grid reliance and manage energy costs.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
Tutume District recorded 128 cases of unlawful entry during the reporting period, with all resolved through admission of guilt and P16,000 collected in fines. The district identified illegal entry through ungazetted border points as a major challenge.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Councillors across Botswana warn that years of delay in implementing the Tobacco Control Act are leaving young people exposed to vaping, nicotine products and second-hand smoke.
12 October 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →
Public sector nurses fell to 7,620 in 2024 from 8,948 three years earlier, while the combined density of doctors and nurses dropped to 35 per 10,000 people from 42 in 2021, remaining below the WHO benchmark of 45 per 10,000, according to Statistics Botswana. President Duma Boko's government is moving to establish a National Health Insurance system to expand access to healthcare and reduce financial barriers.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Government faces pressure to sign outstanding regulations for the Tobacco Control Act, 2021 and bring it into operation. Councillors warn that without implementation measures, the law passed five years ago risks remaining ineffective, leaving communities vulnerable to tobacco-related harm and young people's exposure to cigarettes and vaping products.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
The University of Botswana will confer an honorary Doctor of Letters on Roy Sesana, an internationally acclaimed San rights activist, during its 44th Graduation Ceremonies on 21–23 October 2026, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to defending the rights and cultural identity of the San community. Sesana, born in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, co-founded the First People of the Kalahari in 1991 and has spent decades advocating for indigenous rights.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
The University of Botswana will confer an honorary Doctor of Letters degree on Dr Matshidiso Moeti during its 2026 graduation ceremonies, recognising her leadership in public health and contribution to advancing healthcare across Africa. Moeti, a medical doctor and public health specialist from Botswana, served as WHO Regional Director for Africa from 2015 to 2025 and was the first woman to lead the WHO Regional Office for Africa.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
All schools must follow examination rules strictly and manage processes professionally, while students should remain calm, as exams are designed to test familiar material rather than cause panic.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Medical experts are shifting focus toward a multifaceted approach to breast cancer prevention that emphasizes modifiable lifestyle factors, environmental habits, and preventive care rather than genetics alone. A Gaborone family physician highlights physical activity, nutritional patterns rich in cruciferous vegetables and fiber, and awareness of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in household products as key interventions.
12 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
A review of South African author Eric Louw's meditation on humanity, which explores the contradictions inherent in human nature through everyday encounters rather than abstract philosophy.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
Four karate clubs expelled last year for attending an unauthorised meeting are preparing a petition to the Office of the President seeking intervention on governance and athlete concerns. The petition is being signed by athletes, former national team members, coaches, and other karate stakeholders.
12 October 2026 · Mmegi →
Construction of a FIFA Arena Pitch with a 20m x 40m community football pitch has commenced on a desolate site behind Mafenyatlala Mall in Molepolole. The facility is intended to serve as a community safe space for over 2,000 children and young people in the surrounding area, restoring a location that once hosted a historical football ground before the mall's construction displaced the local team Molepolole Tigers.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Three Batswana Tang Soo Do athletes self-financed their participation at the 2026 WTSDA Region 14 South African Championship in Pretoria, where they won five medals — including a gold in open hand forms — competing against over 70 athletes from Botswana, Mozambique, and South Africa.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Mochudi Centre Chiefs defeated Township Rollers with goals from Gilbert Baruti and Mpho Kgaswane, while Bakang Seboko scored for Rollers. The match was packaged as entertainment with cultural performances and fan choreography alongside the football.
12 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Botswana's women's football team, the Mares, will face Tanzania in a second-leg qualifier after losing the first match. Coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang said the team must improve its handling of long balls and approach the away fixture with fighting spirit to progress to the next round.
12 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
The Royal Bafokeng Nation has donated specialised gym and athletics equipment to DOSE, a Maun-based sports development initiative led by national coach Kebonyemodisa Mosimanyane. The equipment will improve access to suitable training facilities for emerging and elite athletes in Maun.
12 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
More than 60 boxers attended a one-day tournament at the Botswana Police College gymnasium to raise awareness on gender-based violence and promote safer communities. The Police Boxing Club hosted the event, using sport as a platform to confront GBV and encourage collective action.
12 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, the reigning world champion in the 400 meters, won the inaugural Ultimate Championship in Budapest with a time of 43.39 seconds—a new Botswana national record—beating Rai Benjamin by three-quarters of a second. He remains unbeaten over 400 meters this season and collected $150,000 for the victory.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
The Botswana Athletics Association is establishing a Local Organising Committee and secretariat to prepare for the 2028 African Senior Athletics Championships, which the country secured the right to host earlier this year. The BAA's acting president emphasized inclusive participation from the athletics community, with an Ordinary General Meeting scheduled for Palapye on October 24.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
Ministry of Environment and Tourism data shows that between 2021 and 2025, wild animals killed 48 people and injured 79 others in Botswana, with elephants responsible for 26 deaths—more than half of all fatalities and more than all other dangerous species combined. Elephants have a notably higher death-to-injury ratio than other wildlife, killing 26 while injuring only 13.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
President Advocate Duma Boko travelled to China on October 9 for a state visit at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, health, education, tourism, and infrastructure.
12 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Hikvision and Dahua, two Chinese surveillance-camera companies facing national security scrutiny in the US and South Africa, have established a substantial footprint in Botswana, including in the Police service surveillance network, a nationwide banking CCTV system, and public sector facilities, according to Sunday Standard investigations.
12 October 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
The World Bank has upgraded Sub-Saharan Africa's economic growth forecast to 4.3 percent for 2026, up from 4.1 percent in 2025, driven by firmer macroeconomic conditions, resurgent domestic demand, and investment in clean energy and digital technology. Nearly three-quarters of the region's economies, including Angola, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Zambia, have received upward growth revisions.
12 October 2026 · Weekend Post →
President Advocate Duma Boko held official talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to discuss trade and economic cooperation, including agriculture, health, education, digitalisation, defence, tourism and infrastructure development. Boko participated in a wreath-laying ceremony and officiated at the Botswana-China Business Forum during the state visit.
12 October 2026 · Daily News Botswana →