Botswana Minute.
Saturday, 13 June 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 13 June 2026
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Botswanan press · Place

Botswana

2026-04-062026-06-13

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. Weekend Post

    TransUnion’s latest research reveals that in 2025, suspected digital fraud involving consumers in Botswana stood at 0.9% of transaction attempts.

    Digital fraud in Botswana remains lowest in Africa
  3. The Botswana Gazette

    Bakgatla leader Kgosi Kgafela II has thrown President Duma Boko a diplomatic and constitutional curve ball, requesting appointment as Botswana’s envoy to South Africa while also seeking recognition as a king under Botswana law, with attendant immunities similar to those of presid

    Kgafela Asks Boko For King Status
  4. Daily News Botswana

    Mr Gaolathe said air connectivity would be central to Botswana’s economic diversification under the Botswana Economic Transformation Plan and its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, adding that the country aimed to position itself as a regional transpor

    Air connectivity vital to economic growth
  5. Daily News Botswana

    Officially opening the Serowe full council meeting on Tuesday, Mr Thaga noted that district councils across Botswana were actively being encouraged to diversify their revenue streams.

    Thaga urges council to diversify revenue streams
  6. Daily News Botswana

    Botswana’s 13th parliament has been challenged to rise to the historic responsibility of deepening democracy, restoring public trust in institutions and steering the country towards economic transformation amid mounting national challenges.

    Speaker implores Parliament to drive reforms
  7. Daily News Botswana

    The two women did not just travel to Paris with rackets, but they took their places as guardians of the game, officiating at one of tennis’s ultra-prestigious Grand Slams and representing a shift for Botswana sport.

    Tennis umpires break ceiling at Roland Garros
  8. The Botswana Gazette

    ..As power supply stabilises BONGANI MALUNGA Botswana is unlikely to experience major electricity disruptions during the peak winter season this year, with government officials expressing growing confidence in the country’s improving power generation capacity.

    Winter Power Cuts Unlikely
  9. Botswana Sunday Standard

    Sunday Standard Botswana bets on P25.5 billion ‘new city’ to drive diversification Botswana has launched construction of a P25.5 billion mixed-use development near Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, marking one of the country’s largest private-sector-led investments as auth

    Botswana bets on P25.5 billion ‘new city’ to drive diversification
  10. Botswana Sunday Standard

    Sunday Standard Botswana won the inflation battle in 2025, but food prices tell a different story Botswana’s fight against inflation appeared largely successful in 2025, with consumer price growth falling below the central bank’s target range for a second consecutive year.

    Botswana won the inflation battle in 2025, but food prices tell a different story
  11. Botswana Sunday Standard

    Sunday Standard Banks stay profitable, but expensive funding eats into Q1:2026 earnings Botswana’s banking sector remained firmly profitable in the first quarter of 2026, but rising funding costs and growing credit risk pressures weighed on earnings, signalling a more challenging

    Banks stay profitable, but expensive funding eats into Q1:2026 earnings
Business

Botswana's digital fraud rate lowest in Africa at 0.9%

The News

TransUnion's 2025 research found suspected digital fraud in Botswana at 0.9% of transaction attempts, the lowest across African nations and below the global average of 3.8%. Account creation showed the highest fraud incidence at 2.6%, followed by login attempts at 0.8% and financial transactions at 0.5%.

Why it matters

Botswana's 0.9% digital fraud rate—lowest in Africa—demonstrates a competitive economic advantage and strong cybersecurity standing.

12 June 2026 · Weekend Post

Yesterday

  1. Botswana's digital fraud rate lowest in Africa at 0.9%

    TransUnion's 2025 research found suspected digital fraud in Botswana at 0.9% of transaction attempts, the lowest across African nations and below the global average of 3.8%. Account creation showed the highest fraud incidence at 2.6%, followed by login attempts at 0.8% and financial transactions at 0.5%.

    12 June 2026 · Weekend Post

Thursday 11 June

  1. Bakgatla leader seeks envoy role and king status from Boko

    Self-exiled Bakgatla Paramount Chief Kgosi Kgafela II has requested appointment as Botswana's envoy to South Africa while seeking recognition as a king under Botswana law, with immunities similar to those of presidents and monarchs.

    11 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  2. Vice President highlights air connectivity for economic growth

    Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe said at the AviaDev Africa conference opening in Gaborone that air connectivity is central to Botswana's economic diversification under the Botswana Economic Transformation Plan and participation in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, with the country aiming to position itself as a regional transport hub and trade corridor.

    11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  3. Council urged to diversify revenue streams beyond government grants

    An official opening the Serowe full council meeting urged district councils to reduce reliance on central government grants by establishing independent commercial entities and exploring alternative Local Economic Development projects, citing declining diamond revenues and shrinking government coffers.

    11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  4. Speaker urges Parliament to deepen democracy and reform

    Botswana's National Assembly speaker told the 13th parliament to drive meaningful reforms, strengthen democratic governance, and restore public trust in institutions following the country's first change of government. He stressed that democracy requires accountability and that parliamentary committees are key instruments for holding the executive and public institutions responsible.

    11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  5. Botswana umpires Poane and France-Ketletseng officiate Roland Garros

    Two Botswanan women, Gaone Poane and Kessie France-Ketletseng, officiated at the 2026 Roland Garros Grand Slam tournament in Paris, marking a shift in Botswana's representation in global sport beyond athletics and demonstrating opportunities for women in sports roles beyond competition.

    11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Botswana unlikely to face major power cuts this winter

    Government officials express confidence that Botswana's power supply will stabilise during the peak winter season, and the Ministry of Minerals and Energy says the Botswana Power Corporation is not expected to introduce large-scale load shedding.

    10 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  2. Botswana launches P25.5 billion mixed-use development near airport

    Botswana has begun construction of a P25.5 billion mixed-use development near Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, described as one of the country's largest private-sector-led investments aimed at diversifying growth beyond diamonds.

    10 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  3. Botswana's inflation falls below target, but food prices remain high

    Botswana's consumer price growth fell below the central bank's target range for a second consecutive year in 2025, but persistent increases in food prices continued to erode household purchasing power, particularly among lower-income families.

    10 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  4. Botswana banks profit down 13.8% in Q1 2026

    Botswana's nine commercial banks posted combined net profit of P851.5 million in the first quarter of 2026, down 13.8 percent from P988.1 million in Q1 2025, as rising funding costs and credit risk pressures weighed on earnings.

    10 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  5. Statutory instrument removes Penal Code provisions criminalizing carnal knowledge

    On 27 March 2026, the Law Revision Commissioner published Statutory Instrument No. 41 of 2026, which deleted paragraphs (a) and (c) of section 164 of the Penal Code that had criminalized carnal knowledge against the order of nature and permitting such an act. The article raises questions about whether this constituted rectification or reform of law that Parliament had previously deferred addressing.

    10 June 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  6. US official praises Botswana ties built on shared democratic values

    A US official stated that the enduring relationship between the United States and Botswana is built on shared values, citing the fact that the US is the world's oldest democracy and Botswana is Africa's oldest multi-party democracy, both sharing belief in the rule of law and government by elected officials.

    10 June 2026 · Mmegi

  7. Botswana ranks fastest-growing debt surge globally: IMF

    According to new International Monetary Fund data released Monday, Botswana has been ranked as the country with the fastest-growing debt surge in the world, placing scrutiny on public finances and raising questions about implications for households.

    10 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  8. Diamond workers launch nationwide campaign for higher wages

    Diamond workers are set to launch labour campaigns across Botswana's mining value chain, arguing that the industry generates billions in wealth while employees remain poor.

    10 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  9. Botswana swimmers win two bronze medals at African championships

    Botswana swimmers won two bronze medals at the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Open Water Championships in Mauritius, with Benco Van Rooyen and Muela Mutie taking medals in their respective divisions. The achievement is notable given Botswana's lack of natural marine environments for training, with the team competing against athletes from coastal nations with year-round ocean and river access.

    10 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  10. Artist Wame Bodutu celebrates African culture through visual art

    Wame Bodutu, an Afrocentric visual artist from Molepolole, has pursued art since primary school in 2008 and graduated from the University of Botswana with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2024. After mentorship from artists Bezuba Kaunda and Rodney Keitemoge, she has moved into mural painting and sold artworks, inspiring other women to pursue creative careers.

    10 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Tuesday 9 June

  1. BNOC warns school sports absence threatens athlete development

    The Botswana National Olympic Committee president has described the absence of organized school sports as a "national crisis," warning that continued lack of structured sports participation in schools jeopardizes the country's long-term athletic success and risks losing an entire generation of athletes.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. BMI warns banking sector faces mounting challenges in 2026

    UK research firm Business Monitor International has warned that Botswana's banking sector faces escalating challenges from weak macroeconomic growth, tighter monetary policy, and rising macro-fiscal risks, which could hinder performance and restrict balance sheet growth, liquidity, and profitability. The firm projects real GDP growth of 1.5 percent this year, following a 0.7 percent contraction in 2025, citing weak demand for exports and persistent uncertainty in the diamond sector.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  3. University of Botswana symposium gathers alumni for national development

    The University of Botswana Alumni Symposium 2026, themed "Architects of Transformation: Mobilizing Alumni Excellence for UB," brought together graduates, researchers, and corporate partners to strengthen institutional synergy and support national development agendas. Vice Chancellor Professor David Norris highlighted the university's four-decade role in national development and its 2020–2029 strategic plan focused on sustainable knowledge generation and modernized curriculum.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  4. ODC expands diamond operations to India amid transparency questions

    Botswana's state-owned Okavango Diamond Company has extended operations into India, holding rough diamond viewing sessions in Mumbai at the Bharat Diamond Bourse Complex. The move has raised questions about the company's presence in the Indian diamond hub and why operational details remain undisclosed.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  5. Letlole La Rona appoints Ronil Sekgele Besele as CEO

    Letlole La Rona Limited has appointed Ronil Sekgele Besele as Chief Executive Officer effective 1 June 2026. Besele brings approximately 20 years of industry experience, including over 12 years in executive leadership roles in property and real estate, with previous positions at SEZA and Deloitte.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  6. Sunlux Solar opens P14m manufacturing plant in Tlokweng

    Solar lighting company Sunlux Solar has broken ground on a P14 million warehouse and manufacturing facility in Tlokweng, expected to create about 160 jobs with 80% of positions going to women and young people. The transition into full-scale manufacturing was prompted by a 2023 government call for local businesses to invest in manufacturing.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi

  7. Cresta Riley's hosts 2026 Ngamiland Cultural Festival

    Cresta Riley's has hosted the 2026 Ngamiland Cultural Festival, which it has owned and driven for over a decade. The event brings together communities, cultural groups, performers, and visitors to celebrate the region's cultural heritage while supporting local talent and sustainable tourism.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  8. Botswana art auction and exhibition set for June 2026

    CityFan Live, a Botswana-grown creative movement, is preparing "The Final Stroke" Premium Art Auction and Exhibition scheduled for 30 June 2026 at the Botswana National Museum to celebrate the country's creative spirit, empower artists, and support children living with disability.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  9. Over 7,500 gender-based violence cases recorded in first quarter 2026

    Botswana recorded more than 7,500 gender-based violence cases in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs. Of the 7,517 cases logged from January to March, 2,228 were classified as gender-based violence incidents, with 520 rape cases and 487 defilement cases reported.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  10. French pharma firm gets CCA approval for Medswana majority stake

    CFAO Healthcare, a French healthcare conglomerate ultimately backed by Toyota Tsusho Corporation, has received unconditional approval from Botswana's Competition and Consumer Authority to acquire a 75 percent controlling interest in Medswana Proprietary Limited, a pharmaceutical wholesaler. The CCA determined the transaction is unlikely to distort competition as the two firms operate at different points in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  11. Botswana's digital economy masks weak backend systems and compliance risks

    Botswana's corporate sector has mistaken online presence for digital transformation, according to a digital consultant, when real transformation requires solid backend infrastructure, data management aligned with the Botswana Data Protection Act, and regulatory adherence. Many companies still operate manually behind the scenes despite visible online activity.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  12. Sports summit planned to boost Botswana's sports economy sector

    A Business of Sport Summit scheduled for June 25–26, 2026 at Gaborone International Convention Centre aims to align sport and creative industries with government's ambition to increase their contribution to GDP. Founder Bonni Dintwa stated that while sport is a multi-billion-dollar industry globally and across Africa, Botswana has not fully unlocked the economic opportunities within the sector and that government policies are needed to attract more funding into sport.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi

  13. BPS denies elite crime unit shutdown amid scaling-back reports

    The Botswana Police Service has rejected claims that the City Police Unit (CPU), launched in December 2023, has been suspended, though sources say the government has quietly scaled back the initiative since the UDC took office in 2024, citing resource shortages and a reported shift toward the Safer City Project.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post

  14. Women's football final reveals gap between on-field progress, off-field value

    Botswana's inaugural national women's league culminated in Gaborone United's Red Roses defeating Orapa United 5-1 in the national championship final in Palapye, but the match exposed a disconnect between the growing quality of play and the limited recognition and support given to women's football.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi

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