The late former president Mr Festus Mogae was a conservative economist who did not believe in being adventurous in business activities. …
The Cautious EconomistBotswana Minute.
Thursday, 14 May 2026
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Thursday, 14 May 2026
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Botswana press · Person
Festus Mogae
Also known as: President Festus Mogae · former president Festus Mogae · the late Former President Festus Mogae · the late Former President · Former President Mogae · Festus Gontebanye Mogae · former President Dr Festus Mogae · Mr Mogae
Third president of Botswana (1998–2008) remembered for HIV/AIDS response, economic management, and democratic governance; died May 8, 2026, age 86.
In coverage
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
- May 2026
There was a time in Botswana politics when Festus Gontebanye Mogae was not admired in opposition circles. …
From the Trenches to Reflection Honouring Festus Mogae Beyond PoliticsFormer President Mogae dies after leading AIDS response
At the age of 86, Festus Gontebanye Mogae, the third president of Botswana, has passed away, marking the end of an era for one of Africa’s most respected leaders. …
Festus Mogae passes on: 1939 – 2026Acting President Ndaba Gaolathe was among the first senior leaders to sign the book of condolences for former President Dr Festus Mogae at Parliament on Tuesday, as the nation continues to mourn the passing of the respected statesman. …
Gaolathe Leads Nation in Mourning
While many will remember former president Dr Festus Mogae for his economic reforms and his legacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS, others will forever cherish memories of his stylish off-duty fashion sense. …
LeFesto Newsboy Cap LookSunday Standard Former President Mogae dies, leaving legacy defined by AIDS response and economic discipline Former president Festus Mogae who led one of Africa’s most aggressive responses to HIV/AIDS and oversaw a period of sustained economic discipline anchored in diamond wealt …
Former President Mogae dies, leaving legacy defined by AIDS response and economic disciplineThe late Former President Festus Mogae will be laid to rest in Gaborone on May 16 . …
Mogae Burial SaturdayFormer First Lady, Ms Barbara Mogae (left), daughter Boikaego Mogae and Kgosi Khama IV of Bangwato were among the mourners at the commencement of the National Prayers for the late Former President Festus Mogae at Ditshupo Hall on May 10. …
National Prayers for Mogae StartsIn an emotional address to the nation this morning, Boko confirmed the passing of Mogae who served as the president of Botswana from 1998 until 2008. …
Mogae, a true statesman - BokoThe year is 2006, President Festus Mogae is dealing with two pandemics, one being the HIV/AIDS scourge the other being a pandemic yet to fully manifest; the narrative of Africa’s diamonds being blood diamonds.Those who followed the matters closely will tell you that De Beers had …
It’s not blood diamonds, it’s diamonds for good
Opinion
Former President Mogae practised cautious, measured business approach
The News
Charles Tibone, a longtime business associate of the late former president Festus Mogae, recounted that Mogae was a conservative economist who carefully assessed risk, picked ventures deliberately in listed businesses subject to governance scrutiny, and advised young entrepreneurs to prioritise steady, sustainable outcomes over high-risk ventures.
Why it matters
A business associate recalls Mogae's conservative economic approach, offering insight into the philosophy guiding his stewardship of national resources.
13 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Yesterday
Former President Mogae practised cautious, measured business approach
Charles Tibone, a longtime business associate of the late former president Festus Mogae, recounted that Mogae was a conservative economist who carefully assessed risk, picked ventures deliberately in listed businesses subject to governance scrutiny, and advised young entrepreneurs to prioritise steady, sustainable outcomes over high-risk ventures.
13 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Reflection on Festus Mogae's political legacy and opposition critique
An opinion piece examines Festus Mogae's role in Botswana politics from the perspective of early 1990s opposition figures who viewed him as representing an establishment they considered cautious and elitist, amid political tensions over inequality, land allocation, and governance issues including the National Development Bank crisis.
13 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Tuesday 12 May
Former President Festus Mogae dies at age 86
Festus Gontebanye Mogae, the third president of Botswana, died on May 8, 2026, at age 86 after falling ill in April and being hospitalized in Gaborone.
12 May 2026 · Weekend Post →
Acting President leads national mourning for former President Mogae
Acting President Ndaba Gaolathe and other senior leaders signed the book of condolences for former President Dr Festus Mogae at Parliament, as the nation mourns the statesman who is remembered for his contributions to Botswana's economic growth, democratic governance and international stability. Dr Mogae died on May 8 and will be laid to rest on May 16.
12 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Former President Mogae's Newsboy Cap Fashion Legacy
Former president Dr Festus Mogae became known for his stylish off-duty fashion sense, particularly his relaxed denim-on-denim outfits paired with newsboy caps, a distinctive look that inspired many, especially young people.
12 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Monday 11 May
Former President Mogae dies after leading AIDS response
Former president Festus Mogae, who oversaw one of Africa's most aggressive responses to HIV/AIDS and a period of sustained economic discipline anchored in diamond wealth, has died. President Duma Boko has announced a three-day period of national mourning.
11 May 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard →
Former President Festus Mogae laid to rest Saturday
Former President Festus Mogae, who died on May 7 aged 86, will be buried in Gaborone on May 16. A memorial schedule includes national prayers until May 13, lying in state at Parliament on May 13, a memorial service on May 14, and a Procession of Honour on May 15.
11 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
National Prayers Begin for Late Former President Mogae
National Prayers for the late Former President Festus Mogae commenced on May 10 at Ditshupo Hall. A National Mourning Period declared in his honour will continue until May 16, during which the national flag will fly at half-mast at government buildings, ministries, diplomatic missions, and public institutions.
11 May 2026 · Daily News Botswana →
Friday 8 May
Former president Festus Mogae has died, Boko announces
President Boko announced the death of former president Festus Mogae, who served from 1998 to 2008. Boko described Mogae as a statesman whose leadership brought Botswana international respect for principled governance, sound economic management, and commitment to democracy.
8 May 2026 · Mmegi →
Tuesday 5 May
Botswana's diamond narrative reshaped from blood diamonds
In 2006, as President Festus Mogae addressed the HIV/AIDS pandemic, Botswana fought the narrative that African diamonds were "blood diamonds." De Beers invested billions in advertising to correct the narrative while Mogae took Botswana's voice to the world stage to resist a single story defining the continent.
5 May 2026 · Mmegi →