As inflation continues to push up the costs of goods and services, informal traders in Francistown say they are a facing increasing pressure in keeping their businesses afloat. …
… The contested ruling was issued by former High Court judge Zeinub Kebonang, who barred Deputy Sheriff Bathusi Billy from proceeding with the sales of properties in Gaborone and Francistown. …
Sunday Standard FCC needs over P330 million to revive infrastructure Francistown City Council(FCC) is currently in dire need of an estimated P335 million to revive its crumbling infrastructure. …
… Taking the stand today before Senior Magistrate Tshepo Thedi, the 18-year-Malibela said his suspicions started when he moved to the complainant’s house with her mother (names withheld). “Mojadigo was my pastor at Divine Anointing International Church in Francistown and when I pas …
… President Boko also praised the twinning arrangement between Francistown and the Belgian city of Genk, noting that the partnership continued to grow and benefit both cities. …
The reconstruction of the Francistown-Nata (A3) Road is progressing well and is currently 45 per cent complete, despite recent weather-related challenges. …
… Addressing the 30th Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair in Francistown on Thursday, Mr Mohwasa said peace, rule of law and institutional safety created the stability that attracted long-term investment and enabled the operationalisation of the Botswana Economic Transformation P …
… President Boko also praised the twinning arrangement between Francistown and the Belgian City of Genk, noting that the partnership continued to grow and benefited both cities. …
Informal traders in Francistown say rising inflation, higher purchase prices, increased transportation costs, and Pula depreciation are eating into their profits and forcing them to raise selling prices, which has reduced customer demand and slowed business growth.
Why it matters
Francistown informal traders' struggles with inflation and Pula depreciation highlight cost-of-living pressures affecting livelihoods across the country.
Informal traders in Francistown say rising inflation, higher purchase prices, increased transportation costs, and Pula depreciation are eating into their profits and forcing them to raise selling prices, which has reduced customer demand and slowed business growth.
The Court of Appeal will hear an appeal on June 19, 2026, brought by First National Bank Botswana and two others challenging a High Court ruling that halted the sale of properties linked to businessman Samson Guma Moyo in an effort by FNBB to recover debts related to United Refineries Botswana Holdings. The central legal issue is whether a creditor may proceed against sureties or guarantors while the principal debtor company remains under judicial management.
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.
Francistown City Council requires an estimated P335 million to revive crumbling infrastructure, with damage to roads and other facilities worsened by heavy rains between February and April 2026.
A witness told Village Magistrate's Court that Mojadigo, currently serving a 20-year rape sentence, inappropriately touched a teenage girl, caressing her breasts and thighs during visits to a mission house in Francistown. Mojadigo is now on trial for this alleged assault on the minor.
Novice hiker Carla Verdiane fell on a steep descent during the Bikwe Hike over the weekend but finished the event with medical support and encouragement from safety volunteers, demonstrating hiking's power as a mental reset that helps participants overcome self-doubt and psychological barriers.
President Duma Boko hailed Botswana and Belgium's long-standing partnership during a farewell meeting with outgoing Belgian Ambassador Paul Jansen, highlighting cooperation in the diamond industry, agriculture, and educational exchanges between the two countries. Boko commended Belgium's support for local diamond value addition and noted the twinning arrangement between Francistown and Genk.
The reconstruction of the Francistown-Nata (A3) Road is 45 per cent complete despite recent weather-related challenges, with 200 kilometres divided into strategic sections and over 1,000 local residents employed. The project includes a dual carriageway from Francistown Toyota to past Mathangwane, with asphalt laying expected to reach substantial completion by late June or early July.
The Minister for State President, Defence and Security said national security and structural stability underpin sustainable economic activity and attract long-term investment. He cited the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme's focus on secure trade lanes, protected infrastructure, and regional stability through bilateral commissions with neighbouring countries.
President Advocate Duma Boko has hailed long-standing relations between Botswana and Belgium, describing the partnership as instrumental in the growth of Botswana's diamond industry and broader development efforts. The two countries have enjoyed strong diplomatic relations since 1975, with cooperation particularly evident in the diamond sector through the Antwerp diamond industry.
Letsile Tebogo, the 21-year-old Olympic gold medallist, will compete in his 200-metre Diamond League account at the Meeting International Mohammed VI in Rabat on May 30, facing a competitive field including Kenneth Bednarek, Andre De Grasse, and Wayde van Niekerk while building toward the Wanda Diamond League Final.
A parliamentary member and Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship says his conviction that politics must serve to improve people's lives—especially young people, entrepreneurs, and ordinary communities—was shaped by university experience and civil society work. His background in business consulting has reinforced his belief that government should make it easier for citizens to start and grow businesses.
Pastor Goitsekgosi Mojadigo, already serving a rape sentence, must stand trial on four counts of defilement; the Mochudi Magistrate Court ruled he has a case to answer after rejecting his no-case-to-answer application, finding sufficient evidence that sexual activity occurred with an underage girl between January and May 2024.
The Jokes From Far Away tour, led by Ugandan comedian Dr Hilary Okello and organised by Major Moves Comedy, will visit Gaborone on June 4 and Francistown on June 5, featuring local and regional comedians including Botswana's Thapelo Malani, Zoe Kgasa, and Boldwin Ramokate.
Enesia FC defeated Dinare FC 3-0 in a second-leg playoff on May 23 at City Council Stadium in Francistown, achieving a 5-4 aggregate win and promotion to the FNB Premiership League for the 2026/27 season after trailing 4-2 on aggregate at halftime.
F&G Botswana has launched Ethyl Maltol flavour enhancer in Francistown in collaboration with BITC and plans to expand into the SADC market, targeting countries including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Angola and South Africa. The product is intended for use in foods such as bread, cakes, biscuits, and beverages, with the company citing Botswana's strategic position in the region as advantageous for market access.
Betway has sponsored the fourth edition of Clash of the Legends with P1.5 million, to be held on June 20 at the National Stadium featuring Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Township Rollers, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. The tournament aims to support retired football legends facing hardship after their careers end.
Dinare FC and Enesia FC will play the second leg of the promotional playoffs at Francistown City Council stadium on Sunday, with Dinare holding a 4-2 advantage from the first leg. Dinare's general manager said the team would approach the match with caution despite their lead.
Botswana imports roughly 1.3 billion liters of refined petroleum products annually, primarily from neighboring countries, with about 90 percent of the market controlled by government-backed Botswana Oil Limited and citizen-owned companies, reflecting a deliberate policy to maintain national energy security amid reliance on imports due to lack of domestic oil reserves.
Botswana's residential property market lost momentum in 2025, with average residential property prices falling 9.9 percent quarter-on-quarter to P888,055 in the third quarter of 2025, according to Bank of Botswana data. The decline, driven by falls in Greater Gaborone, Francistown and Selebi-Phikwe, reflects a growing divide between resilient affordable housing demand and weaker demand for higher-end homes.
Malebogo Dintwe, who grew up in Selebi Phikwe, initially aspired to work at a hotel front desk but enrolled at Gaborone Technical College in 2001 to pursue a Hospitality Operations course, where she gained competitive entry among nearly 1,000 applicants for 27 places. Between 2001 and 2004, she trained across hospitality's core pillars including cookery, eventually establishing herself as a respected chef commanding her own kitchen.
The Orange FA Cup semi-finals will take place at the National Stadium in Gaborone on Saturday, 16 May 2026, after the matches were moved from Francistown.
An article reflects on Dr Festus Mogae's lighter side and personality, highlighting his witty remarks and charismatic nature alongside his professional demeanor as president. The piece includes examples of his humorous observations on African politics, election transitions, and his various post-presidential engagements.
Mmegi profiles the Assistant Minister of Basic Education and Child Welfare, tracing his background in opposition politics and trade unionism, noting his family history of BPP membership and his path through college student activism to partisan party politics.
The national bowling team is in training camp ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow in July and the African States Bowling Tournament in Zambia in September. Head coach Baven Balendra expressed confidence in the team's mix of experienced and internationally exposed bowlers, with a minimum target of reaching the quarter-finals at the Commonwealth Games.