Botswana Minute.
Friday, 11 September 2026
Botswana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Friday, 11 September 2026
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Botswanan press · Place

Francistown

2026-04-232026-09-11

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. Daily News Botswana

    I actually ended up planning a road trip to Francistown with a group of people I only met this past Saturday on the trail,” she said.

    Bikwe Hike Ultimate Mental rRset
  3. Daily News Botswana

    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.

    Boko Praises Belgium Ties
  4. Daily News Botswana

    The reconstruction of the Francistown-Nata (A3) Road is progressing well and is currently 45 per cent complete, despite recent weather-related challenges.

    A3 Road Project On Track
  5. Daily News Botswana

    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

    Strong Security Underpins Economic Growth - Mohwasa
  6. May 2026
  7. Daily News Botswana

    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.

    Boko Hails Botswana and Belgium Relations
  8. Daily News Botswana

    Treating the initial months of the year as strategic building blocks, he opened his 200m campaign back in February with a relaxed 20.75 seconds in Francistown, a time he is now poised to shatter.

    Tebogo shifts focus to 200m in Rabat
  9. Mmegi

    Being part of the 13th Parliament has given Ntsima a sturdier platform to serve Francistown East and Botswana at large.

    Ntsima: Using politics as a vehicle to convalesce people’s lives
  10. Daily News Botswana

    Mojadigo, who is already serving a rape sentence, is alleged to have had sexual intercourse with an underage girl between January and May 2024 at a guest house in Francistown, where his church was holding its end-of-year crossover service, and at his place in Morwa.

    Mojadigo Must Answer Four Defilement Charges - court rules
  11. Daily News Botswana

    The satirical comedy show will take place at Nuestra Casa Lounge in Gaborone on June 4 before heading to Cresta Marang Gardens in Francistown on June 5.

    Jokes From Far Away comedy special comes to Botswana
  12. Daily News Botswana

    For Francistown, that moment arrived in the 62nd minute on May 23 scorching afternoon at the City Council Stadium.

    Enesia Defy Odds to Punch Premier League Ticket
Politics

Botswana prepares Diamond Jubilee Independence celebration

The News

Botswana will celebrate 60 years of independence on September 30, marking the establishment of the Republic of Botswana in 1966. This year's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations will be held at Gaborone Main Mall under the theme "Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity," with national and community events coordinated by a National Organising Committee and district-level committees.

10 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Yesterday

  1. Botswana prepares Diamond Jubilee Independence celebration

    Botswana will celebrate 60 years of independence on September 30, marking the establishment of the Republic of Botswana in 1966. This year's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations will be held at Gaborone Main Mall under the theme "Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity," with national and community events coordinated by a National Organising Committee and district-level committees.

    10 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 7 September

  1. Botswana junior Raguin qualifies for US Open main draw

    Ntungamili Raguin has qualified for the US Open Junior Boys main draw in New York after defeating America's Izyan Ahmad 7-5, 7-6 (9) in the qualification match. The Botswana Tennis Association president says Raguin's achievement in reaching multiple Grand Slam main draws is inspirational for young players in the country.

    7 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Friday 4 September

  1. Mochudi Centre Chiefs host newly promoted Tonota FC

    Mochudi Centre Chiefs face Tonota FC in FNB Botswana Premier League Matchday 2 at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone on 4 September 2026, after Chiefs lost 1-0 to Extension Gunners in their opening match.

    4 September 2026 · Weekend Post

Thursday 3 September

  1. TAFIC FC secures P2 million sponsorship from PstBet Botswana

    Francistown-based TAFIC Football Club has secured a P2 million sponsorship deal from PstBet Botswana covering a three-season partnership, including full playing kit support. The package is intended to drive the club's long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

    3 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Government to compensate former BCL mine workers after liquidation concludes

    The Minister for State President, Defence and Security said government will compensate former BCL Mine workers once the ongoing liquidation process is formally completed, but clarified compensation will not take the exact form of the original 18-month soft landing agreement. The minister acknowledged several commitments made to employees following the mine's closure in October 2016 remain unfulfilled, citing delays due to legal complexities.

    1 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 31 August

  1. 15-year-old South African dominates Francistown Spin Show

    A 15-year-old Shezaad Jacobs from South Africa stole the show at the annual Francistown Spin Show on Friday, performing impressive drifts and spins in a BMW that burst several tyres, drawing cheers from spectators.

    31 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Thursday 27 August

  1. HATAB advocates for tourism sector across Botswana

    HATAB represents multiple tourism industry sectors including airlines, hotels, lodges, and tour operators, providing members with representation, marketing, networking, and training while advocating with government on policy reforms such as per diem system changes and visa processing improvements.

    27 August 2026 · Mmegi

Wednesday 26 August

  1. BTC launches nationwide investor roadshow across three cities

    Botswana Telecommunications Corporation will hold an Investor Day Roadshow in Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun in late August 2026, engaging its more than 39,000 investors through sessions designed to provide insights into the company's performance, strategic direction, and growth opportunities.

    26 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. Francistown council reports progress on health, sports and social programmes

    Francistown City Council reported that a clinic with maternity wing at Gerald Estate is 89 per cent complete and expected to finish next month, while the Gerald Estate Recreational Park has been restocked with wildlife and solar street lights have been installed across several areas. The council also noted that 175 child support grant beneficiaries were submitted for payments this month.

    26 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 24 August

  1. National Stadium regains CAF accreditation after refurbishment

    Botswana's National Stadium has regained CAF Category 3 accreditation following comprehensive upgrades to its playing surface, media facilities, and security infrastructure. The stadium was previously unusable for continental competition, forcing national teams and top clubs to play home fixtures 465 kilometres north in Francistown at significant financial and logistical cost.

    24 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. Cable theft costs BPC over P100 million in five years

    Botswana Power Corporation reported more than 1,800 cable theft incidents this year and losses surpassing P100 million over the past five years. The theft and vandalism incidents are particularly high in Gaborone, Mogoditshane/Mmopane, Kanye, Molepolole and Maun, causing unplanned power outages and requiring emergency repairs.

    24 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  3. Francistown, Bulawayo seek structured cross-border trade

    Speakers at the Hybrid Francistown Business Expo called for more intentional trade and investment between the two border cities, with local authorities playing a leading role to turn people-to-people movement into sustainable business partnerships. A Bulawayo City Councillor said the cities should complement rather than compete with each other, and that Zimbabwe is open for Batswana to explore opportunities in manufacturing, retail and services.

    24 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  4. Dikgang wins Botswana Kofukan karate championship

    Serati Dikgang of Eagle Claw Karate Club defeated Thabang Thabiwa 4-2 in the senior men's final at Donga BDF to become Botswana Kofukan champion. The win puts Dikgang in contention for qualification to international championships scheduled for March in France.

    24 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Tuesday 18 August

  1. National Stadium upgrade saves BFA P800,000 per match

    Upgrading the National Stadium to CAF Category 3 status eliminates the need to travel to Francistown for international fixtures, saving the Botswana Football Association approximately P800,000 per match in unbudgeted travel, security and accommodation expenses that can now be redirected to grassroots academies and local clubs.

    18 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 17 August

  1. CAF inspection offers hope for National Stadium's return

    A CAF inspection visit to Gaborone this week has reignited hopes that the National Stadium could regain continental approval to host international matches. The BFA is pushing for Category Three status, which would allow national teams and local clubs to host CAF interclub competitions at home, easing pressure on Francistown's Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, currently the country's only CAF-certified venue.

    17 August 2026 · Weekend Post

Sunday 16 August

  1. Jehovah's Witnesses hold three-weekend convention in Botswana

    Jehovah's Witnesses in Botswana held the first of their annual global convention series under the theme "Eternal Happiness" this weekend in Gaborone and Francistown, with programmes in Setswana, Kalanga, Botswana Sign Language and English; two more conventions are scheduled for August 21–23 and August 28–30, 2026, and the public is invited to attend free of charge.

    16 August 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

Thursday 13 August

  1. Tonota FC wins inaugural Tati River Cup in Francistown

    Tonota FC defeated Zambian side Nkana FC 2-1 in the final of the inaugural Tati River Cup at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. Organisers plan to attract more clubs, partners and international opposition to the tournament annually.

    13 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  2. Minister Chombo honours elders for Botswana's foundational development

    At a birthday celebration for elders aged 100–106, the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs praised elderly citizens for their sacrifices, hard work and patriotism in laying foundations for Botswana's development, highlighting their voluntary contributions to building schools and infrastructure.

    13 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 10 August

  1. Illegal gold mining in Francistown linked to Zimbabwean immigrants

    Francistown is experiencing a fresh wave of illegal gold mining activities, with fears that an influx of Zimbabwean immigrants escaping xenophobic violence and anti-immigration tensions in South Africa may be fueling the problem.

    10 August 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  2. National Stadium undergoes fresh CAF inspection for approval

    Botswana's National Stadium faces a new CAF inspection; BFA president Tariq Babitseng said success would allow the country to host its national team and CAF club competition matches in the capital, easing pressure on Francistown's Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, the currently only CAF-certified venue in the country.

    10 August 2026 · Mmegi

  3. Tonota FC win inaugural Tati River Cup against Nkana

    Tonota FC defeated Zambia's Nkana FC 2-1 in the final of the first edition of the Tati River Cup at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on Saturday. The home side came from behind after Nkana scored first, with goals from Arnold Mampori and Emmanuel Timu securing the trophy.

    10 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Thursday 6 August

  1. Zezuru community in Botswana sustains through savings and mutual support

    Members of the Zezuru community in Botswana, largely descended from Vapostori followers who migrated from Zimbabwe in the 1940s, have maintained intergenerational economic self-reliance through thrift, practical skills, informal trade and strong communal networks. The community is known for practices such as carpentry and other crafts that continue to sustain families across generations.

    6 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Francistown hosts inaugural Tati River Cup football tournament

    The inaugural Tati River Cup, a one-day pre-season football tournament, kicks off at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. The tournament features four teams—Township Rollers, TAFIC FC, Tonota FC, and Nkana FC from Zambia—plus women's curtain-raiser matches, and aims to revive football in the Northern Region while boosting community development and local sport tourism.

    6 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Inaugural Tati River Cup aims to boost Francistown tourism and football

    The inaugural HSNV-sponsored Tati River Pre-Season Tournament, set for next week, is positioned by organisers as an event that could transform Francistown into Botswana's football destination while driving tourism, business and regional football development.

    5 August 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

  2. Botswana Prison Service reports P2 million harvest

    The Botswana Prison Service recorded an agricultural harvest valued at P2,044,568 during the 2025/2026 cropping season, including 3,000 bags of maize, 368 bags of sorghum, 147 bags of beans, 36,110 kilogrammes of vegetables, 3,542 kilogrammes of citrus fruits, and 20,000 kilogrammes of mixed livestock feed. The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services said the harvest demonstrates how offender rehabilitation contributes to national food production and reduces government expenditure on prisoners' upkeep.

    5 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 3 August

  1. Nova Africa signs deal to revive Botswana's Mupane Gold Mine

    Nova Africa Resources has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of the defunct Mupane Gold Mine, Botswana's only gold mine, following its liquidation. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and the transfer of mining licenses and permits, with the company aiming to develop a modern, sustainable operation that will create jobs and contribute to economic growth.

    3 August 2026 · Weekend Post

Thursday 30 July

  1. Zambian champions Nkana tour Botswana for inaugural Tati River Cup

    Zambian record league champions Nkana will compete in the inaugural Tati River Cup on Friday 8 August in Francistown, facing Township Rollers, TAFIC Sporting Club, and Tonota FC as part of their pre-season preparation for the 2026-27 campaign.

    30 July 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Business Botswana urges practical rollout of new tax laws

    Business Botswana has urged BURS to adopt a practical and collaborative approach to implementing new tax laws, emphasizing that timing, flexibility, and stakeholder support are critical as enterprises navigate current economic pressures. The Acting Commissioner for Domestic Taxes said the reforms aim to build a tax system that supports enterprises, encourages investment, rewards compliance, and creates certainty.

    30 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  3. Four Northern Region clubs compete in Francistown charity football tournament

    Four football teams from the Northern Region will compete in the Bet267 Charity Spectacular on Saturday in Francistown, with tournament proceeds dedicated to infrastructure development of the children's ward at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital. The event, which has secured sponsorship worth more than P350,000, will feature matches, entertainment, and dignitaries including the Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship.

    30 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Wednesday 29 July

  1. IPC trains 55 locals in para sport development pathway

    The International Paralympic Committee held a two-day training in Mochudi that enrolled 55 trainees in para sports, followed by a festival featuring blind football, wheelchair tennis, goal ball, para-athletics, and para powerlifting. The initiative, sponsored by IPC and Toyota Mobility Foundation, aims to scout talent and prepare local athletes for international Paralympic Games by building awareness and coaching capacity in Botswana.

    29 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Francistown — Botswanan press coverage · Botswana Minute