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

Gaborone

2026-04-212026-06-13
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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026

  2. Mmegi

    Gathering in Gaborone ahead of the ministerial and Heads of State engagements, senior officials from both countries signalled a deliberate shift from diplomatic declarations to actual delivery.Botswana’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Relations, Ambassador T …

    Botswana, SA demand results in agreements

  3. Daily News Botswana

    … He added that the machinery he required was not readily available locally, forcing him to travel to Gaborone in search of equipment, which was also not always easy to find. …

    Tselanyane carves future through woodwork

  4. 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

  5. Daily News Botswana

    … Down 4-2 on aggregate after a bruising first leg in Gaborone, Enesia FC was running out of time. …

    Enesia Defy Odds to Punch Premier League Ticket

  6. Daily News Botswana

    … Officially opening the 21st BDF Strategic Conference in Gaborone on May 25, President Boko, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, said the conference theme: Maintaining a Capable and Cost-Effective Defence Force Under Fiscal Constraints, reflected the realities of a …

    Embrace innovation against emerging security threats

  7. Daily News Botswana

    … Speaking at the official opening of the 21st BDF Strategic Conference in Gaborone on May 25, President Boko, also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, acknowledged that members of the disciplined forces were not immune to the emotional and social challenges faced by ordinary c …

    Boko calls for zero tolerance on GBV

  8. Daily News Botswana

    … Building robust digital infrastructure is therefore critical. ‎ ‎Minister Tshere highlighted Botswana’s progress, pointing to the Delta Digital Data Centre in Gaborone, officially unveiled last year, as part of efforts to bolster the country’s digital backbone. …

    Botswana Joins World in commemorating World Telecommunication Day

  9. The Botswana Gazette

    … Inside the halls of the National Art Gallery in Gaborone, scrap metal, abandoned fragments, and…

    How Scrap Transformed into Powerful Art

  10. Mmegi

    BFA national executive member, Bathusi Rathari, had told journalists during a press briefing in Gaborone on Tuesday that the decision to cut foreign players will be implemented from next season.However, in an interview with MmegiSport today, BFL chairperson Sipho Showa said it wa …

    'BFA erred on foreign players quota'

  11. Daily News Botswana

    The 6th Session of the Bi-National Commission between Botswana and South Africa kicked off in Gaborone this morning. …

    Botswana and South Africa 6th Bi-National Commission Talks Starts
Business

Vice President highlights air connectivity for economic growth

The News

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.

Why it matters

Vice President's emphasis on air connectivity as an economic diversification tool under the new transformation plan signals infrastructure and trade policy direction.

11 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Thursday 11 June

  1. 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 →

  2. 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 →

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Government securing months of medicines via emergency procurement

    Health Minister Stephen Modise announced that government is addressing medicine shortages through emergency procurement measures, including six to 12 months' worth of supplies from the IDA Foundation and seven months' worth from the United Arab Emirates, with additional consignments arriving in coming weeks.

    10 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Farouk Ismail Group donates P70,000 medication to Athlone Hospital

    Farouk Ismail Group (Pty) Ltd donated P70,000 worth of medication for managing high blood pressure, hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes to Athlone Hospital in Lobatse. The donation, part of the company's community support initiatives, was received gratefully by hospital staff during a handover ceremony on Tuesday.

    9 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  2. 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 →

  3. 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 →

  4. Court of Appeal to hear FNBB appeal in Guma Moyo property dispute

    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.

    9 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  5. 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 →

  6. 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 →

  7. Former Police Commissioner Simon Hirschfeld laid to rest

    Simon Hirschfeld, Botswana's first Motswana Police Commissioner who served 39 years in law enforcement and spent 24 years leading the Botswana Police Service, was buried at Phomolong Memorial Park in Gaborone with a traditional police funeral ceremony.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  8. Harvard Health Partnership praised for HIV and COVID research

    President Duma Boko congratulated the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership for their significant role in breakthrough HIV prevention research and the discovery of the Omicron COVID variant in 2021. The partnership's executive director noted their contributions to Botswana's public health milestones and their participation in landmark studies that shaped local and international HIV treatment and prevention guidelines.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  9. Botswana bids to host regional anti-money laundering academy

    Botswana is seeking to host the Eastern and Southern African Anti-Money Laundering Group's Regional Training Academy in Gaborone, positioning itself as a regional leader in combating financial crime. Through the Institute for Combating Illicit Flow of Funds, the academy would serve as a centre of excellence for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing training across the region.

    9 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Monday 8 June

  1. Minister hails New Botswana City as economic diversification step

    The Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship said the groundbreaking of New Botswana City demonstrates Botswana's commitment to economic diversification, industrialisation, and competing in the global economy, noting that the project aligns with Vision 2036 and the Economic Transformation Programme.

    8 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Sunday 7 June

  1. Mining sector leaders gather to discuss transformation and investment

    Botswana's mining sector leaders will convene in Gaborone in late June to discuss investment, beneficiation, and industry leadership as the sector positions itself for transformation amid rising global demand for critical minerals.

    7 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Thursday 4 June

  1. Gaborone mayor to address lockout allegations over furniture bill

    Gaborone City Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng expressed shock at reports of allegedly locking out senior council officials from their offices over a disputed furniture bill near P1 million, but declined further comment pending a full address.

    4 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. Food vendors in Botswana switch to cheaper fuel alternatives

    Street food vendors in Gaborone and Molepolole are shifting from cooking gas to charcoal and firewood to reduce expenses and protect profit margins, though they face ongoing conflicts with local authorities over safety regulations and undefined legal status.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  3. SADC operationalises anti-money laundering and terrorism financing committee

    The Southern African Development Community has operationalised its AML/CFT committee to combat money laundering and terrorism financing in the region. Acting Finance Minister Wynter Mmolotsi told the committee's fifth meeting in Gaborone that member states face structural vulnerabilities including import dependence and limited economic diversification, which the region must address through strengthened collaboration.

    4 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Wednesday 3 June

  1. First Lady warns of neglect toward boy child, mental health

    Botswana's First Lady Kaone Boko has called for increased focus on empowering the boy child, cautioning that neglect could lead to future social instability, violence, and marginalisation. She made the remarks at a UNICEF Botswana CEOs Council for Child Rights Forum in Gaborone.

    3 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  2. Skills shortage threatens Botswana's foreign investment plans

    Government considers critical skills shortages one of the biggest obstacles to national development and attracting foreign investment. The Ministry of Higher Education permanent secretary said the disconnect between graduate qualifications and industry needs discourages investors, particularly in mining, despite growing numbers of unemployed graduates.

    3 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  3. Botswana president praises Belgium relations since 1975

    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.

    3 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Botswana urged to implement tobacco control act regulations

    A new report launched in Botswana warned of rising tobacco and nicotine industry influence, particularly targeting young people through vaping, and called for urgent finalisation and implementation of regulations under the Tobacco Control Act (2021). The 2025 Botswana Tobacco Industry Interference Index Report noted Botswana's global leadership in tobacco control while highlighting the need to operationalise existing legislation.

    2 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  2. Government plans new anti-corruption bill and DCEC independence

    Botswana's government plans to introduce a new Anti-Corruption Bill to Parliament in July and grant the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime full operational independence, according to the Minister for State President, Defence and Security. The reforms aim to bolster accountability, restore public trust, and elevate governance standards.

    2 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  3. Minister Ramaotwana awaits decision on six Mexican fugitives' extradition

    Justice Minister Nelson Ramaotwana has yet to decide whether to extradite six Mexican fugitives arrested nearly six months ago to Mozambique, where they face drug-related and organized crime charges. The delay reflects broader regional concerns over cross-border drug trafficking and organized crime networks operating in Botswana.

    2 June 2026 · Weekend Post →

  4. Inflation reshapes household spending on food and transport

    Households across Botswana are recalculating daily spending as inflation raises food, transport, and basic living costs. Meat prices have roughly doubled, selling at about P120/kg compared to around P60/kg in previous periods.

    2 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  5. Huawei launches nova 15 Max smartphone in Botswana

    Huawei Botswana has officially launched the HUAWEI nova 15 Max in Gaborone, introducing a smartphone designed to meet growing digital lifestyle demands and strengthen the company's position in the local handset market.

    2 June 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

  6. Rwanda, Kenya advance to Africa finals; Botswana narrowly misses

    Seven nations competed in the Sub-regional Qualifier A cricket tournament in Gaborone, with Rwanda and Kenya securing the two available spots for the Africa regional finals. Botswana narrowly missed qualifying.

    2 June 2026 · Mmegi →

  7. Botswana launches youth and women oil and gas programme

    Botswana has launched the Botswana Youth, Women and Citizen (BYWC) Oil and Gas Programme to position citizens at the forefront of the country's emerging energy sector and reduce dependence on diamonds. The Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs said the initiative aims to equip young people, women and citizens with skills and opportunities for job creation and participation in wealth creation as the country prepares for economic diversification.

    2 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  8. Botswana and EU reaffirm partnership on sustainable development

    Botswana and the European Union have reaffirmed their partnership at the 7th Botswana–EU Partnership Dialogue in Gaborone, with Minister Dr Phenyo Butale highlighting cooperation in renewable energy, digital transformation, biodiversity conservation, and economic diversification.

    2 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

  9. Multichoice warns of piracy's economic impact across Africa

    Multichoice Botswana hosted piracy awareness training for the Department of Broadcasting Services, with a company manager noting that piracy is an economic concern affecting government revenue, businesses, and consumers. Cross-border decoder piracy, where decoders purchased in South Africa are used in neighbouring countries like Botswana, is identified as predominant in the country.

    2 June 2026 · Daily News Botswana →

Sunday 31 May

  1. Kasimba Boutique Hotel offers city escape near Gaborone

    Kasimba Boutique Hotel, located in the hills of Mokolodi near Gaborone, combines safari elegance and curated interiors as a retreat from city life.

    31 May 2026 · The Botswana Gazette →

Gaborone — Botswanan press coverage · Botswana Minute