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

Southern African Development Community

Also known as: SADC

Southern African Development Community — regional intergovernmental organization whose Secretariat has faced financial management failures and whose member states coordinate on climate, agriculture, health, and economic integration.

2026-04-282026-09-11

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. July 2026
  2. Daily News Botswana

    The relationship between Botswana and Angola, he said, was rooted in a shared history and had continued to grow through regional cooperation under the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

    Botswana and Angola move to seal landmark Defence Pact
  3. Weekend Post

    He drew three clear connections between government action and the Roundtable’s agenda: regional trade corridors like the Kazungula Bridge arrangements with Zambia and renewed SADC agreements, which offer shorter, cheaper routes to market; utility-scale solar projects now breaking

    Gaborone Opens Its Boardroom: Inside the Inaugural CEO Africa Roundtable
  4. Weekend Post

    Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the highest-scoring regional bloc for anti-corruption, only four of its 15 member states have improved their scores over the past decade.

    Botswana among five African nations facing sharp declines in Anti-Corruption efforts
  5. Daily News Botswana

    She added that the relationship between South Africa and Botswana continued to remain one of the strongest relationships in the SADC region.

    Bereaved families await compensation
  6. Daily News Botswana

    Addressing delegates, Ms Esperanza called for stronger relations among political parties across the Southern African Development Community, saying the next generation of political leaders should know one another and work together to advance democracy, regional cooperation and sha

    BCP should offer practical solutions
  7. Mmegi

    Organisers explained that the country's premier B2B procurement platform connects SMEs with SADC buyers.Now in its 10th year, the fair, which is the brainchild of Vuyiswa Mojela, features curated "Deal Rooms".This segment arranges pre-scheduled meetings between suppliers and proc

    Boko to officiate Trade Up North
  8. Mmegi

    Organisers explained that the country's premier B2B procurement platform connects SMEs with SADC buyers.Now in its 10th year, the fair, which is the brainchild of Vuyiswa Mojela, features curated "Deal Rooms".This segment arranges pre-scheduled meetings between suppliers and proc

    Boko to officiate Trade Up North
  9. Daily News Botswana

    Invitations have been extended to opposition political parties from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), diplomatic missions accredited to Botswana, as well as labour movements and trade union federations.

    BCP set for elective congress
  10. Weekend Post

    The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), the national regulator, said the project aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Broadband Plan and the broader Southern African Development Community’s infrastructure goals.

    Powertel, Paratus launch Fiber Optic Corridor
  11. The Botswana Gazette

    Botswana has rejoined a SADC pooled procurement, seeking cheaper medicines, stable supplies after shortages exposed procurement flaws BONGANI MALUNGA Botswana has formally returned to regional pooled procurement for essential medicines, marking a significant policy reversal after

    Botswana Rejoins SADC Drug Procurement Pool

Today

  1. Texas firm commits $150 million for 130-bed specialist hospital in Gaborone

    A Texas-based private equity firm is investing roughly $150 million to build the TEMCO Hospital Ecosystem near Sir Seretse Khama International Airport—an integrated facility combining a 130-bed specialist hospital, medical hospitality wing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing plant on one site.

    5 hours ago · Weekend Post

Tuesday 8 September

  1. SADC meteorologists confirm strong El Niño expected this season

    Regional meteorological forecasters meeting in Swakopmund found that expert predictions confirm expectations of a significant El Niño this season, raising concerns for the SADC region.

    8 September 2026 · Mmegi

Monday 7 September

  1. Chobe Business Expo connects enterprises to regional markets

    The Chobe Business Expo 2026 in Kazungula brought together local businesses to showcase products, meet customers, and build partnerships. The Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship highlighted Chobe's strategic location as an economic frontier for agribusiness, tourism, and regional trade, urging entrepreneurs to embrace markets, technology, and consistency.

    7 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Thursday 3 September

  1. Botswana assesses readiness for regional agricultural data system

    Botswana is conducting a national workshop to evaluate its agricultural information systems and their readiness to integrate into a wider Southern African Agricultural Information Management System (AIMS), which aims to improve information sharing, early warning systems, and coordinated responses to food security challenges among member states.

    3 September 2026 · Mmegi

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Government strengthens drug enforcement with DEA training course

    The Assistant Minister for State President, Defence and Security opened a six-month specialised training course for Drug Enforcement Agency officers at Otse Police College, aimed at strengthening their ability to investigate drug offences and combat illicit drug production, supply, and trafficking.

    1 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Botswana celebrates Ukraine independence, launches artistic exhibition

    Botswana marked 35 years of Ukraine's independence at an event in Gaborone where the Assistant Minister for State President, Defence and Security affirmed Botswana's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while launching a two-week artistic exhibition titled "Resilience: The Unbreakable Human Spirit" featuring collaboration between Batswana and Ukrainian artists.

    1 September 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 31 August

  1. Tanzanian billionaire Dewji pitches investment partnership to Botswana

    Mohammed Dewji, Tanzania's richest man and head of the MeTL Group conglomerate, met with President Duma Boko to explore a partnership that would use Botswana as a strategic base to reach 350 million consumers across the southern African region. Dewji's proposed investments span manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and energy.

    31 August 2026 · Weekend Post

Thursday 27 August

  1. Southern Africa's rising heat approaching human physiological limits

    Scientific research shows that 35°C represents a physiological threshold for the human body. Temperatures across the Southern African Development Community region have risen 1.0–1.5°C since 1961, with projections of a further 4.5–5°C warming by midcentury; in Botswana, forecasters warn of temperatures reaching 35–45°C, pushing human tolerance to its limits.

    27 August 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. President Boko says democracy entrenched despite fake news, economic pressures

    President Advocate Duma Boko told the outgoing EU Ambassador that Botswana's democratic credentials remain firmly rooted, though the country faces emerging challenges including fake news, migration driven by economic pressures, and coalition politics ahead of the 2029 elections. He noted the new administration inherited a collapsing economy and has worked to stabilize it over the last two years amid rising unemployment, higher cost of living, and a hostile geopolitical environment.

    27 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 24 August

  1. SADC Secretariat audit exposes financial mismanagement and control failures

    A SADC Board audit report has exposed deep financial management failures, weak controls, and procurement irregularities at the regional bloc's secretariat, with millions of dollars being lost and the secretariat unable to implement the regional bloc's decisions.

    24 August 2026 · Botswana Sunday Standard

  2. 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

  3. Botswana AI platform provides personalised learning support to students

    Moithuti AI, a Botswana-developed platform, uses adaptive artificial intelligence to deliver personalised learning support available round-the-clock at approximately P100 per month, addressing education access gaps that were highlighted during COVID-19 lockdowns when some learners could continue studying while others could not.

    24 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Thursday 20 August

  1. Botswana donates 100,000 FMD vaccine doses to Lesotho

    Botswana has donated 100,000 doses of Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine produced by the Botswana Vaccine Institute to Lesotho to strengthen disease response and deepen cooperation between the two countries. The donation, handed over by the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, follows commitments under the Botswana-Lesotho Binational Commission and reflects shared efforts to protect livelihoods and food security.

    20 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Wednesday 19 August

  1. SADC summit designates Botswana Vaccine Institute as regional FMD bank

    At the 46th SADC summit in Durban, Botswana Vaccine Institute was designated as a regional Foot and Mouth Disease Antigen/Vaccine Bank to strengthen prevention and control efforts. The summit also urged member states to enhance preparedness for El Niño-induced climate shocks.

    19 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Friday 14 August

  1. Botswana delegates at SADC Council meeting in Durban

    Botswana reaffirms its commitment to regional integration at a SADC Council of Ministers Meeting in Durban, where ministers are reviewing implementation of socio-economic and political decisions and identifying priority areas including economic corridors, the Regional Development Fund, and disaster risk management ahead of the 46th SADC Summit scheduled for August 2026.

    14 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Thursday 13 August

  1. Botswana leads delegation at SADC Council meeting in Durban

    Botswana reaffirms commitment to regional integration as the SADC Council of Ministers meets in Durban, South Africa, led by Minister Dr Phenyo Butale. The Council will review implementation of 2025 Summit decisions and identify priorities including economic corridors, the Regional Development Fund, and disaster risk management ahead of the 46th SADC Summit scheduled for August 2026.

    13 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 10 August

  1. EU funds Botswana renewable energy transition programme

    The Ministry of Minerals and Energy and the European Union have launched the ASPIRE programme, a €5.5 million project running from February 2026 to January 2030 that aims to increase renewable energy from eight to 50 per cent, strengthen institutional capacity, and improve energy efficiency.

    10 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Botswana and Namibia sign ICT cooperation memorandum

    Botswana and Namibia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on ICT cooperation to drive digital transformation, innovation, and economic diversification through broadband infrastructure, cyber security, digital skills, and joint research initiatives.

    10 August 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 3 August

  1. SADC migrants lose social security benefits upon forced return

    Migrants displaced from South Africa are unable to access pensions, unemployment insurance, and other contributory benefits they earned while working, as most social security schemes are territorially bound. Labor advocates call for SADC to enforce binding agreements allowing migrants to carry benefits across borders.

    3 August 2026 · Weekend Post

Tuesday 28 July

  1. Africa SME body honours President Boko for SME commitment

    The President of the All Africa Association for Small and Medium Enterprises honoured President Advocate Duma Boko with the UbuntuSusu Continental SME Billion Fund recognition at the Trade Up North 10th Anniversary in Francistown, acknowledging his commitment to growing SMEs and creating an enabling environment for small businesses in Botswana. AAASME has established the $1.4 billion UbuntuSusu Continental SMEs Fund to assist SMEs in Africa to access finance, presenting Botswana's local SMEs an opportunity to tap into continental financing, markets and partnerships.

    28 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

  2. Botswana and Angola prepare landmark Defence Cooperation Agreement

    Botswana and Angola are preparing to sign a Defence Cooperation Agreement aimed at strengthening joint efforts against regional security threats including organised cross-border crime, cybercrime, and wildlife trafficking. The agreement will provide a framework for deeper military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint operations, with technical experts from both countries refining the Memorandum of Agreement ahead of signing during an upcoming State Visit.

    28 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Gaborone hosts inaugural CEO Africa Roundtable on economic growth

    Botswana held the inaugural CEO Africa Roundtable at the Gaborone International Convention Centre, bringing together chief executives, board chairpersons, diplomats, and business leaders under the banner "Towards a $40 Billion Economy by 2036." The government presented a roadmap acknowledging that the old economic model has run its course and called for action from private sector and regional partners.

    22 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  2. Botswana's anti-corruption efforts slide sharply, IIAG report finds

    According to the Ibrahim Index of African Governance 2026, Botswana's score has dropped 8.6 points over the past decade and now ranks sixth in Africa with a score of 57.8, placing it among five African nations showing severe declines in anti-corruption efforts since 2016. The report flags Botswana as experiencing "Increasing Deterioration," signaling an acceleration of decline since 2021.

    22 July 2026 · Weekend Post

  3. Bereaved families still await compensation after 2024 bridge accident

    Families of the 45 people who died in the 2024 Mmamatlakala Bridge bus accident in South Africa have not yet received compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF), according to the Chief of Staff in the Office of the President. The President's office has engaged the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund and RAF to assist with compensation claims, with RAF confirming its willingness to help.

    22 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Monday 20 July

  1. BCP elective congress addresses purchasing power erosion

    BCP president Dumelang Saleshando opened the party's elective congress, emphasising that it occurs amid significant erosion of purchasing power and calls for practical solutions to socio-economic challenges including rising cost of living, unemployment, and declining household incomes. The congress drew regional political delegates and opposition leaders from across Southern Africa.

    20 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Friday 17 July

  1. Botswana's Trade Up North fair enters 10th year in Francistown

    The Trade Up North B2B procurement platform, now in its 10th year, connects SMEs with SADC buyers and features curated "Deal Rooms" arranging meetings between suppliers and procurement leaders from major companies and government ministries. The 2026 fair will take place in Francistown at Cresta Marang Gardens.

    17 July 2026 · Mmegi

  2. Trade Up North fair enters tenth year in Francistown

    Botswana's premier B2B procurement platform connects SMEs with SADC buyers through curated "Deal Rooms" featuring pre-scheduled meetings with procurement leaders from major companies and government ministries. The fair, now in its tenth year, takes place in Francistown and aims to drive local content and regional integration.

    17 July 2026 · Mmegi

Thursday 16 July

  1. BCP to hold elective congress; Saleshando unopposed for leader

    The Botswana Congress Party will hold an elective congress over the long weekend (July 18–21) at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School to elect office bearers for six positions. Party leader Dumelang Saleshando's seat will not be challenged, but contested races include the vice presidency race between Dr Unity Dow and incumbent Taolo Lucas, and the chairperson position with three candidates.

    16 July 2026 · Daily News Botswana

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Powertel and Paratus launch cross-border fiber optic corridor

    Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe have launched the first phase of a fiber optic project linking Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, and the wider Paratus continental network. The initial active segment runs from Plumtree to Bulawayo as part of a public-private partnership agreement signed in June 2025.

    14 July 2026 · Weekend Post

Thursday 9 July

  1. Botswana Rejoins SADC Pooled Procurement for Medicines

    Botswana has formally returned to regional pooled procurement for essential medicines after months of drug shortages exposed procurement flaws and prompted allegations of corruption and inflated pricing in the country's previous system.

    9 July 2026 · The Botswana Gazette

Southern African Development Community — Botswanan press coverage · Botswana Minute