AGP Executive Report

De Beers Deal Talks: Botswana is in talks with the UAE and Oman to buy a “strategic” stake in De Beers, as President Duma Boko seeks more control over pricing and marketing after rough diamond prices hit the economy hard. Diamond Market Management: Angola says it will cut the supply of small rough diamonds for the next three months to avoid flooding the market and protect value. Regional Governance & Oversight: Botswana’s AG advised MPs that motions should be properly drafted, warning against preambles and pushing clerks to review legal wording before publication. Cross-Border Crime: Police in Zimbabwe intercepted a 360kg dagga consignment worth about ZiG10.8 million, allegedly smuggled from South Africa through Botswana. Tech & Services: Smart Hands Africa was appointed an authorised Supermicro services partner, expanding installation, maintenance and support across Botswana and other African markets. Sports Spotlight: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo took third in the Rome Diamond League 100m, while Ferdinand Omanyala finished eighth. Energy & Youth Skills: A new oil-and-gas value-chain programme targets youth and women with training and opportunities, aiming to diversify Botswana beyond diamonds.

Gaborone City Council Crisis: Gaborone Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng says he will address allegations he locked out senior council officials over a disputed furniture bill nearing P1 million, after councillors reportedly condemned the move. Anti-Corruption Accountability: The DPP has reportedly resolved to prosecute a perjury complaint tied to Botswana’s discredited P100 billion scandal, after courts found key allegations were built on fabricated evidence. Mining Investment Boost: Sandvik has won a US$70m order for a 45-unit underground mining equipment fleet for MMG’s Khoemacau copper mine in northwest Botswana, with deliveries from August 2026 to April 2030. Regional Rights Milestone: University of Botswana law lecturer Dr Onthatile Moeti becomes the first Motswana enrolled on the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights roster as legal counsel. Sports (Botswana on the track): Letsile Tebogo took third in the men’s 100m at the Rome Diamond League, while Akani Simbine finished sixth and Marioné Fourie placed fourth in the women’s 100m hurdles. Business/Tech: Africa Bitcoin Corporation increased its Bitcoin holdings by 0.5085 BTC, bringing total holdings to 5.5331 BTC under a long-term “HODL” strategy.

Botswana in the Gulf spotlight: The US says it fired a Hellfire missile to disable a Botswana-flagged, unladen tanker (M/T Lexie) heading toward Iran’s Kharg Island after repeated warnings. Regional escalation: Iran and the US traded missile and drone strikes as Kuwait International Airport was hit, killing one and injuring 63, with flights suspended and air defences engaged. Botswana business & mining: Sandvik won a roughly US$70m order for a 45-unit underground mining equipment fleet for MMG’s Khoemacau copper mine, with deliveries from August 2026 to April 2030. Energy & trade links: Dangote’s CEO says new oil pipeline plans could run from Namibia’s Walvis Bay through Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, potentially reaching South Africa and the DRC. Sports & culture: Bayanda Walaza continues his comeback, finishing fourth in the 100m at Finland’s Paavo Nurmi Games; and Botswana hosts a gender equality forum in Victoria Falls under ANOCA Zone VI.

Foreign Investment Pitch: Botswana’s Foreign Minister Phenyo Butale told The Korea Herald that Korean firms can tap the country’s critical minerals and invest in local manufacturing, pointing to 186 priority projects under the BETP economic transformation plan. Food Security Push: Botswana has expanded Pandamatenga Grain Silos by 60,000 tonnes, lifting total storage to 90,000 tonnes to cut post-harvest losses and strengthen grain reserves. Economy Watch: Bank of Botswana warns labour market conditions have likely worsened after diamond-driven economic weakness, with earlier modest employment gains fading. Energy/Trade Shock: South Africa’s FMD vaccine supply disruptions linked to Botswana Vaccine Institute production interruptions forced it to source from Argentina, risking export earnings. Governance & Rights: Police warn against fake news and misinformation online, saying false rumours can trigger criminal prosecution. Social Development: First Lady Kaone Boko urges stronger boy-child empowerment and better mental health support to prevent future instability. Regional Spotlight: US-Iran tensions spilled into Kuwait and the Gulf, with Kuwait reporting a strike on its airport that killed one and injured 63, while US forces disabled a Botswana-flagged tanker.

Regional Security: Kuwait says Iran’s missile and drone attack hit Kuwait International Airport, killing one and injuring at least 63, with flights suspended and damage to Terminal 1 and nearby facilities; Iran claims it was retaliation for US strikes, while the US says it carried out “self-defence” strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island after intercepting missiles and drones aimed at Kuwait and Bahrain. Maritime Trade: The US Central Command says it disabled a Botswana-flagged tanker, M/T Lexie, with a Hellfire missile after a 24-hour standoff over alleged blockade violations, warning crews repeatedly before striking the engine room. Botswana Economy: Bank of Botswana warns labour market conditions likely worsened after early 2024 gains were wiped out by weakness in the private sector, with diamond downturn pressures spreading beyond mining. Diamonds for Development: Botswana and De Beers appoint former AfDB president Akinwumi Adesina as Chair of the Diamonds for Development Fund, expected to take office mid-June. Sports: Letsile Tebogo and Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo headline Diamond League attention in Rome, with Akani Simbine and Marioné Fourie also set to compete.

Maritime Security: The U.S. Central Command says it disabled the Botswana-flagged tanker M/T Lexie with a Hellfire missile after the crew ignored warnings for 24 hours while heading for Iran’s Kharg Island, adding to a blockade enforcement that has disabled six vessels and redirected 122 others. Regional Diplomacy: The same week saw fresh U.S.-Iran escalation, with CENTCOM reporting “self-defense” strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island after missile and drone attacks aimed at Kuwait and Bahrain, while Iran says it has also hit U.S. interests. SADC Fisheries Governance: In Botswana-linked regional leadership, Stanley Ndara was reappointed to chair the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre board, with Kagisanyo Bedi of Botswana among directors, as the bloc pushes tougher action against illegal fishing and expands vessel registers. Communications Regulation: Telecom Namibia CEO Stanley Shanapinda was appointed executive secretary of CRASA, with his Telecom Namibia tenure ending 1 July 2026.

One Health Push: World Bank’s Valerie Hickey says protecting human and animal health must start with the environment, and needs real partnership across governments and the private sector. Polio Alert: Bulawayo launches a four-day polio vaccination drive for children under five after a CVDPV2 outbreak in Malawi, with plans to sync efforts across the region. Anti-Corruption Overhaul: Botswana prepares an Anti-Corruption Bill and moves toward giving the DCEC full operational independence, as officials warn corruption drains services and jobs. DCEC Court Fight: Ex-DCEC chief Tshepo Pilane files suit over alleged unlawful demotion and death threats, naming top state security and justice officials. Mupane Mine Legal Twist: The Court of Appeal clears the way for the controversial sale of Mupane Gold Mining assets, overturning an earlier High Court freeze. Selebi-Phikwe East Politics: BCP insists it still controls the seat despite UDC campaign pressure, with the by-election race tightening. Economy Mood: Bank of Botswana data shows firms remain broadly pessimistic for early 2026 as weak spending and exchange pressures bite. Household Costs: Beef prices in Gaborone have jumped sharply amid inflation and FMD-related supply limits. Air Botswana Rescue: Government has injected hundreds of millions into Air Botswana and the airline now seeks to convert a loan into equity over governance and repayment failures. Regional Security: Botswana is still deciding whether to extradite six Mexican fugitives to Mozambique as drug-trafficking concerns grow. Sports Development: Nigel Amos unveils a long-term youth athletics plan, while BNOC doping handling faces renewed scrutiny.

Botswana Health & Labour: The High Court has halted restructuring at Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH), after Botswana Nurses Union (BONU) argued the hospital must consult staff under a March 19 MoU while a related case is still before the Lobatse High Court. Regional Justice & Travel: SADC justice ministers meeting in Victoria Falls are set to push the Draft Agreement for a SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming to make travel easier for tourism and transit across member states. Defence & Discipline: Botswana President Duma Boko warned the Botswana Defence Force to crack down on GBV and femicide, linking violence cases to poor relationship discipline and calling for counselling and accountability. Cross-Border Enforcement: South Africa launched a Foreign Vehicle Declaration System at the North West border with Botswana, requiring foreign-registered drivers to declare vehicle details to get a temporary import permit. Energy & Governance: Namibia’s fuel procurement controversy deepened after authorities directed fuel firms to source bulk petrol and diesel exclusively from Vitol for three months, raising transparency and conflict-of-interest questions. Sports & Development: First Capital Bank (FCB) and Hashtag Fitness launched a regional padel push with a K40 million FCB Padel Cup, with a finale planned in Botswana. SADC Fisheries: Fisheries monitoring chief Stanley Ndara was reappointed to lead a SADC centre in Maputo, tasked with monitoring and tackling illegal fishing.

SADC Regional Integration: Justice ministers and attorneys general meet in Victoria Falls with the SADC Tourism UNIVISA draft on top of the agenda, aiming for a single visa for transit and tourism stays across member states. Botswana Governance & Law: Botswana’s Draft Media Bill 2025 is back in focus as the country weighs genuine media reform against tighter control, while legal moves continue around DCEC and PPRA after a Tawana JV application seeks court action to compel regulators. Public Accountability: An ex senior DCEC officer threatens to sue government, and a separate legal notice shows a push for action against public officers over alleged misconduct. Economy & Civic Space: Government has deregistered more than 5,700 societies in a sweeping crackdown on churches, clubs, associations and civil groups, raising concerns about how civic life will operate going forward. Sports & National Pride: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo took silver in the Diamond League 200m in Rabat, and the week also highlighted Botswana’s growing athletics presence on the global stage. Health & Livestock: South Africa introduced a voluntary FMD vaccination scheme, with knock-on implications for Botswana and southern livestock trade. Cross-Border Crime: Reports also point to ongoing cross-border smuggling risks, including drug trafficking routes involving Botswana.

Southern Africa Debt Watch: Africa’s external debt is concentrated at the top, with South Africa and Egypt together holding 60.85% of the $543.58bn total among listed countries, while Botswana sits among the smaller-debt holders at about $2.05bn. Civic Space Under Pressure: Botswana’s government has deregistered more than 5,700 societies across sectors like churches, clubs, business groups and civil society, citing the Societies Act as it removes organisations from the register. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Police in Bulawayo arrested five men after intercepting a vehicle towing a trailer loaded with 360kg of dagga worth ZiG10.8 million, allegedly smuggled from South Africa via Botswana into Zimbabwe. Regional Trade Push: Botswana is doubling down on cross-border business links through the 30th Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair in Francistown, aiming to cut non-tariff barriers and improve logistics. Sports Spotlight: Diamond League action in Rabat saw Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo finish second in the 200m, while the meet also featured strong performances from regional athletes.

Deregistration Shock: Botswana’s government has struck off more than 5,700 societies from the register in a sweeping crackdown covering churches, clubs, business groups, sports bodies and civil society, raising fresh questions about how the Societies Act is being applied. Aging and Costs: With the economy projected to contract and diamond-linked revenues under pressure, attention is turning to how Botswana will fund elder care and social protection as the number of older people grows. Regional Trade Push: Botswana is doubling down on SADC ties as it opens the 30th Business Botswana Northern Trade Fair in Francistown, aiming to cut cross-border friction and non-tariff barriers. Mining and Jobs Watch: Giyani Metals’ updated feasibility work for its Botswana manganese project points to higher costs but keeps the push for battery-grade manganese alive. Health System Strain: A new report highlights how medicine shortages and limited access to free healthcare are forcing some Botswana families to buy treatment themselves—often at a painful cost. Crime and Borders: Botswana-linked cross-border drug trafficking remains in focus after Zimbabwe police reported arrests tied to dagga smuggled via Botswana.

Healthcare Strain: Botswana’s diamond-linked slowdown is hitting families hard, with reports of elderly patients and caregivers struggling to buy essential medicines as shortages and costs rise. Diamond Diversification Push: Botswana and De Beers have appointed former AfDB president Dr Akinwumi Adesina to chair the Diamonds for Development Fund, aimed at turning diamond wealth into long-term diversification, jobs and beneficiation. Ageing Without Care: A new analysis says pensions for Botswana’s elderly are growing, but long-term care services lag behind, leaving many to rely on family support. Critical Minerals Update: Giyani Metals’ feasibility study for its K. Hill manganese project in Botswana flags a leaner operation but higher capital costs, reflecting today’s tougher development environment. Regional Tech Links: South Africa and Botswana renewed science, technology and innovation cooperation through the SA-Botswana Bi-National Commission, focusing on research funding and regional digital sovereignty. Sports & Spotlight: Botswana’s athletics and local sport continue to draw attention, including international meet performances and Botswana-based achievements.

Diamonds for Development Fund: Botswana and De Beers have appointed former AfDB president Dr Akinwumi Adesina as chairperson of the Diamonds for Development Fund, aimed at using diamond wealth to drive diversification, innovation, beneficiation and jobs, with Adesina set to take office on June 15, 2026. Business & jobs: Cash-strapped University of Botswana (UB) secured two loans totalling P395 million to fund retrenchment packages for 590 staff who left, while UB says it created 476 new job profiles under a new structure. Wildlife enforcement: Botswana-linked regional crackdown news highlights pangolin trafficking prosecutions, with two traffickers sentenced to eight years in South Africa’s North West after a sting operation rescued a live pangolin. Sports & community: Botswana’s Table Tennis Association will host the Maun Open, bringing senior men’s and women’s singles action outside Gaborone to give players more exposure. Culture & youth: Zimbabwean cultural expert Allington Ndlovu led Eswatini’s Bushfire Schools Festival showcase, spotlighting youth creativity through music, dance, poetry and storytelling. Opinion: A xenophobia-focused commentary argues that hostility to “foreigners” in one country eventually rebounds across the continent.

Diamonds for Development Fund: Botswana and De Beers have appointed former AfDB president Akinwumi Adesina to chair the new Diamonds for Development Fund, aimed at turning diamond wealth into diversification, innovation, beneficiation and jobs, with him set to take office on June 15, 2026. Finance & Tech: BTC hosted a Finance and Banking sector engagement on how connectivity and technology can strengthen secure, inclusive services across Botswana’s financial ecosystem. Wildlife crime crackdown: South Africa’s North West DEDECT welcomed the eight-year sentencing of pangolin traffickers after a sting operation led to the rescue of a live Temminck’s pangolin. University retrenchment costs: Cash-strapped University of Botswana secured two loans totalling P395 million to fund retrenchment packages for staff leaving the institution. Sports spotlight: Gaborone United defender Tatenda Gora earned a place in the Botswana Premier League Best XI after helping deliver back-to-back titles. Culture & entertainment: Shanti Lo marks 25 years in music with a celebration at Botswana Craft, while Sample Botswana launches an indigenous audio sample library to help local sounds stay visible online.

Ebola Screening in Botswana: Botswana’s Ministry of Health has stepped up precautions at points of entry, with temperature checks, symptom screening, travel-history declarations and isolation for anyone showing Ebola-like signs or recent high-risk contact, while urging the public to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas. Land Rights Warning: Mqondisi Moyo of the MTHWAKAZI Republic Party says Matabeleland’s title deeds revalidation could expose vulnerable families to property loss and exploitation, especially where heirs are absent or estates were never properly administered. FMD Fallout for Beef: Botswana’s beef sector remains under pressure after foot-and-mouth disease spread from the Ramatlabama area, threatening the country’s FMD-free status and export access. Mining Push: Eastport Critical Metals reports first uranium assay results from Botswana drilling, while Giyani Metals touts positive feasibility work for a battery-grade manganese project. Sports & Culture: Gaborone United defender Tatenda Gora makes the Botswana Premier League Best XI; Shanti Lo marks 25 years with a Botswana Craft anniversary celebration; and “Sample Botswana” launches an indigenous audio library to digitise local sounds.

Ebola Screening: Botswana’s Ministry of Health has stepped up Ebola virus precautions, with incoming travellers facing temperature checks and symptom screening, travel-history questions (especially DRC and Uganda visits in the past 21 days), and possible isolation and transport to designated facilities. Diamonds & Diplomacy: Botswana’s President Duma Boko says he’s ready to “find where interests meet” with the US, pointing to diamonds as a key bridge for trade despite tariff pressures. Mining Investment: Giyani Metals reports positive definitive feasibility study results for its K.Hill battery-grade manganese project in Botswana, projecting a post-tax NPV of $481.5m and a 20.3% IRR. Beef & Disease Risk: Botswana’s beef sector is under strain as Foot and Mouth Disease spreads after detection in April 2026, threatening FMD-free market access. Regional Water Security: South Africa and Botswana are set to sign a pact to protect water quality and curb invasive aquatic species in the Upper Limpopo River Basin. Sports Integrity: Botswana athletes face renewed scrutiny as doping violations and suspensions continue to surface, raising reputational concerns for the country’s track and field. Land & Vulnerable Families: Matabeleland’s title deeds revalidation exercise is condemned as costly and risky for vulnerable communities, with critics warning it could open the door to exploitation. Diamond Industry Governance: The World Federation of Diamond Bourses admits Botswana and Angola as nation-affiliated members after its summit in Gaborone, focusing on responsible luxury, transparency and beneficiation.