AGP Executive Report

SACU Reform Push: President Cyril Ramaphosa urged faster SACU reforms at the 9th summit in Cape Town, pointing to work on regional value chains (fertilisers, agrochemicals, seed) and plans for an investment roundtable to back automotive and battery manufacturing, alongside tariff concessions under AfCFTA. Anti-Corruption Court Move: Botswana’s DCEC has been granted permission to prosecute Bakang Seretse and two others over alleged criminal negligence tied to Botswana Petroleum Fund money, including charges spanning stealing by agent, money laundering, forgery and conspiracy. Public Service Clash: BOFEPUSU says it will fight a DPSM restructuring plan offering voluntary early packages, calling it unlawful and warning of a confrontation if government proceeds without proper process. Local Government Fallout: A Palapye District Council chairmanship dispute heads to Lobatse High Court after a councillor was ousted days after election, with claims of unlawful intervention over voting thresholds. Gaborone Sports Spotlight: CUCSA Games opened in Gaborone, running to 5 July across multiple venues, as Botswana hosts regional university athletes in volleyball, netball, athletics and more. Botswana Rights Milestone: Botswana formally erased its sodomy laws this year, following earlier court victories that decriminalised same-sex relations. Business & Sport: Botswana’s inaugural Business of Sport Summit framed sport as an economic lever for jobs, investment and GDP growth.

Public Service Restructuring Clash: BOFEPUSU says DPSM’s proposed voluntary early-exit packages for senior public servants are unlawful and warns of a confrontation if government pushes ahead without proper process. Anti-Corruption Court Move: Botswana’s DCEC has been granted permission to prosecute Bakang Seretse and others over alleged criminal negligence tied to Botswana Petroleum Fund money, including alleged stealing, money laundering, forgery and conspiracy charges. Local Government Power Fight: Palapye District Council chairmanship is headed to Lobatse High Court after a councillor challenges his abrupt ouster, with arguments centred on whether the council resolution met required voting thresholds. SACU Regional Agenda: At the 9th SACU Summit, President Ramaphosa urged accelerated reforms and faster regional value-chain work, including fertilisers, agrochemicals, seed, automotive and minerals beneficiation, alongside export and intra-Africa trade strategies. Botswana in the Spotlight (Sports & Society): Gaborone hosts the CUCSA Games, while Botswana’s legal progress on LGBTQ rights continues to draw international attention after sodomy laws were erased. Mining & Industry Signals: One Bullion begins a high-resolution airborne geophysical survey at its Vumba Project, and Botswana’s broader push for mining value addition and industrialisation remains a recurring theme.

LGBTQ+ Rights in Botswana: Botswana formally erased its colonial-era sodomy laws this year, following a 2019 High Court win upheld in 2021—highlighting how court-led change is reshaping civil liberties. Urban Governance: Bulawayo is set to sign a long-delayed sister-city twinning agreement with Francistown, reviving cooperation talks first pursued in 2014 after renewed engagement in 2025. Energy Transition Accountability: A Gaborone policy session warned that Africa’s clean-energy push could repeat extractive patterns unless investment treaties and donor-led projects build clear accountability and protect communities. Environmental Justice: The ERA coalition launched 20-country case studies on implementing environmental rights, focusing on access to information, participation, and justice for affected communities. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Botswana’s role in SACU and regional integration remains in focus, alongside broader moves to strengthen cross-border cooperation. Economy & Competitiveness: IMD’s 2026 ranking put Nigeria top in Africa on economic performance, while Botswana lagged—fueling renewed debate on infrastructure, institutions, and competitiveness. Public Apologies & Accountability: Botswana’s BDP apologized over the P100 billion saga, saying the controversy misled the public and calling for personal accountability after prosecutions were discontinued. Sports & International Events: CAF opened bidding for AFCON 2028, with a Botswana–South Africa joint bid among early contenders.

Regional Politics & Law: Zimbabwe’s parliament has passed a bill to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term and scrap direct presidential elections, with critics calling it a constitutional power grab. Botswana in the Spotlight: A Maun High Court has ordered government to upgrade Basubiya Kgosi Lawrence Liswani Sinvula to the E2 salary bracket and pay three years of arrears within 90 days. Sports Governance: CAF has opened bidding for the 2028 AFCON, with Ethiopia, Morocco and a Botswana–South Africa joint bid among the first contenders. Environment & Rights: The Environmental Rights in Africa coalition is launching 20-country environmental rights case studies, supported by the Open Society Foundations, to assess how communities can access information, participate, and seek justice. Conservation Cooperation: A SADC transfrontier wildlife ranger and manager training programme is rolling out across protected areas linking Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, funded by Germany via the TFCA financing facility. Local Political Entry: Radio personality Lets Montsosa says he will contest the Thamaga–Kumakwane seat in 2029, though he hasn’t picked a party yet. Economy & Business Signals: Anglo American reports its Namibia tax and economic contribution fell 21% in 2025, alongside lower procurement and capital spending. Energy & Industry: Shell South Africa’s fuel retail sale to Abu Dhabi’s Adnoc is reportedly in the final stages.

Regional Trade & Industry: SACU Heads of State meeting in Cape Town agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion capital, to back development projects across member states, with technical work now focused on governance, access rules and project pipelines. Botswana Tourism Law Reform: Botswana’s Environment and Tourism ministry is reviewing the Tourism Act, aiming for a modern, investment-friendly legal framework aligned to the 2021 National Tourism Policy and the 10-year strategy/master plan. Agriculture Financing Strategy: A consultative workshop with the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture and FAO discussed a new Agriculture Financing Strategy meant to unlock scaled investment, attract private capital, reduce risk and strengthen value chains. Traditional Leadership Pay Ruling: The Maun High Court ordered government to upgrade Basubiya Kgosi Lawrence Liswani Sinvula to the E2 salary bracket and pay three years’ arrears within 90 days. Corporate Leadership: MTN appointed Jerry Soko as CEO of MTN Eswatini effective 1 July 2026, citing network resilience, customer focus and operational discipline. Botswana in Global Policy: The U.S. welcomed Botswana’s signing of the Artemis Accords, while Botswana also signed the accords.

SACU Funding Push: SACU Heads of State agreed to set up a regional innovative funding mechanism with an initial N$5 billion capital, drawn from the Common Revenue Pool, to back development projects across member states—next steps include governance, access rules and a project pipeline. Botswana Legal Twist: In the High Court case involving Ramogapi and Botswana Housing Corporation executives, the AG says Ramogapi had no authority to engage private lawyers for a government case, and an affidavit also alleges it was unlawful to grant a power of attorney to a law firm for what appeared to be a government application. Tourism Overhaul: Government is reviewing the Tourism Act, aiming for a modern, investment-friendly legal framework aligned with the 2021 National Tourism Policy and the 10-year strategy/master plan, with consultations held in Gaborone. Agriculture Finance Strategy: Lands and Agriculture, with FAO support, is validating a draft Agriculture Financing Strategy meant to build a financing ecosystem that unlocks private capital, reduces risk and strengthens value chains. Mining & Value Chains: Botswana’s VP says the country is well-positioned to supply critical minerals for the clean-energy transition while moving up value chains through beneficiation and stronger local content. Artemis Accords: Botswana signed the Artemis Accords, pledging peaceful exploration and use of space, with the signing witnessed at NASA headquarters in Washington. Regional Security Message: The SACU summit also fed into broader regional priorities on trade, industrialisation and resilience, while a separate security-focused lecture stressed “synergy” across armed forces as a mission requirement.

SACU Regional Funding: Heads of State at the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion, drawn from the Common Revenue Pool, to back development projects across all SACU member states from 2027/28 and 2028/29, alongside further work on governance, access criteria and project pipelines. Mining & Diversification: Botswana’s Vice President and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe told the Future of Mining Summit 2026 that the country is positioned to supply critical minerals for the clean-energy transition and move up value chains, while Minerals and Energy Minister Bogolo Kenewendo stressed that the future is about “what we create,” not just what we extract. Botswana Governance & Labour: Public service salary negotiations for 2026 and 2027 are set to start in July after government and unions agreed on the bargaining framework, with health-sector conditions flagged as a key issue. Economy Watch: Botswana slid seven places in the IMD World Competitiveness ranking, now 66th out of 70, with concerns tied to fiscal stability, private sector development and infrastructure readiness. Legal System: Botswana’s High Court acquitted two men in a 2012 Mahalapye murder and rape case after the prosecution failed to establish a case to answer. Energy Projects: Shumba Energy has begun construction on the 100MW Tati Solar project near Francistown, targeting commercial operations in 2027 and export sales via the Southern African Power Pool.

Public Finance & Reserves: Bank of Botswana paid the government P7.3 billion in 2025 dividends, as officials point to pressure from weaker mineral revenues. Labour & Public Services: Public service salary talks for 2026/27 are set for July after government and unions agreed on the negotiation framework, with health-sector conditions at the centre. Governance & Accountability: Botswana plans a public complaints mechanism for the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS), aiming to boost accountability without undermining operations; meanwhile, BOPEU rejected claims at the Public Accounts Committee about “hidden” paper and toner supplies. Justice: Botswana’s High Court acquitted two men in a 2012 Mahalapye murder case, highlighting long-running prosecution failures. Land Administration: The suspended Kweneng Land Board chair says he will seek renewal at term expiry, despite allegations and a prolonged lack of clarity from the ministry. Economy & Competitiveness: Botswana slid seven places to 66th of 70 in the IMD competitiveness rankings, with heavy diamond dependence flagged as a risk. Energy & Industry: Shumba Energy has started construction on the 100MW Tati Solar project near Francistown, targeting regional power exports; Botswana also enacted VAT on remote electronic and professional services from June 1. Regional Trade: SACU leaders approved a R5 billion regional development fund and pushed for a 15-year AGOA extension. Sports & Society: Minister Kelebeng appointed a new Botswana National Sport Commission board; in football, Township Rollers face reported governance and financial turmoil.

Botswana Banking Court Fight: Alithea Investments’ dispute over a reported Euro 500m has landed in Botswana’s High Court, pulling in claims of fund routing via Deutsche Bank and links to the BETP and the Minister of International Relations, Dr Phenyo Butale—raising fresh questions for regulators and investors. SACU Regional Push: Botswana’s President Duma Boko used the SACU Heads of State summit to stress renewed purpose and customs simplification as Botswana takes over the rotating SACU chairmanship from July 15; leaders also agreed a new R5bn regional development fund and urged AGOA extension. De Beers Ownership Signals: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the sale process is nearing completion and hints future ownership could involve partnerships with diamond-producing governments—fueling Botswana’s push to deepen beyond its current 15% stake. Freedom House Watch: Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2026 report praises Botswana’s electoral democracy but flags ongoing weaknesses in media freedom, transparency, and minority rights protection. Refugee Rights Move: Botswana granted citizenship to 64 refugees at Dukwi, with officials stressing pathways for skilled refugees to work and end long displacement. Transport Policy Clash: Botswana Taxi Association warns it may surrender licences and shift to e-hailing if government regulations are seen as favouring digital platforms. SADC UniVisa Progress: Botswana’s tourism minister says the SADC UniVisa is moving closer to Heads of State consideration, aiming to cut the hassle of multiple visas across the region.

SACU Regional Push: Botswana’s President Duma Boko used the SACU summit to stress regional integration and customs simplification as Botswana takes over the rotating chairmanship in July, while leaders also agreed on a new R5bn development fund and urged a 15-year AGOA extension. De Beers Stakes Watch: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the sale process is nearing completion and hints ownership could evolve into a partnership model involving diamond-producing governments—fueling Botswana’s push to deepen its influence beyond its 15% share. Civil Liberties Spotlight: Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2026 report praises Botswana’s electoral democracy but flags ongoing weaknesses in media freedom, transparency, and minority rights protection. Transport Politics: Botswana taxi operators warn they may surrender licences and move to e-hailing if new rules are seen as favouring digital platforms. Refugee Rights: Botswana granted citizenship to 64 refugees at Dukwi, marking World Refugee Day and the 1951 Convention’s 75th anniversary. Migration Tensions Regionally: South Africa’s June 30 immigration protests are already hitting township tourism bookings, with businesses reporting sharp revenue drops and fears of longer fallout.

SACU Integration Push: Botswana President Duma Boko used the 9th SACU summit to stress regional integration and pledged to work with Namibia on the Trans-Kalahari Railway linking Botswana’s coalfields to Walvis Bay. SACU Funding Boost: Leaders also agreed on a new R5bn regional development fund to back bloc projects, alongside calls for an AGOA extension and faster AfCFTA implementation. SADC UniVisa Progress: Botswana’s tourism ministry says the SADC UniVisa is edging closer to approval, aiming to make travel across the region easier with a single visa. Democracy and Rights Watch: Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2026 report praises Botswana’s electoral democracy but flags ongoing weaknesses in media freedom, transparency, and minority rights protection. Refugee Policy Move: Botswana granted citizenship to 64 refugees at Dukwi, including professionals, as part of World Refugee Day and the 1951 Refugee Convention’s 75th anniversary. Transport Regulation Tension: Botswana taxi operators warn they may surrender licences if new rules are seen as favouring e-hailing platforms. Diamond Economy Pressure: De Beers sale talks are nearing a conclusion, with Botswana seeking a stronger stake, while Famous Brands points to Botswana’s diamond slowdown hitting consumer spending.

SACU Integration Push: Botswana says it will use its July 15 SACU chair to deepen regional integration, simplify customs and boost industrialisation across the bloc. SACU Funding & Trade: Leaders also agreed on a R5bn regional development fund and urged a 15-year AGOA extension to protect jobs and market access. Governance Under Scrutiny: Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2026 praises Botswana’s electoral democracy but flags ongoing weaknesses in civil liberties, media freedom and minority rights. Refugee Rights: Botswana granted citizenship to 64 refugees at Dukwi, with officials stressing pathways for refugees to work and rebuild lives. Transport Policy Clash: Taxi operators warn they may surrender licences and move to e-hailing if new rules are seen as favouring digital platforms. De Beers Ownership Talks: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the sale process is nearing completion and hints ownership could shift toward partnerships involving producing governments. Diamond Economy Pressure: Famous Brands points to Botswana’s diamond slowdown as a drag on consumer spending and restaurant performance. Anti-Corruption Court Case: Trial coverage continues around Moagi-related allegations tied to BPC tenders and livestock procurement.

SACU Summit in Cape Town: President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that no country can prosper alone amid shifting trade, tech and supply chains, as SACU leaders backed a N$5bn Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism and pushed for a 15-year AGOA extension while accelerating AfCFTA implementation. Botswana’s SACU role: Botswana President Duma Boko accepted the incoming chairmanship and pledged closer work with Namibia on the Trans-Kalahari Railway to Walvis Bay. Botswana diamond spillover: Famous Brands flagged Botswana’s diamond slowdown as a drag on consumer spending, while other coverage points to signs of diamond recovery but continued vulnerability. Governance and justice: South Africa’s Parliament moved to speed up foreign inmate transfers, including beyond Botswana, to ease prison overcrowding. Local economy and infrastructure: Bulilima’s Maitengwe road rehab is progressing toward the Maitengwe Border Post, supporting cross-border trade. Sports funding in Gaborone: FDH Bank’s K100m rescue sponsorship keeps Malawi university athletes on track for the CUCSA Games in Gaborone.

SACU Summit Prep: Botswana’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to attend the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State summit in Cape Town, with leaders expected to review the SACU Strategic Plan (2022–2027) and push industrialisation, customs modernisation, trade facilitation and AfCFTA-linked opportunities. Parliament & Migration Pressure (South Africa): South Africa’s parliament is urging faster deportation of foreign inmates by tightening coordination between correctional services and home affairs, citing overcrowding and the need to identify eligible prisoners sooner. Moagi Trial: In Botswana’s Moagi corruption case, a witness told court about asset declarations and alleged unchanged liabilities across years, as the trial continues. CUCSA Games Funding: FDH Bank pledged K100 million to rescue Malawi’s university sports team’s participation in the CUCSA Games in Gaborone, with teams from across the region expected to compete. Artemis Accords: Botswana signed the Artemis Accords at NASA, signalling deeper international cooperation on safe, transparent civil space exploration. Road Works (Bulilima): Maitengwe road rehabilitation in Bulilima is progressing, with phased works aimed at improving cross-border trade links to the Zimbabwe border post.

SACU Summit Watch: Botswana’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to attend the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State summit in Cape Town on 26 June, with focus on the SACU Strategic Plan review, customs modernisation, trade facilitation, industrialisation and how AfCFTA opportunities can be used across the bloc. Botswana in Space Diplomacy: Botswana officially signed the US-led Artemis Accords at NASA headquarters, signalling a push for safe, transparent civil space cooperation as the country builds on its recent satellite milestone. Health and Policy Pressure: Botswana has moved into the world’s top 20 for the number of people living with HIV, underscoring the scale of a hyper-endemic epidemic even as progress continues. Economy and Credit Ratings: Government engagement with UN support aims to strengthen Botswana’s sovereign credit rating processes after Moody’s and S&P actions, with the Bank of Botswana warning downgrade risk if agreed measures slip. Mining and Diversification: NexMetals says its Selkirk project in Botswana saw a 70% jump in its mineral resource estimate, upgrading confidence for a future development push beyond diamonds. Regional Migration Tensions (South Africa): South African parliamentarians urged tighter coordination between correctional services and home affairs to speed deportations of foreign inmates, while a home affairs committee chair called for calm ahead of June 30 protests.

SACU Summit Prep: Botswana’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to attend the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State Summit in Cape Town on 26 June, where leaders will review the 2022–2027 SACU Strategic Plan and debate the “reimagined SACU” direction, with focus on industrialisation, customs modernisation, trade facilitation, investment promotion and AfCFTA opportunities. Economic Governance: Bank of Botswana Governor Lesego Moseki urged urgent structural reforms to diversify the economy and rebuild fiscal buffers after Moody’s and S&P lowered Botswana’s sovereign credit ratings, warning further downgrades are possible if agreed measures are not delivered on time. Regional Politics Spillover: Zimbabwe’s constitutional amendment debate over CAB3 continues to draw fire from Ian Khama, who called it “power hungry,” while a Botswana government spokesperson dismissed Khama’s criticism as a “washed-up has-been.” Botswana Development & Industry: NexMetals says its Selkirk project Mineral Resource Estimate jumped 70%, strengthening Botswana’s base-metals pipeline beyond diamonds; meanwhile, Botswana’s diamond sales are reported to have surged past P9 billion and the country has officially joined the world’s top 20 HIV worst-hit nations. Health & Skills: A UNDP-backed effort is supporting Botswana’s readiness to engage credit rating agencies, while a Google-funded project aims to improve access to medical imaging in Botswana.