AGP Executive Report

Regional Investment Push: Botswana’s Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe met Zimbabwe’s VP Constantino Chiwenga in Harare, urging execution-led economic diversification and joint investment links as Botswana shifts beyond diamonds toward sectors like solar, technology and ranching value chains. Digital Infrastructure: Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe switched on the first phase of a cross-border fibre corridor, with traffic now live between Plumtree and Bulawayo, aiming to connect Zimbabwe with Botswana, Zambia and South Africa. Energy Watch: Stats SA reported South Africa’s electricity generation fell 9% year-on-year in May, while distribution also dropped in several provinces—another reminder of how power reliability can ripple into business costs. Finance & Banking: Stanbic Bank Botswana was named Banking Brand of the Year Botswana 2026 at the Global Banking & Finance Review Awards, citing brand-building and customer engagement. Governance & Compliance: The OECD and UNDP highlighted Tax Inspectors Without Borders’ 2026 progress, including capacity building that has helped raise billions in additional tax revenues across developing jurisdictions. Botswana Business & Courts: Botswana Tourism Organisation board secretary Kgotso Mile Ollyn’s suspension dispute escalated into court, with arguments over unlawful suspension and calls for an independent board. Mining & Exploration: One Bullion began a high-resolution airborne geophysical survey over its Vumba Project in Botswana to refine drill targets ahead of a maiden campaign.

Electricity Watch: Stats SA reports Botswana’s electricity generation fell 9% year-on-year in May, while distribution also dipped 4.3%—a reminder that supply reliability remains a live business risk. Energy & Connectivity: Powertel Communications and Paratus Zimbabwe have launched the first phase of a fibre optic corridor linking Zimbabwe with Botswana, aiming to boost cross-border digital connectivity. Governance & Courts: A Gaborone court has granted the DCEC permission to prosecute Bakang Seretse and others over alleged criminal negligence tied to Botswana Petroleum Fund money. Tourism Sector Tension: Botswana Tourism Organisation boardroom conflict escalated as suspended BTO board secretary Kgotso Mile Ollyn seeks an independent board and challenges disciplinary proceedings in court. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund agreed to loosen reserve rules, freeing nearly $6bn more for emissions cuts and adaptation in developing countries. Regional Trade Push: SACU leaders, including President Ramaphosa, called for accelerated reforms and a regional investment roundtable to back value chains in fertilisers, agrochemicals, automotive and battery manufacturing. Mining & Exploration: One Bullion started a high-resolution airborne geophysical survey at its Vumba Project in Botswana to refine drill targets ahead of a maiden campaign. Business & Finance Recognition: Stanbic Bank Botswana was named Banking Brand of the Year Botswana 2026 at the Global Banking & Finance Review Awards. Sports as an Economy: Botswana’s inaugural Business of Sport Summit focused on monetising sport through sponsorship, media, investment and sports tourism. Tech & Creative Industries: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, committing Sh129m to support small studios across 32 countries.

Electricity Watch: Stats SA says Botswana’s electricity generation fell 9% year-on-year in May, while distribution also slipped 4.3%—a reminder that rising tariffs and supply pressures are still biting. Energy & Governance: A policy debate in Gaborone warns Africa’s clean energy push could repeat extractive patterns unless accountability, community protections and stronger oversight are built into energy transition deals. Mining & Exploration: One Bullion has started a high-resolution airborne geophysical survey over its Vumba gold project, with follow-up work planned for Maitengwe—aimed at refining drill targets ahead of a maiden campaign. Corruption & Justice: The Gaborone magistrate court granted the DCEC permission to prosecute Bakang Seretse and others over alleged misuse of Botswana Petroleum Fund money, including charges tied to stealing, money laundering, forgery and conspiracy. Regional Trade: At the SACU summit, President Ramaphosa called for accelerated reforms and faster regional value-chain work in fertilisers, agrochemicals, seed production, automotive and minerals beneficiation. Business & Industry: Botswana’s push to industrialise is also colliding with consumer spending habits, raising questions about how demand and investment align for real value addition.

Mobile climate data push: Israel has deployed Africa’s first mobile climate laboratory in Kenya, hosted at ILRI, to close the continent’s climate data gap and improve environmental decision-making. Botswana diamond spotlight: Botswana’s government-backed Okavango Blue—now cut into a 20.46-carat “largest and rarest” blue diamond—has been entrusted to Messika for a high-jewellery reveal in Paris. Mining exploration in Botswana: One Bullion has started a high-resolution airborne geophysical survey over its Vumba Gold Project, with results meant to refine drill targets ahead of a maiden drilling campaign. Regional trade and industry: At the SACU summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged accelerated reforms and backed regional value chains in fertilisers, agrochemicals, seed, automotive and batteries, alongside an export strategy for intra-Africa trade. Tax capacity building: OECD and UNDP highlighted Tax Inspectors Without Borders’ expanded cooperation model, citing billions in additional tax revenues and assessments across developing countries. Energy transition governance: Experts warned Africa’s clean energy push could repeat extractive patterns unless accountability, community protections and oversight are built into investment and policy decisions. Bulawayo–Francistown ties: Bulawayo moved to formalise a long-stalled twinning agreement with Francistown, aiming to restart cooperation after years of delays. Sport as business: Botswana’s inaugural Business of Sport Summit framed sport as an economic engine, focusing on sponsorship, commercialisation, investment, media and sports tourism. Hydraulic services growth: Pirtek Africa highlighted demand for fast, expert mobile hydraulic support to keep mining, agriculture and construction equipment running.

Mining & Industry Deal: South32 is selling its Richards Bay aluminium smelter and other aluminium assets in a roughly R92bn (US$5.6bn) deal, with Alcoa named as the preferred buyer—aimed at keeping Hillside running and protecting jobs in the region. Botswana Energy Transition: Experts in Gaborone warn Africa’s clean energy push could repeat extractive patterns unless accountability is built into investment treaties, donor projects and community protections—especially for export-led renewables like green hydrogen. Regional Competitiveness Watch: In the IMD World Competitiveness 2026 economic performance pillar, Nigeria leads Africa while Botswana ranks lowest among the surveyed countries, highlighting the scale of the gap as reforms continue. Tourism Regulation: Botswana is reviewing its Tourism Act to create a more modern, investment-friendly legal framework, with harmonised tourism legislation and stronger destination marketing and infrastructure support. Agriculture Financing: Stakeholders in Botswana met to validate an Agriculture Financing Strategy meant to unlock scaled private capital, reduce risk and strengthen value chains for food security and diversification. Tech for Mineral Discovery: Aim-listed Botswana Minerals says AI has reconnected decades of legacy drill records to identify concealed copper mineralisation under Kalahari cover, strengthening its field programme targets. SACU Trade Focus: Leaders at the SACU summit in Cape Town pushed customs revenue reform, cross-border infrastructure and SME support to reduce reliance on imports and accelerate industrialisation.

Critical Minerals & Value Chains: Botswana’s VP and Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe says the country is well-positioned to supply copper, nickel and manganese for the clean-energy shift, with a push to move up value chains through beneficiation and stronger mining linkages. Mining Tech Boost: Aim-listed Botswana Minerals reports an AI review of decades of legacy drill records has identified primary copper sulphides and altered copper minerals, pointing to concealed mineralised corridors under Kalahari cover. Regional Trade Funding: 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. Tourism Regulation Overhaul: Botswana is reviewing its Tourism Act to create a more investment-friendly legal framework, with stakeholders consulted on the direction of the 10-year tourism strategy. Agriculture Financing Push: Government and FAO-backed stakeholders met to validate a draft Agriculture Financing Strategy aimed at unlocking scaled investment, attracting private capital and strengthening value chains. Energy & Industry Signals: Botswana’s new solar project targets export markets, while broader regional energy participation continues to attract international players. De Beers/Anglo American Tax Impact (Namibia): Anglo American says its Namibia tax and economic contribution fell 21% to US$432m (N$7.11bn) in 2025, as procurement and capital spending declined. Local Business & Talent: Limkokwing Botswana held a student-led fashion show showcasing the next wave of designers, reinforcing growth in the creative sector.

Botswana Mining & Value Chains: Botswana is “well-positioned” to supply critical minerals for the clean-energy transition and move up value chains, with government stressing beneficiation, local content and stronger linkages beyond extraction. AI in Exploration: Aim-listed Botswana Minerals says an AI review of decades of legacy drill records has identified primary copper sulphides and altered copper minerals, pointing to concealed mineralised corridors under Kalahari cover. Energy & Power Exports: Shumba Energy has started construction of the 100MW Tati Solar project near Francistown, targeting commercial operations in 2027 and selling into the Southern African Power Pool, with over P1bn investment and jobs expected. Agriculture Financing: Stakeholders met to validate Botswana’s Agriculture Financing Strategy, aiming to build a financing ecosystem that unlocks private capital, reduces risk and strengthens agricultural value chains for food security. Tourism Governance: The Tourism Act review is underway after a 2021 policy push, with reforms aimed at a more enabling, investment-friendly legal framework. Regional Trade & Industry: SACU leaders agreed to establish a N$5bn regional innovative funding mechanism to support development projects across member states, alongside industrialisation and export promotion priorities. Sports Administration: Minister Jacob Kelebeng appointed a new Botswana National Sport Commission board, led by Jwaneng Mine GM Goitseone Gadifele, as sport faces tighter budgets and governance pressure. Public Sector Pay Talks: Salary negotiations for 2026 and 2027 are set to begin in July, with unions and government agreeing on the bargaining framework and timelines.

Tourism Overhaul: Botswana is set to review and modernise its Tourism Act, with the Environment and Tourism ministry saying the changes aim to create a more investment-friendly legal framework and harmonise tourism-related legislation. Agriculture Financing: Stakeholders met to validate Botswana’s Agriculture Financing Strategy, focused on building a financing ecosystem that unlocks private capital, reduces risk, and strengthens agricultural value chains. Creative Industries: Limkokwing Botswana staged its inaugural final-year student-led fashion show, “Creativity Uncaged: Runway Edition,” spotlighting a growing pipeline of local fashion talent. Mining & Critical Minerals: Aim-listed Botswana Minerals says an AI review of decades of legacy drill data has identified copper sulphide and altered copper minerals, pointing to concealed mineralised corridors under Kalahari cover. Energy & Power Exports: Shumba Energy has begun construction of the 100MW Tati Solar project near Francistown, targeting commercial operations in 2027 and sales into the Southern African Power Pool. Regional Trade Funding: SACU leaders approved a regional innovative funding mechanism with an initial N$5 billion capital to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects. Governance & Courts: Setlang’s disciplinary process is headed to the Industrial Court after a board dispute, as the CEO challenges the termination and seeks a lawful process. Business Climate Watch: Botswana slipped seven places in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, with concerns tied to fiscal stability, infrastructure readiness, and heavy reliance on diamonds.

Critical Minerals & Value Addition: Botswana is “well-positioned” to supply critical minerals for the clean-energy transition, with Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe urging deeper local value addition and stronger linkages between mining and other industries. Health Policy: The UN adopted a new Political Declaration to accelerate efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with renewed targets on testing, treatment, prevention and sustainable medicine access. Energy & Power Exports: Shumba Energy has started construction on the 100MW Tati Solar project near Francistown, aiming for commercial operations by 2027 and selling into the Southern African Power Pool. Public Sector Pay Talks: Botswana’s public service salary negotiations for 2026/27 are set to begin in July after agreement on timelines and rules, with health-sector conditions central to talks. Sport Governance: Minister Jacob Kelebeng appointed a new Botswana National Sport Commission board, chaired by Jwaneng Mine GM Goitseone Gadifele, as sport faces tighter budgets and seeks private-sector support. Regional Industry Finance: SACU leaders approved a R5bn regional development fund to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects. Competitiveness Watch: Botswana slipped seven places in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, now 66th out of 70, raising concerns over diversification, fiscal stability and infrastructure readiness.

Solar & Power Investment: Shumba Energy has started construction on the 100MW Tati Solar PV project near Francistown, targeting commercial operations in 2027 and selling into the Southern African Power Pool, with the project expected to draw over P1 billion and create jobs in the North-East. Public Sector Pay Talks: Botswana’s public service salary negotiations for 2026/27 are set to begin in July after government and unions agreed the bargaining framework through the Public Service Bargaining Council. Land Governance: Suspended Kweneng Land Board chair Kgang Kgang says he will apply for renewal when his term ends, while questioning why the ministry has not responded to his letters despite corruption allegations being withdrawn by the courts. Digital Trust & Fraud Risk: A TransUnion report flags South Africa as having the highest suspected digital fraud rate among African countries analysed, with account login identified as the riskiest point—an issue Botswana businesses and consumers should watch as online payments expand. Competitiveness Pressure: Botswana fell seven places in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking to 66th of 70, with concerns tied to fiscal stability, private sector development and infrastructure readiness. SACU Industrial Push: SACU leaders approved a R5 billion regional development fund to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects, while Botswana prepares to take over SACU chairmanship in July. Transport & Regulation: Botswana taxi operators warn they may surrender licences and move to e-hailing if new rules are seen as favouring digital platforms over the traditional, regulated taxi sector. Energy Demand Signals: Electricity sales in Namibia rose 2.8% in Q1 2026, with imports up sharply—useful context for regional power planning.

SACU Integration Push: Botswana President Duma Boko used the start of Botswana’s SACU chairmanship to stress regional integration, trade facilitation and customs simplification as the bloc looks to industrialise and deepen partnerships. SACU Funding Boost: SACU leaders also agreed on a R5 billion regional innovative funding mechanism to back projects across member states, alongside calls for a 15-year AGOA extension. Diamond Demand & Ownership Watch: De Beers CEO Al Cook said the sale process is nearing completion “within weeks,” keeping Botswana’s push to increase its stake in focus; meanwhile, De Beers research points to strong US natural diamond demand driven by Gen Z and non-bridal occasions. Botswana Diamond Slowdown Hits Retail: Famous Brands flagged Botswana as a key underperformer, blaming weaker diamond-linked consumer spending. Transport & Logistics Policy Tension: Botswana taxi operators warned they may surrender licences and move to e-hailing if regulations favour digital platforms. Agriculture Resilience Plan: Botswana launched a National Fodder Production Strategy targeting an extra one million tonnes of fodder by 2030 to cut the feed deficit and strengthen livestock competitiveness. Water Access Data: A global map highlights where safely managed drinking water remains out of reach, underscoring infrastructure gaps relevant to development planning.

SACU Integration Push: Botswana has reaffirmed its commitment to regional integration as it prepares to take the SACU chair from July 15, with President Duma Boko stressing trade, customs simplification and stronger partnerships to drive industrialisation across the bloc. SACU Funding Boost: Leaders also agreed to establish a new R5bn regional development fund to back projects and deepen regional value chains, alongside calls for a 15-year AGOA extension. De Beers Stake Talks: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the company’s ownership sale process is nearing completion “within weeks rather than months,” sharpening focus on Botswana’s bid to increase its influence beyond its current 15% shareholding. Taxi vs E-hailing Regulation: Botswana Taxi Association warns it may surrender operating licences and move to e-hailing if new rules are seen to favour digital platforms over the regulated taxi sector. Diamond Demand Pressure: Famous Brands flags Botswana as a key underperforming market, blaming weaker consumer spending tied to the diamond slowdown. Agriculture Resilience: Botswana launched a National Fodder Production Strategy aiming to add one million tonnes of fodder annually by 2030 to cut the feed deficit and strengthen livestock competitiveness. Energy Costs Reality Check: A look at how diesel price pressures ripple through transport, food and industrial output, feeding broader inflation and investment slowdowns.

SACU Integration Push: Botswana says it will use its July 15 start as SACU chair to drive deeper regional integration, simplify customs and boost industrialisation across the bloc. Regional Funding: SACU leaders also agreed to set up a R5bn regional development fund and backed a 15-year AGOA extension to protect jobs and market access. Diamond Ownership Watch: De Beers CEO Al Cook hinted the sale process is nearing completion “within weeks” and suggested future ownership could involve diamond-producing governments—raising hopes for Botswana to increase its stake beyond 15%. Transport Fight: Botswana Taxi Association warns it may surrender permits and move to e-hailing if new rules are seen as favouring digital platforms. Agriculture Resilience: Botswana launched a National Fodder Production Strategy aiming to add one million tonnes of fodder by 2030 to cut the feed deficit and strengthen livestock competitiveness. Energy & Industry Context: A study highlights how Africa’s electricity build-out is constrained by water and emissions trade-offs, underlining the cost pressures facing power-dependent sectors. Finance Appointments: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa regional operations director, expanding its project financing focus across the region.

SACU Integration Push: Botswana says it’s ready to turn its July 15 chair handover into “tangible results” for deeper trade and simpler customs, as SACU leaders also backed a new R5bn regional development fund and urged a 15-year AGOA extension to protect jobs and market access. De Beers Ownership Watch: De Beers CEO Al Cook says the long sale process is nearing completion “within weeks,” while hinting the future ownership model could involve partnerships with diamond-producing governments—raising fresh interest in Botswana increasing its stake beyond 15%. Diamond Demand Signals: Famous Brands flags Botswana’s diamond-linked slowdown as a drag on consumer spending, while other coverage points to renewed demand “pulse” in the sector. Transport Rules Tension: Botswana taxi operators warn they may surrender permits and move to e-hailing if new regulations are seen to favour digital platforms. Agriculture Resilience Plan: Botswana launches a National Fodder Production Strategy targeting an extra one million tonnes of fodder by 2030 to cut the feed deficit and strengthen livestock competitiveness. Regional Finance Appointment: Afreximbank appoints Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Director of Regional Operations, tasked with driving trade and industrial financing across 13 countries including Botswana.

SACU Summit Push: President Cyril Ramaphosa told SACU leaders that no country can prosper alone as global trade, technology and supply chains shift, urging a stronger regional response. SACU Reform Mandate: The union’s new Executive Secretary, Dumsani Masilela, was tasked with delivering the “re-imagined SACU Agenda,” including extending the Strategic Plan to 2028/29 and advancing a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism. Regional Funding & Trade: SACU approved a N$5bn Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism and backed a 15-year AGOA extension push, while also supporting AfCFTA implementation, customs modernisation and progress on digital trade. Botswana Diamond Shockwaves: Famous Brands flagged Botswana’s diamond-linked slowdown as a drag on revenue, warning that reduced consumer spending is hitting its restaurant network. Agri & Capital Markets: Agra Limited appointed Simonis Storm Securities as its new NSX sponsor, alongside reporting a sharp rise in interim profit and revenue. Space for Botswana: Botswana signed the Artemis Accords at NASA, signaling deeper civil space cooperation. Logistics Expansion: SMSA Africa Logistics Group broke ground on a new head office, warehouse and workshop in Benoni, expanding capacity across Southern Africa. Health Policy Spotlight: AFRICALLI marked World Allergy Week, calling for allergies to be treated as essential healthcare across African systems.

SACU Summit in the spotlight: Botswana’s President is set to participate in the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State Summit in Cape Town on 26 June, with talks expected to focus on the mid-term review of the SACU Strategic Plan (2022–2027), customs modernisation, trade facilitation, investment promotion and how AfCFTA opportunities can be turned into real regional value chains. Digital payments push: Visa has signed a five-year strategic deal with FMBcapital Holdings to scale Visa-powered digital payments across Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, aiming to strengthen payment infrastructure and speed up access for consumers and businesses. Diamond industry signals recovery: Debswana expects diamond output to rise by about 20% in 2026, a potential boost for Botswana’s economy as it works through a prolonged global market downturn. Base metals progress: NexMetals says its Selkirk project Mineral Resource Estimate has jumped 70%, moving the project into a higher-confidence development stage for Botswana’s copper-and-cobalt ambitions. Mining exploration tech: Botswana Minerals’ James Campbell says AI can help derisk mineral discovery by better integrating complex geological data, improving exploration efficiency and investor confidence. Road connectivity update: Bulilima’s Maitengwe road rehab is gathering pace, supporting cross-border trade via the Maitengwe Border Post as phased works extend deeper into the district. Space cooperation: Botswana has signed the Artemis Accords at NASA, marking a step toward safer, transparent civil space exploration and potential US-Botswana cooperation. Energy and water trade-offs: A new study maps 3,139 power plants across Africa and highlights how expanding electricity to meet 2030 goals will increase water use and carbon emissions—an issue for policy planning in the region.