AGP Executive Report

Food Security & Regional Aid: Zimbabwe donated 10 tonnes of food aid to drought-hit Bobirwa District in Botswana, delivered via ZimAid and local partners, underscoring cross-border support for struggling communities. Tourism & Conservation: KAZA launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative in Maun, backed by the EU and Germany, aiming to strengthen conservation while boosting livelihoods for women, youth and communities near protected areas. Health Funding: The African Leaders Malaria Alliance warned that a 30% cut in malaria financing could add 146 million cases and nearly 400,000 deaths by 2030, with Botswana’s Duma Boko chairing the UNGA side event. Diamonds & Market Access: A Beijing Declaration deal is set to deepen links between Namibia, Botswana and South Africa’s natural diamonds and China’s jewellery market, pushing more value through sorting, cutting and polishing. Mining & Jobs: Debswana’s Q2 diamond output jumped 107% to 5.5 million carats, while Botswana’s Medupi Mining faces court action over three months of unpaid wages. Retail Pressure: Choppies’ Liquorama sales fell 11.7% as consumers tightened spending, even as it added 10 liquor stores. Trade & Compliance: Belgian gem trader HB Antwerp is scaling back Botswana operations after failing to secure rough diamond supplies from Okavango Diamond Company. Labour & Insolvency Reform: Botswana’s new liquidation framework puts employees first in compensation, designed to prevent repeats of BCL and Tati Nickel worker hardships.

Diamond Trade & Value Addition: Namibia, Botswana and South Africa’s natural-diamond push got a boost after the Beijing Declaration Agreement opened a new market pathway with China, aiming to move beyond shipping rough stones to polishing and export. Mining & Corporate Moves: Debswana’s Q2 output jumped 107% to 5.5 million carats, while Belgian trader HB Antwerp is resizing Botswana operations after failing to secure rough supplies from Okavango Diamond Company. Labour & Mining Finance: Botswana is set to protect workers in liquidation, with a new framework placing employees ahead of other creditors, following the BCL/Tati Nickel fallout. Retail Pressure: Choppies’ Liquorama sales fell 11.7% as consumers tightened spending, even as the liquor business added 10 stores. Health & Funding: ALMA warns a 30% malaria financing cut could drive 146m more cases across Africa by 2030, urging stronger domestic budgets and multisector action. Jobs & Skills: Botswana’s job creation outlook is clouding over, with graduate unemployment rising and training systems risking producing qualifications without matching work demand. Agriculture & Trade Risk: Namibia’s first FMD outbreak in 60 years triggered a nationwide livestock movement and meat export ban, threatening a major beef export base.

Malaria Financing: Botswana’s President Advocate Duma Boko, chair of ALMA, warned that a 30% cut in malaria funding could trigger 146 million more cases and 400,000 deaths across Africa by 2030, urging stronger domestic budgets and multisector action as progress stalls. Diamonds & Retail Pressure: Debswana lifted second-quarter output 107% to 5.5 million carats and raised 2026 guidance to 18 million, while Choppies’ Liquorama sales slid 11.7% as consumers tightened spending despite adding 10 liquor stores. Labour & Mining: Government says a new liquidation framework will put employees first for compensation after the BCL and Tati Nickel fallout, and the Botswana Mine Workers Union is preparing court action over three months of unpaid salaries at Medupi Mining. Food Security & Trade Risk: Namibia’s FMD outbreak threatens its beef export engine, with authorities moving to divide the FMD-free zone into smaller areas and imposing movement and trade suspensions. Business Climate & Jobs: HRDC flagged weak job creation and rising graduate unemployment, warning Botswana’s training system risks producing qualifications without matching work opportunities. Sports & Local Talent: FC Platinum confirmed Reneilwe “Yeye” Letsholonyane’s move to head coach and appointed Onismor Bhasera to strengthen its technical team.

Malaria Financing Push at UNGA: Botswana’s President Duma Boko backed calls for stronger domestic malaria funding and multisector action, warning that stalled financing and rising resistance could reverse gains. Diamond Trade Shock: Belgian gem trader HB Antwerp is resizing Botswana operations after failing to secure rough supply from Okavango Diamond Company, despite a 2023 supply-stake deal. U.S.-Africa Investment Talks: At UNGA sidelines, African and U.S. leaders discussed turning investor interest into long-term deals across infrastructure, energy, agriculture, manufacturing and critical minerals, with former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi among attendees. FMD Fallout in the Region: Namibia’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak threatens beef exports and is prompting plans to split its FMD-free area into smaller zones, while South Africa’s vaccine capacity constraints are driving moves to expand production via private firms. Botswana Business & Jobs: Absa Botswana reported a 63% jump in non-interest income as funding costs and credit-loss expectations pressured margins, while the HRDC warned weak job creation and graduate unemployment are widening skills-to-work gaps. Health Supply Gap: Botswana’s UNGA “economic diplomacy” pitch on healthcare meets hard realities at home, with medicine availability and missing services still undermining reform.

UN Diplomacy and Security Council Reform: African leaders at the UN General Assembly renewed calls for Security Council reform, arguing the continent needs permanent representation as conflicts—from Gaza to Ukraine and US-Iran tensions—directly affect African lives and economies. Botswana-China Economic Ties: Botswana’s Minister for State President, Defence and Security Moeti Mohwasa praised China’s development record and signed MoUs to deepen structured political dialogue and cooperation, including in health and infrastructure. Health and Medicines Pressure: Botswana’s health reform push abroad is contrasted with shortages at home, with medicine availability at Princess Marina Hospital reported at about 40% amid investigations into collapsing supply systems. FMD Fallout in Southern Africa: Namibia confirmed Foot-and-Mouth Disease cases inside its FMD-free zone, triggering nationwide movement and trade suspensions and raising fears for premium beef exports; South Africa meanwhile is expanding vaccine production capacity by allowing private firms to use state IP. Jobs and Skills Gap: Botswana’s HRDC warns weak job creation and graduate unemployment are widening the mismatch between qualifications and available work as technology and green priorities reshape demand. Mining and Value Chains: Zimbabwe’s junior chamber of mines urged SADC to move beyond exporting raw minerals by building regional processing and manufacturing value chains. Finance Watch: Absa Bank Botswana reported a 63% jump in non-interest income, helping cushion margin pressure from higher funding costs and expected credit losses.

Courtroom Labour Dispute: Botswana Mine Workers Union is preparing court action against Medupi Mining over three months of unpaid salaries, after talks and labour mediation failed, leaving workers facing another end-of-September without pay. Banking Pressure Relief: Absa Bank Botswana reported a 63% jump in non-interest income to P561m in the six months to June 30, helping offset higher funding costs and rising expected credit losses. Jobs Outlook Warning: The HRDC’s Annual Priority Skills Report 2026 flags weak job creation, rising graduate unemployment and a skills mismatch as technology and green priorities reshape demand. FMD Vaccine Push: South Africa’s agriculture ministry says private firms will be allowed to manufacture foot-and-mouth disease vaccines using ARC intellectual property to expand supply. FMD Vaccination Timing: In Botha-Bothe, the second FMD vaccine dose is set for October after the first dose campaign runs through this week. SME Financing Boost: ITC and Access Bank signed a three-year plan to expand SME finance, skills and market access across 14 African countries, starting with a Ghana pilot and including Botswana. Food Security Risk: New research warns an El Niño cycle could slash Botswana cereal yields and drive up food imports, with livestock losses potentially exceeding P1bn. Cost of Living: Botswana’s CPI rose 0.4% in August as revised electricity tariffs lifted housing-related costs, with rural inflation climbing to 10.2%. Identity Backlog: About 40,000 identity cards are stuck due to ageing production equipment and procurement delays, though repaired machinery is expected to resume this week.

MICHELIN boost for tourism: Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta has won Two MICHELIN Keys in the 2026 global hotel selection, the country’s first and only Key recipient—an international signal for hospitality and local talent. Energy & fuel infrastructure: Dangote Industries will commission a Djibouti–Ethiopia pipeline on 24 September, with tank farms to support petroleum product movement to landlocked Ethiopia, while also pushing a wider Southern Africa pipeline corridor linking Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. SME finance push: ITC and Access Bank signed a three-year partnership to expand SME financing, market access and skills across 14 African countries, starting with a Ghana pilot and including Botswana. Agriculture cashflow pressure: Botswana grain farmers warn the Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) owes about P100m, delaying payments beyond contract terms and threatening the 2026/27 planting season. Cost of living hit: Botswana’s CPI rose 0.4% in August as revised electricity tariffs lifted housing-related costs, with rural inflation climbing to 10.2%. Food security risk: New research flags El Niño-driven heat and lower rainfall could slash cereal yields and force higher food imports, with livestock losses potentially exceeding P1bn. Digital creative economy mapping: UNESCO and partners have started groundwork for Botswana’s first comprehensive mapping of the digital environment for Cultural and Creative Industries, aiming to improve skills, market access and policy.

SME Finance Boost: ITC and Access Bank signed a three-year deal to expand financing, skills and market access for SMEs across 14 African countries, starting with a Ghana pilot before rolling out to markets including Botswana. Food Security Warning: Botswana faces a potential food price shock and livestock losses above P1 billion if an El Niño cycle drives hotter, drier conditions, with major cereal yields projected to fall sharply. Agriculture Cashflow Strain: Grain farmers say Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) owes about P100 million in unpaid bills, threatening the 2026/27 planting season and pushing producers deeper into debt. Cost of Living Pressure: Botswana’s CPI rose 0.4% in August as revised electricity tariffs lifted housing-related costs, with rural inflation climbing to 10.2%. Identity Backlog: About 40,000 national identity cards are stuck due to ageing production equipment and procurement delays, though repaired machinery is expected to resume operations. Trade Finance Event: Afreximbank will hold a joint Trade Finance Seminar and Compliance Forum at Gaborone International Convention Centre in November, supporting AfCFTA integration.

Tourism & Trade: Former African Travel Inc. president Sherwin Banda has launched Selara Africa, a new advisor-only tour operator selling tailor-made luxury trips across Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Egypt, with in-country logistics handled by a team based largely in Africa. Finance & SMEs: The International Trade Centre and Access Africa Office (Access Bank) signed an MoU to boost SME access to finance, markets and digital skills across 14 African countries, starting with a Ghana pilot that includes Botswana. Digital Creative Economy: UNESCO, Botswana’s Ministry of Sport and Arts and the Botswana National Commission for UNESCO convened a Gaborone workshop to map the digital environment for the country’s cultural and creative industries, aiming to improve skills, market access and investment. Trade Finance & AfCFTA: Afreximbank will run a joint Trade Finance Seminar and Compliance Forum at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (Nov 16–18), followed by a factoring workshop (Nov 19) to strengthen AfCFTA integration. Banking: Stanbic Bank Botswana reported a 16% rise in first-half profit after tax to P354 million, while warning that pula volatility, liquidity limits and subdued diamond-linked activity may weigh on the rest of 2026. Mining & Markets: Botswana is being highlighted as a growing copper exploration hotspot, with new drilling focus in the Kalahari Copper Belt and Limpopo Mobile Belt. Health & Regulation: Botswana Medicines Regulatory Authority seized more than 2,000 unregistered health products in Maun, warning consumers against prescription medicines, skin-lightening creams and sexual enhancement products.

Botswana Power Update: Botswana Power Corporation says it met 86% of national electricity needs from its own generation in the first quarter of 2026/27, a jump from 67% the prior year, cutting reliance on costly imports. Capital Markets: Continental Reinsurance’s public offer on the Botswana Stock Exchange is gaining traction, with estimated proceeds of about $156.1m and a landmark first listing for a pan-African reinsurer. Banking Performance: Stanbic Bank Botswana reported 16% higher first-half profit after tax to P354m, but warned that pula volatility, liquidity limits and subdued diamond-linked activity may weigh on the rest of 2026. Diamond Sector Mood: Botswana’s BSE market cap crossed P1trn in August, driven mainly by a rebound in foreign-listed counters, while diamonds remain a shadow over sentiment. Health & Consumer Protection: BOMRA seized more than 2,000 unregistered health products in Maun, including prescription medicines and sexual enhancement items, with offenders fined. Governance & Corruption: DCEC charged former BDP ministers Eric Molale and Mpho Balopi, plus others, in corruption and fraud cases tied to multi-million-pula contracts. Regional Business Calendar: Buyer registration opened for WTM Africa 2027 (7–9 April 2027, Cape Town), with Botswana among the Southern Africa markets set to feature.

Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) Strategy: BPC says it met 86% of national electricity demand from its own generation in Q1 2026/27, and unveiled its five-year “Atlega” plan to more than triple revenue to P25bn by 2031. Inflation Watch: Statistics Botswana reports August inflation at 9.3%, a small dip that still leaves households squeezed, with transport, electricity and food driving most of the pressure. Payments Push: Absa Botswana launches Google Pay via Google Wallet and Visa to speed up contactless payments across the country. BSE Momentum: The Botswana Stock Exchange surged past P1tn market value as foreign-listed firms rebounded, while domestic stocks moved more modestly. Diamonds Beyond the Boom: President Duma Boko meets Akinwumi Adesina to steer the Diamonds for Development Fund toward diversification, as Botswana bets on a future beyond diamonds. Court Fight in Local Transport: DC Tours asks Botswana’s High Court to stop a German-owned manufacturer from terminating an employee transport contract, arguing the firm switched its cancellation basis. De Beers Sale Deadline: Botswana nears the end of its review of Anglo American’s proposed sale of its 85% De Beers stake, with decisions expected after due diligence ends in September. Regional Energy Infrastructure: Aliko Dangote says a $3.5bn, 2,650km pipeline linking Namibia, Botswana and South Africa is set to start, aiming to cut fuel logistics costs across Southern Africa. Sports & Tourism: Sowa readies for the Makgadikgadi Softball Grand Slam, with 16 teams and a push to boost tourism and local economic activity.

Rail Funding Pressure: Transnet’s rail infrastructure manager Trim has asked National Treasury for an additional R26bn to refurbish deteriorating rail lines, citing years of under-investment plus theft and vandalism, and warning the rehabilitation needs exceed Transnet’s funding capacity. Energy & Logistics: Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote says he plans a $3.5bn, 2,650km fuel pipeline across Namibia, Botswana and South Africa to cut cross-border trucking surcharges and improve supply reliability. Botswana Environment Policy: Botswana reaffirmed its commitment to ozone protection and the Kigali Amendment, calling for stronger rules and partnerships to accelerate a shift to safe, energy-efficient cooling. Wildlife Governance: A report alleges two collared “research elephants” were shot by trophy hunters in Botswana in early September, raising fresh questions about oversight and the credibility of wildlife management. Local Roads & Trade Access: Residents in Mukwe demand action on stalled road projects, including the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road, warning delays are hurting cross-border trade and tourism. Finance & Credit Markets: The new Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) is set to expand African capital access and improve confidence in rated instruments, aiming to reflect Africa’s realities rather than rely solely on external ratings.

Botswana–Oman ties: His Majesty Sultan Haitham’s state visits to Botswana and Angola are expected to unlock new investment and jobs, with talks covering renewable energy, mining, logistics, food security and agriculture, plus plans such as direct flights and an embassy in Muscat. Environment & cooling: Botswana reaffirmed its commitment to ozone-layer protection and the Kigali Amendment, calling for stronger rules and partnerships to shift the country’s cooling sector to safer, energy-efficient options. Wildlife governance under strain: A report says two collared research elephant bulls were shot by trophy hunters in Botswana on consecutive days, with officials reportedly present—raising fresh questions about oversight and the credibility of wildlife management. Finance sector shift: Capricorn Group says non-interest income rose 8.3% to N$2.62bn and now drives 47.7% of operating income, as net interest income and loan demand face pressure. Roads & trade access: Communities in Mukwe demanded action on stalled road projects, including the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road, warning delays are hurting tourism and cross-border trade. Mining & copper licences: Galileo Resources says conditions for selling its Botswana copper prospecting licences are met, with completion expected around Sept 30. Local business & manufacturing: Botswana’s MTC Windhoek fashion week and BRICS+ Fashion Summit coverage highlights regional fashion leadership, including Botswana’s exporters and manufacturers association, as cross-border trade and designer exchanges expand.

Manganese Deal Watch: Exxaro Resources has completed its purchase of the manganese portfolio held by Ntsimbintle Holdings and Singapore’s OM Holdings for 11.674bn rand (about $718m), taking in major assets including the Tshipi Borwa mine, with the total consideration potentially rising to 14.64bn rand if tag-along rights are exercised. Court Pressure on Retail: A supplier has asked Botswana’s High Court to wind up Sefalana Cash & Carry over a disputed claim of about 10m rand ($615,000), a move the group says won’t materially affect operations, as Sefalana reports a sharp profit decline and margin squeeze. Diplomacy & Energy Links: Oman’s OQ Group is exploring Angola investments across oil and gas, LNG, petrochemicals and a proposed 500MW renewable project, following Sultan Haitham’s visits to Botswana and Angola that aim to turn deals into projects. Roads Accountability: Mukwe residents demand action on stalled and abandoned road works, including the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road and other routes affecting trade, tourism and access to care. Finance & Ratings: Africa’s new Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) is set to expand African capital markets and reduce reliance on costly international ratings, targeting a fairer view of African credit realities. Botswana Business Pulse: Capricorn Group reported profit after tax down 6.4% to N$1.87bn, citing higher funding costs and credit impairments, while maintaining strong capital buffers.

Court Pressure on Retailer: A supplier has asked Botswana’s High Court to wind up Sefalana Cash & Carry over a disputed claim of about R10m (≈$615,000), with the group saying operations are trading normally and the amount is too small to signal real distress. Energy Dealmaking: OQ says it is exploring Angola energy investments across oil and gas, LNG, fertilisers, ammonia and petrochemicals, plus a proposed 500MW renewables project with battery storage, following Sultan Haitham’s visits to Botswana and Angola. Mining M&A Watch: MMG says it will keep supplying Europe with ferronickel even as the European Commission challenges its planned $500m acquisition of Anglo American’s Brazilian nickel business, with a final decision expected by Nov 30. Roads Accountability: Mukwe residents demand action on stalled and abandoned road projects, citing the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road and other routes affecting trade, tourism and emergency access. Finance Results: Capricorn Group reports profit after tax down 6.4% to N$1.87bn, hit by higher funding costs and credit impairments, though capital ratios remain above regulatory minimums. Credit Rating Push: Africa’s new Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) aims to expand African capital markets and reduce reliance on costly, biased international ratings. Business & Culture: House of Botswana’s “Diamonds & The Delta” event in New York spotlighted Botswana’s music and diamond-linked brand on the global stage.

Botswana–Oman Deal Push: His Majesty Sultan Haitham visited Botswana’s Diamond Hub in Gaborone and held talks with President Duma Boko, with both sides signing agreements and MoUs spanning air services, investment promotion, medicines security, energy security and regulatory cooperation. Mining & Finance Watch: Galileo Resources says conditions for selling its Botswana copper licences are set for completion around Sept 30, while S&P keeps Botswana on negative outlook as diamonds remain a shadow over the investment-grade story. Roads & Trade Bottlenecks: Mukwe residents demand action on stalled road projects, citing halted works on the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road and poor access roads affecting hospital emergency response. Hemp Industry Bankability: CEDA urges Botswana’s emerging industrial hemp sector to build citizen-owned, bankable businesses with clear regulation and real market access—not just new production. Regional Capital Markets: SADC moves toward cross-border trading via an Exchange Gateway platform, aiming to deepen investment options across the region. Corporate Results: Capricorn Group profit fell 6.4% to N$1.87bn amid higher funding costs and credit impairments, though capital ratios strengthened.