AGP Executive Report

Court Ruling: Pro-Serve Consulting Botswana scores a major win after the Court of Appeal overturned a High Court order that had frozen funds tied to the Modipane-Mabalane Road project, clearing the way for the company’s role under the Development Manager Model. Energy Outlook: Zambia says reforms are moving it from electricity deficit to surplus, adding about 1,476MW of new capacity and pushing solar targets, supported by open access and faster licensing. Climate Risk: Botswana urges national preparedness for likely El Nino conditions this rainy season, warning of below-normal rainfall, dry spells, hotter temperatures and knock-on effects for farming, water, livestock and fire risk. Mining & Communities: Debswana Jwaneng Mine’s GM’s Soccer Fiesta returns with proceeds aimed at health and education in Tlhankane, building on prior fundraising for women’s teams and school hostel upgrades. Regional Trade Watch: Southern Africa faces renewed friction as countries keep imposing temporary bans on South African agricultural imports, raising concerns for SACU/continental trade commitments. Transport Safety: Toyota South Africa recalls Urban Cruisers over a faulty fuel gauge that may show more fuel than is available, affecting vehicles exported to Botswana and other neighbours. Diamonds Shake-up: Anglo American is still pursuing a De Beers sale as the diamond market struggles with lab-grown competition, with reports pointing to a deal around $1bn—far below past valuations.

Medtech Market Push: WHX returns to Johannesburg (6–8 Oct) as global medical device giants compete for a Southern Africa market worth over R18.4bn, with 600+ exhibitors and 10,000+ professional visits expected. Diamond Deal Fallout: Anglo American has reclassified De Beers as not “held for sale” despite staying committed to divestment, as uncertainty over timing, terms and approvals drags on amid lab-grown pressure and weak demand. Climate Risk for Business: Botswana’s government urges preparedness for likely El Niño conditions in the 2026/27 rainy season, warning of below-normal rainfall, dry spells and hotter temperatures that could hit agriculture, water, livestock and public health. Mining Community Impact: Debswana Jwaneng Mine GM’s Soccer Fiesta returns (31 Jul–2 Aug), with proceeds funding health and education in Tlhankane. Mining Labour Dialogue: Botswana’s Minerals and Energy Minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo reaffirms partnership with the Botswana Mine Workers Union, focusing on safety, conditions of service and stronger worker dialogue. Transport & Trade: Southern Africa’s construction and logistics pressures stay in focus as PPC flags slower infrastructure rollout and cost pressures weighing on demand. Consumer Safety: Toyota recalls 2,208 Urban Cruisers in South Africa and exports including Botswana over a faulty fuel level indicator that could cause drivers to run out of petrol.

Botswana Business & Finance: The Bank of Botswana has tightened electronic payment services rules, clarifying who can be licensed, raising penalties for operating without approval, and allowing interest-bearing e-money balances to support product innovation. Mining & Diamonds: Anglo American reported a smaller first-half loss and a higher dividend as it pushes restructuring, while talks to sell De Beers for about $1bn underline how far diamond demand has fallen amid lab-grown competition. Regional Trade & Logistics: Mozambique is moving ahead with a one-stop border post at Machipanda, budgeting $37.2m to cut delays for thousands of trucks linking the Port of Beira with Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Energy & Business: Puma Energy Botswana is repositioning as an integrated energy logistics player, leaning on infrastructure investment and technology. Corporate & Community: Debswana’s Jwaneng Mine GM’s Soccer Fiesta returns for its fifth edition, with proceeds again earmarked for health and education in Tlhankane. Consumer & Transport: Toyota South Africa Motors recalls 2,208 Urban Cruisers (including exports to Botswana) over a faulty fuel level indicator that could leave drivers running out of petrol.

Diamond market shock: De Beers is reportedly in talks for about $1bn to sell to a consortium led by ex-De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, far below earlier valuations as demand falls and lab-grown competition bites. Construction pressure: PPC says weak infrastructure spending and subdued construction activity across Southern Africa are weighing on demand, with rising transport and energy costs squeezing margins in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Botswana payments regulation: Bank of Botswana electronic money rules move ahead, tightening licensing and penalties while allowing interest-bearing e-money balances to support innovation. Digital payments push: Visa expands its Visa Pay virtual-card rollout across Africa via a software toolkit used by issuers including Botswana, aiming to speed up in-app card payments. Mining expo in region: Zimbabwe’s Mine Entra 2026 opens in Bulawayo, spotlighting mining value chains and investment links. Trade logistics upgrade: Mozambique is budgeting $37.2m for a one-stop border post at Machipanda to cut truck delays on the Beira corridor. Local business spotlight: Botswana’s Creators Assembly Summit lines up major names, positioning creativity as a serious industry. EV manufacturing angle: Botswana’s EV ambitions are already drawing local suppliers and engineers to prepare for a new manufacturing ecosystem.

Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub partnership: South Africa’s Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) signed an MoU with Botswana’s Digital and Innovation Hub to set up a Joint South African–Botswana Innovation Fund, aiming to back cross-border research, startups and SMEs and speed up tech commercialisation. Payments regulation: The Bank of Botswana moved forward on electronic money regulations, tightening licensing rules for EPS providers and allowing interest-bearing electronic-money balances to support product innovation while keeping prudential safeguards. EV manufacturing push: A Botswana EV special report says local firms and engineers are positioning for a new component and engineering supply chain as the country targets EV manufacturing capacity and broader industrialisation by 2030. Visa processing shake-up: The US will end routine visa services at several African posts including Gaborone from 1 August, redirecting applicants to regional hubs such as Johannesburg and Cape Town. Regional trade pressure: Agbiz warns Southern Africa’s protectionist agricultural bans on South Africa risk undermining SACU and AfCFTA trade goals, including repeated Botswana and Namibia restrictions. Diamond market watch: Anglo American is reportedly in talks to sell its 85% stake in De Beers for about $1bn, as the diamond sector continues to battle weak demand and pricing.

EV Manufacturing Push: Botswana’s EV ambitions are already pulling in local suppliers, with engineers and manufacturers in towns like Selebi-Phikwe preparing for a new component and logistics value chain. Digital Payments Expansion: Visa is rolling out Visa Pay across more African issuers, including Botswana, using a software kit to speed up virtual cards and digital disbursements. AI Policy and Infrastructure: Google’s James Manyika says Africa needs balanced AI rules that avoid overregulation while governments invest in data centres, fibre and digital sovereignty. US Visa Processing Overhaul: The US will stop routine visa services at posts including Gaborone from 1 August, shifting applicants to regional hubs like Cape Town and Johannesburg. Mining and Investment Signals: World Bank expects Botswana’s recovery to lean on a diamond rebound, while Statistics Botswana shows fixed asset investment fell in Q1 2026, raising concerns for the pace of growth. Housing Sector Update: Botswana Housing Corporation flags a recovery plan tied to its 2025–2030 strategy and the Bonno National Housing Programme after posting a pre-tax loss. Copper Drilling Start: Vantage Metals begins a Botswana Kalahari Copper Project drilling campaign targeting deeper sediment-hosted copper zones. Tobacco Policy Training: Public health advocates, including Botswana participants, train in Lagos to better monitor and counter tobacco industry interference in policy.

US Visa Overhaul: The US will stop routine visa processing at 25 African diplomatic posts from 1 August 2026, including Gaborone, and route applicants to 20 regional hubs such as Johannesburg and Cape Town—covering tourist, business, employment, family and immigrant visas. EV Manufacturing Push: Botswana’s EV ambitions are already pulling in local suppliers, engineers and entrepreneurs, with government investment aimed at building an EV value chain beyond diamonds. Innovation Partnership: South Africa’s Technology Innovation Agency and Botswana’s Digital and Innovation Hub signed an MoU to support industry-ready skills, a joint innovation fund and cross-border tech commercialisation. Botswana Economy Watch: The World Bank projects modest growth for Botswana in 2026, driven by a diamond rebound, while warning the non-mining economy remains weak. Housing Finance: Botswana Housing Corporation flagged losses and is banking on a 2025–2030 strategy and the Bonno programme to restore housing delivery and finances. Medicine Shortages: A parliamentary PAC hearing turned heated over recurring public medicine stock-outs, with calls for stronger accountability in the Central Medical Stores supply chain. Diamond Sector Update: De Beers reported a sharp jump in rough diamond output in Q2, but sales and pricing pressures persist amid market uncertainty. Private Equity Maturity: Botswana’s private equity market is entering a more mature phase as local pension funds and insurers take bigger roles, with interest in finance, tourism-linked businesses and regional manufacturing.

Botswana Housing Recovery: Botswana Housing Corporation says it will lean on its 2025–2030 strategy and the Bonno National Housing Programme after posting a P102m pre-tax loss, expecting conditions to improve later in the financial year. Macroeconomic Crossroads: The World Bank projects Botswana’s growth at about 3.2% in 2026, driven by a diamond rebound, but warns non-mining momentum will stay subdued amid weak private investment and a challenging business climate. Diamond Sector Watch: De Beers reports Q2 rough production up 88% to 7.8m carats, with Botswana mines lifting output, even as sales and pricing remain under pressure. Mining Investment in Focus: Vantage Metals starts a 5,000–10,000m copper drilling push at its Kalahari Copper Project in Botswana, targeting sediment-hosted deposits through a mix of tricone and diamond drilling. Private Capital Momentum: Botswana’s private equity market is “maturing” as local pension funds and insurers take a bigger role, with sectors like financial services, tourism-linked businesses and regional manufacturing drawing attention. Fixed Investment Slows: Statistics Botswana shows fixed asset investment fell in Q1 2026, with plant machinery and transport equipment hit hardest, raising concerns over the pace of recovery. Energy and Climate Risk: Southern Africa braces for a strong El Niño from Oct 2026, with Botswana facing drought and livelihood pressure. Regional Trade Pressure: A study flags cross-border disruption costing South Africa’s economy up to R16bn a year, with major delays at gateways linked to Botswana and Mozambique. Governance and Compliance: Botswana’s medicine shortages sparked a parliamentary clash at a PAC hearing, as MPs questioned CMS leadership over recurring stock-outs.

Diamond & Capital Markets: Anglo American’s planned sale of its majority stake in De Beers is set to reshape the global diamond market, with Botswana weighing options around its 15% stake and a preferred bidder consortium led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny. Mining & Exploration: Vantage Metals has kicked off a 5,000–10,000m copper drilling campaign at its Kalahari Copper Project in northwestern Botswana, targeting sediment-hosted deposits through a mix of tricone and diamond drilling. Investment Climate: Statistics Botswana shows fixed asset investment fell in Q1 2026, with plant machinery and transport equipment hit hardest, while Fitch Solutions links the weakness to fragile business confidence and tighter credit. Private Equity: Botswana’s private equity market is “coming of age” as local pension funds and insurers take a bigger role, with Africa Lighthouse Capital raising a second fund for Botswana and Southern Africa. Public Health & Supply Chains: A parliamentary PAC hearing in Botswana turned heated over medicine shortages, with CMS leadership questioned over recurring stock-outs. Business & Trade Logistics: A study warns cross-border disruption is costing Southern Africa up to R16bn a year, with long queues at key gateways affecting freight to and from Botswana. Consumer & Transport: Ford’s previous-generation Ranger and Everest recalls in South Africa also cover exports to Botswana, with software updates urged for affected 10-speed models.

Livestock Value Chain: More than 230 sheep farmers in Namibia have endorsed a producer-driven company to boost farm profitability and market access, with founder shares set at N$7,500 and Cirrus Capital tasked to implement the share offering. Diamond Industry & Policy: Botswana’s diamond sector remains in the spotlight as Anglo American’s preferred bidder for a De Beers stake is linked to former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, while Botswana says it has engaged Lazard and CBH Bank as core advisors for due diligence. Transport & Logistics: Pangolin Logistics has upgraded its cross-border fleet with ten new DAF trucks from Babcock for side-tipper bulk runs between mining towns in South Africa and Mozambique. Renewables & Industrialisation: A new analysis argues that Africa’s push toward renewables is accelerating as fossil-fuel dependence is exposed, with electricity-led industrialisation framed as the path to growth. Regional Trade Friction: A study estimates cross-border disruption costs South Africa’s road freight economy R15bn–R16bn a year, with border delays at key gateways stretching from 7 to 70 hours. Tourism Jobs: SADC tourism is projected to create 3.17 million additional jobs from 2024 to 2034, with employment expected to reach about 11 million by 2034. Botswana Business Link: BEMA has signed an MoU with BaMangwato leadership to pilot community-owned enterprises across agro-processing, leather, manufacturing, tourism and renewable energy, aiming to unlock jobs and export-ready businesses.

Cross-Border Trade Costs: A Southern African Transport Conference study puts South Africa’s border disruption bill at R15bn–R16bn a year, with queues at key road-freight gateways (Lebombo, Beitbridge, Groblersbrug, Vioolsdrift) averaging 7–70 hours and heavy vehicles losing about 68,000 hours weekly. SADC Tourism Jobs: SADC expects tourism to add 3.17 million jobs from 2024 to 2034, with employment projected to reach about 11 million by 2034 and GDP contribution rising to around N$1.6bn. Botswana Diamonds & Social Spend: EFF leader Julius Malema points to Botswana’s diamond model—citing free education, monthly student allowances and direct citizen benefits—while questioning why South Africa can’t do more with its mineral wealth. Botswana Export Push: BEMA signs an MoU with BaMangwato leadership to pilot community-owned enterprises across seven districts, targeting agro-processing, leather, manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy and export promotion. Mining Update (Botswana): Arc Minerals says geophysics at its Virgo copper project extended a key inferred contact to 18km, with drilling expected to start in early August. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appoints Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa regional director, focusing on industrialisation, beneficiation and value addition across mining, oil and gas and agriculture. US Visa Changes (Regional Impact): The US will consolidate routine visa services across Africa into regional hubs from Aug 1, 2026, with Gaborone among posts that will stop routine processing.

Legislation Gridlock: Namibia’s National Assembly has gone nearly 16 months without passing a single law, raising fresh questions about how the legislature is functioning and what it means for checks and balances. Regional Tourism Jobs: SADC tourism is projected to create about 3.17 million additional jobs from 2024 to 2034, with employment expected to reach roughly 11 million by 2034. Cross-Border Logistics Costs: A Southern African Transport Conference study estimates border disruption costs South Africa’s economy about R15bn–R16bn a year, with truck delays at key gateways running from 7 to 70 hours. Botswana Diamonds & Social Spend: EFF leader Julius Malema points to Botswana’s diamond revenues funding free education and student allowances, challenging South Africa to do more with its mineral wealth. Afreximbank Southern Africa Push: Afreximbank appoints Peter Adeshola Olowononi to drive a five-year Southern Africa agenda focused on industrialisation, beneficiation and value addition across mining, oil and gas, agriculture and tobacco. Diamond Output Update: Anglo American reports Namibia’s rough diamond production at 531,000 carats in Q2, while Botswana output rose to 5.5 million carats on improved operations. Trade & Security Pressure: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is disrupting cross-border transport, with the DRC route hit hardest as enforcement intensifies. Botswana Exporters’ Local Enterprise Plan: BEMA signs an MoU with BaMangwato leadership to pilot community-owned enterprises across seven districts, including agro-processing, leather, manufacturing, tourism and renewable energy.

SADC Tourism Jobs Push: SADC says tourism could add about 3.17 million jobs across the region by 2034, with employment projected to reach roughly 11 million and tourism GDP contribution around N$1.6 billion, as the Secretariat shares updated outlooks at a Discover Namibia briefing in Gaborone. Botswana Diamond Value Debate: EFF leader Julius Malema points to Botswana’s diamond model—arguing diamond revenues fund free education, monthly student allowances and broader social development—while challenging South Africa to do more with its own mineral wealth. Diamond Market Pressure: De Beers is reported to be cutting output at its Venetia mine for two years amid weak demand and competition from synthetic stones, adding to the strain on diamond producers including Botswana. Regional Finance for Value Addition: Afreximbank appoints Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa regional director, with a five-year agenda focused on industrialisation, beneficiation and keeping more mineral value on the continent. Botswana Exporters Go Local: BEMA signs an MoU with BaMangwato leadership to pilot community-owned enterprises across seven districts, targeting agro-processing, leather, manufacturing, tourism, renewable energy and other export-ready value chains. Mining Development Signal: Arc Minerals says geophysics at its Virgo copper project in Botswana has extended a key inferred contact to 18km, with drilling expected to start in early August. Cross-Border Trade Friction: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration and foreign drivers is disrupting cross-border logistics, with transporters warning enforcement could hit trade flows—an issue that matters for Botswana-linked routes. Vehicle Recall Watch: Ford recalls certain Ranger and Everest models fitted with a 10R80 transmission, including vehicles exported to Botswana, urging owners to get free software updates at authorised dealers.

Diamond Market Shock: De Beers reported Q2 rough diamond output up 88% year-on-year to 7.8 million carats, with Botswana’s Orapa resuming normal operations and higher-grade mining at Jwaneng lifting production to 5.5 million carats—yet the company warned the market remains under pressure as lab-grown diamonds keep weighing on demand and prices. Regional Trade Pressure: South Africa’s immigration crackdown on cross-border drivers is putting the DRC route at risk, with transporters warning enforcement could disrupt lucrative logistics flows. Afreximbank Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Regional Director for Southern Africa, with a five-year push on industrialisation, beneficiation and value addition across mining, oil and gas, agriculture and tobacco. Botswana Business & Jobs: BEMA signed an MoU with BaMangwato leadership to pilot community-owned enterprises across seven districts, targeting agro-processing, leather, manufacturing, tourism and renewable energy. Mining Pipeline: Arc Minerals says a geophysical survey at its Virgo copper project in Botswana extended an inferred contact to 18km and flagged new drilling targets, with drilling expected in early August. Rural Digital Access: A new P1.5m digital centre was launched at Sankoyo Primary School, funded via the Universal Services and Access Fund to expand internet access and digital literacy in rural areas. Tax Reform: Botswana’s BURS is rolling out major tax administration reforms to boost domestic revenue as mineral earnings decline, including higher corporate income tax and new online services taxation.

De Beers and Botswana diamonds: De Beers says rough diamond output jumped 88% year-on-year to 7.8 million carats in Q2, helped by the restart of Orapa in Botswana and higher-grade mining at Jwaneng; sales were still weak and revenue fell 44% as the market stays under pressure, with lab-grown diamonds continuing to weigh on lower-value demand. Rail and trade links: Botswana and Namibia advanced plans for the Trans Kalahari Railway, aiming to connect Botswana to the Atlantic via Walvis Bay and cut freight costs, with the next technical and ministerial talks set for Kasane. Tax reform push: Botswana’s Botswana Unified Revenue Service rolled out major tax administration reforms to broaden the base and raise more domestic revenue as mineral earnings decline, including higher corporate income tax and new online-services taxation. Rural connectivity: A new P1.5 million digital centre opened at Sankoyo Primary School, funded through the Universal Services and Access Fund, bringing laptops and internet access plus digital literacy to rural learners. Food security and livestock: Botswana Development Corporation received 200 pregnant Girolando dairy cattle from Brazil to expand Milk Valley Farm and tackle the country’s large milk deficit. Transport and logistics pressure: A regional study put cross-border disruption costs at R15bn–R16bn a year, with border delays across key gateways running from days to more than 57 hours at Beitbridge. Vehicle recalls: The National Consumer Commission flagged Ford Ranger and Everest models exported to Botswana as part of a transmission-related recall, urging owners to get free software updates.

Diamond market update: De Beers says rough diamond output jumped 88% year-on-year to 7.8 million carats in Q2, helped by the Orapa restart in Botswana and higher-grade mining at Jwaneng; sales were 7.1 million carats but revenue fell 44% to $665m as demand and prices stay weak, with lab-grown diamonds still pressuring lower-value stones. Mining & capital markets: Anglo American shares rose after strong Q2 copper and iron ore performance, while it flagged ongoing pressure in diamonds and coal and selected a preferred consortium led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny to buy De Beers—raising questions for Botswana, which holds 15% and may consider its right of first refusal. Tax & fiscal policy: Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) is rolling out major tax administration reforms to boost domestic revenue as mineral earnings decline, targeting a higher tax-to-GDP path and raising expected collections from corporate income tax and online services. Agriculture & food security: Government says Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is being suppressed in parts of the north east, while vaccination and containment fencing continue, including work on a major Otse–Ramotswa–Mmathethe–Werda fence. Rural connectivity: A new P1.5m digital centre was launched at Sankoyo Primary School, funded via the Universal Services and Access Fund, to expand internet access and digital literacy in rural Botswana. Trade & logistics: Botswana and Namibia are advancing the Trans Kalahari Railway with bilateral technical talks aimed at linking Botswana to Walvis Bay for cheaper, faster freight and stronger industrialisation. Vehicle safety: Nissan, Toyota and Lexus recalls are prompting motorists to check models including the Qashqai, Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX600 over fuel leak and engine-related risks.