AGP Executive Report

Diplomacy: Botswana and Qatar held their first political consultations in Gaborone, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral ties. Regional Energy: Dangote’s planned $2.5bn fuel-storage and pipeline project in Namibia could link to Botswana, including Ghanzi and Francistown, and improve fuel access for landlocked markets. State-Owned Enterprises: Government is preparing reforms for struggling parastatals, with restructuring or consolidation possible amid concerns about losses, weak governance and gaps in audited accounts. Public Service: Experts have warned that the BNF’s proposed cadre deployment risks politicising government appointments and undermining merit-based hiring. Ian Khama: The former president says he will not apologise for calling Zambia’s president a dictator, deepening a dispute that has drawn calls from Zambian figures for evidence and respect for their country’s sovereignty.

Regional Energy: Namibia launched Dangote’s $2.5 billion fuel-storage and pipeline project, with a planned network that could connect Botswana and other landlocked markets. The project follows concerns that bureaucratic delays might have driven the investment away. Diplomacy: Botswana and Qatar held their first political consultations in Gaborone, discussing ways to deepen bilateral ties. Zambia Dispute: Former president Ian Khama says he will not apologise for calling President Hakainde Hichilema a dictator. Botswana’s foreign minister defended attending Hichilema’s inauguration, saying engagement with neighbours can support dialogue. Banking Policy: The Bank of Botswana lifted its ban on banks raising prime lending rates. Increases are not automatic, but borrowers could face higher repayments if lenders adjust rates.

Legal Dispute: Botswana promoter Gilbert Promotions says a High Court order requiring South African singer Makhadzi to surrender her passport stems from a contract dispute; the company denies kidnapping claims as the case moves through court. Public Procurement: President Duma Boko defended direct government appointments, arguing tenders delay projects. The stance contrasts with an audit he commissioned that linked weak procurement to an estimated P33 billion in losses over a decade. Regional Diplomacy: Former president Ian Khama refuses to apologise for calling Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema a dictator, raising pressure on Boko’s government to manage relations with Lusaka. Diamonds and Diversification: Boko says Botswana will seek a bigger role in De Beers while building new industries, arguing diversification should not mean retreating from diamonds. Governance: Botswana recorded gains in economic governance in the 2026 Ibrahim Index, amid wider continental concerns over rule of law and political participation.

Cross-Border Legal Dispute: South African singer Makhadzi says her passport, car and belongings were taken in Botswana, leaving her stranded for three days. The allegations have not been independently verified; South Africa’s DIRCO says it is attending to the matter, while Botswana authorities had not publicly responded in the reports reviewed. Khama–Zambia Row: Former president Ian Khama’s attacks on President Hakainde Hichilema have drawn calls from Zambian voices for him to apologise. A former Botswana editor also recalls press clampdowns under Khama, challenging his criticism of Zambia’s democratic record. SONA Preview: President Duma Boko is due to deliver the State of the Nation Address on 9 November amid weak diamond sales, fiscal pressure and disruption to the beef sector. Gaborone Forum: Afreximbank and the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre will host a compliance forum in Gaborone on 16–18 November, with talks on regulatory cooperation, banking access and cross-border trade.

Regional Diplomacy: Zambian youth advocate Mukuka Kampamba has given Botswana 24 hours to secure Ian Khama’s apology for calling President Hakainde Hichilema a dictator, urging President Duma Boko to intervene. He warned the dispute could strain ties between the neighbours. Gaborone Investment: Cheetah Cement is proposing an 800,000-tonne-a-year plant in Gaborone, which could expand local supply and create jobs; the company says it still faces regulatory and infrastructure challenges. Diamond Economy: Botswana’s growth forecast has been raised to 3.8% from 3.1%, supported by higher diamond production. Meanwhile, talks over De Beers remain unresolved, with Botswana weighing an increase in its stake from 15% to about 25%. Financial Markets: The Botswana Stock Exchange’s 10X by 2030 strategy aims to grow capital markets tenfold and draw more investment to Gaborone.

Khama–Zambia Row: Former president Ian Khama’s description of Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema as a dictator has triggered a cross-border political storm. Zambia’s State House has accused Khama of sponsoring a militia, an allegation it has not substantiated, while civil society groups urge restraint and diplomatic channels. Government and Accountability: Khama is also pressing for answers on a P45 million sheep procurement, while an investigation into alleged illegal diplomatic passports for foreign nationals raises questions about corruption in Botswana’s immigration system. Economic Outlook: Botswana’s growth forecast has been raised to 3.8% as diamond production and demand recover, though Debswana’s P2.3 billion staff-exit programme shows the downturn’s toll. The Botswana Stock Exchange is meanwhile targeting a tenfold expansion by 2030 to attract investment and mobilise local savings. Marriage Rights: A High Court challenge over the refusal to register a same-sex couple’s marriage puts equality and constitutional rights at the centre of a dispute over Parliament’s authority and religious objections.

UDC’s Government Push: The ruling coalition faces pressure to deliver on its agenda, with some members arguing that officials appointed under the former BDP government still hold key posts and could be obstructing change. Khama’s Questions: Former president Ian Khama is pressing for answers on the P45 million sheep procurement and has called for Russia’s ambassador to be expelled over reports that Batswana were recruited to fight in Ukraine. Immigration Probe: An investigation into the alleged illegal issuance of diplomatic passports to foreign nationals is raising questions about possible corruption within the immigration system. Citizenship: Nearly half of the 5,957 foreign nationals granted Botswana citizenship since 2018 were Zimbabweans, according to figures presented by Home Affairs Minister Pius Mokgware. Marriage Rights: A High Court challenge over the refusal to register a same-sex couple’s marriage has set up a debate over equality, constitutional rights and Parliament’s authority.

Botswana–Zambia Tensions: Former President Ian Khama renewed his criticism of Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, drawing a sharp response from Zambian officials. Botswana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Phenyo Butale defended attending Hichilema’s inauguration and said Botswana was willing to support dialogue in neighbouring countries. China Ties: President Duma Boko called his recent China visit successful and urged Botswana to boost production to benefit from China’s zero-tariff offer to African countries. He welcomed Chinese investment and skills transfer. Citizenship: Figures presented to the Ntlo ya Dikgosi show 5,957 foreign nationals gained Botswana citizenship from 2018 to 2026. Zimbabweans made up nearly half, with 2,947 grants; most successful applicants qualified through marriage to Botswana nationals. Fuel Security: Botswana is pursuing a supply deal with Nigeria’s Dangote refinery as it looks to reduce fuel-supply risks.

Regional Diplomacy: Former president Ian Khama’s reported description of Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema as “Africa’s newest dictator” has drawn pushback. Botswana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Phenyo Butale defended Gaborone’s attendance at Hichilema’s inauguration and said Botswana is willing to support dialogue between political rivals. Former Zambian vice-president Enock Kavindele urged Khama to respect Zambia’s sovereignty. Energy Security: Botswana is in talks with Nigeria’s Dangote refinery on fuel supplies, seeking to reduce exposure to supply shocks as Dangote expands across the region. Global Role: Botswana has nominated Gevorg Tamamyan for the race to lead the World Health Organization, with seven candidates set to present their priorities at a forum in Geneva this month.

Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Phenyo Butale says Botswana is willing to help resolve political disputes in neighbouring countries, defending Gaborone’s attendance at Zambia’s inauguration after former president Ian Khama criticised President Hakainde Hichilema. Energy Security: Botswana is seeking fuel from Nigeria, Angola and Côte d’Ivoire to reduce reliance on South Africa; it has already received an Oman shipment and is exploring alternative routes through Namibia and Mozambique. Global Engagement: Russia says Botswana plans to open an embassy in Moscow, while Botswana has put forward a nominee in the race to lead the World Health Organization. Citizenship: A parliamentary response showed Zimbabweans accounted for nearly half of the 5,957 citizenship grants to foreign nationals since 2018. Regulation: Gaborone hosted a Commonwealth masterclass on spectrum, satellite communications and the commercial space economy.

Regional Diplomacy: Ian Khama’s description of Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema as “Africa’s newest dictator” has drawn sharp rebukes from Zambian commentators, who urge the former Botswana president to show diplomatic restraint. Fuel Security: Botswana is widening its supply options to guard against disruptions, with Energy Minister Bogolo Kenewendo saying the government has engaged suppliers including Dangote, Angola and Côte d’Ivoire; the country has also received its first shipment under a deal with Oman. Foreign Relations: Russian President Vladimir Putin says Botswana intends to open an embassy in Moscow, as Russia expands its diplomatic presence across Africa. Indigenous Land Rights: The government has approved a roadmap that could give San communities broader legal rights in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, though land ownership, community involvement and tourism revenue-sharing remain unresolved. Citizenship: A parliamentary response says Botswana granted citizenship to 5,957 foreign nationals since 2018, with Zimbabweans accounting for nearly half.

Regulatory Policy: Botswana opened a Commonwealth masterclass in Gaborone on spectrum, satellite communications and space-sector investment, with officials and experts examining how regulation can support secure, inclusive connectivity. Fuel Security: Botswana is in talks with Dangote Group on a fuel supply deal as it seeks to reduce exposure to supply shocks. A regional forum also urged coordinated investment in the Beira Corridor, whose pipeline expansion is expected to raise capacity by 2027. Indigenous Rights: The government has approved a roadmap that could give San communities legally protected land rights and a role in managing the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Justice Minister Nelson Ramaotwana says protections are intended before the 2029 election, but ownership and tourism revenue-sharing remain unresolved. Digital Government: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya called for stronger cross-border cybersecurity cooperation, warning that digital threats can disrupt services and businesses across national borders. Regional Politics: Former president Ian Khama reportedly described Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema as a dictator, adding to debate over political freedoms in the region.

Trade: China says its expanded zero-tariff offer, which includes Botswana, requires neither reciprocal market access nor political conditions—an opening for local exporters. Fuel Security: Botswana is negotiating supply deals with Dangote, Angola and Côte d’Ivoire to diversify imports; it is also pursuing coastal storage and has received its first diesel shipment under an Oman agreement. Diplomacy: Russia says Botswana plans to open an embassy in Moscow, as it expands its diplomatic network in Africa. Public Services: New passport fees take effect on 1 November: an ordinary passport will cost P400, a child’s P200 and an emergency travel document P100. Political Accountability: Ian Khama has challenged the UDC over its silence on alleged abuses, while the party is reported to reject an investigation into 2019 election-rigging claims.

Energy Security: Botswana is in talks with Aliko Dangote, Angola and Côte d’Ivoire to diversify fuel supplies after global price shocks exposed its reliance on imports. An Oman-backed diesel shipment has already arrived via Mozambique. Diplomacy: Vladimir Putin says Botswana plans to open an embassy in Moscow, as Russia expands its African diplomatic network. Passport Fees: New charges take effect on 1 November: an ordinary passport will cost P400, a child’s P200, and a replacement for a lost, stolen or damaged e-passport P2,000. Recruitment Risks: Ukraine’s intelligence service says a 25-year-old Motswana recruited through a WhatsApp group was killed fighting for Russia; the account has not been independently verified. Public Health: Botswana has launched a malaria and neglected tropical diseases council, as officials cite weak spraying coverage, household refusals and supply shortages among obstacles to eliminating malaria.

Fuel Security: Botswana is negotiating fuel supplies with Aliko Dangote and other African producers as it diversifies imports and routes to reduce the risk of shortages. Government Accountability: Kgosi Ian Khama challenged the UDC government over its silence on alleged abuses in other African states; ministers cited sovereignty and non-interference. The government also ruled out investigating its own claims of 2019 election rigging. Russia Recruitment: Officials say 15 Batswana linked to Russian military recruitment remain unaccounted for and warn that knowingly enlisting could lead to prosecution. Economy and Debt: The AfDB approved a $503.75 million loan to cushion energy costs and support jobs, while the World Bank cautioned that Botswana’s recovery may mask weak demand and falling diamond exports. Mining Investment: Investor Appian plans to allocate about $2 billion to African projects and names Botswana among its top mining jurisdictions, but warns that uncertain policies can drive capital elsewhere.

Fuel Security: Botswana is seeking supply deals with Dangote, Angola and Côte d’Ivoire to reduce its exposure to fuel disruptions, while exploring storage facilities in Mozambique and Namibia. Public Finances: The African Development Bank has approved a US$503.75 million loan to cushion energy costs and support businesses and jobs; the fresh borrowing is renewing questions about debt and future revenue. Political Accountability: The UDC government says it will not investigate its own allegations that the 2019 election was rigged, prompting Kgosi Ian Khama to question why those claims were excluded from a forensic audit. Health Policy: A new malaria council aims to accelerate elimination efforts, but officials say household refusals and shortages of tests and medicines are undermining spraying coverage.