AGP Executive Report

Economic Policy: The African Development Bank approved a US$503.75 million loan to help Botswana absorb energy-price shocks and fund reforms aimed at attracting private investment and creating jobs, especially for women and young people. Opposition Politics: After the BCP’s Sefhophe by-election win, party leader Dumelang Saleshando said its support was growing ahead of the 2029 polls. The defeat has also stirred tensions within the UDC, with BNF members questioning the BPF’s role in the contest. China Ties: Botswana and China are seeking deeper cooperation in mining, health, agriculture, technology and skills development; President Duma Boko says China also pledged a P400 million grant. Marriage Equality Case: The High Court has reserved judgment until 2 April 2027 in a challenge by two women seeking the right to marry, with government lawyers opposing their application.

Leadership Scrutiny: Online criticism questions whether President Duma Boko’s government is turning promises into improvements in jobs, the economy and living standards; the report cautions that social media posts do not represent all Batswana. Regional Partnership: Edo State is seeking Botswana’s backing and investment links for agriculture and livestock development, with High Commissioner Philada Kereng pointing to opportunities in agro-tourism and animal feed. Economic Diversification: De Beers has transferred BWP1 billion to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund, which aims to attract investment, support new industries and create jobs. Export Policy: The government approved temporary export windows for cattle, meat and meat products, with permits and eligibility limited by product and exporter type. Global Health: Botswana has nominated Armenian doctor Gevorg Tamamyan to run for WHO director-general when Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’s term ends in 2027.

Global Health Diplomacy: Botswana has nominated Armenian paediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan to lead the WHO when Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’s term ends in 2027. Tamamyan says the bid aims to build support across regions. Diamond-Funded Diversification: De Beers has transferred BWP1 billion to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund. With its independent board appointed, the fund will prepare investment plans to support new industries and jobs. Cattle and Meat Exports: The government has approved temporary export permits: live cattle exports for six months and meat products for 12 months, with tighter eligibility rules for meat exporters. Rule of Law: Botswana ranked 49th globally in the 2026 World Justice Project index, placing it among Africa’s highest-ranked countries.

WHO Leadership Bid: Botswana has nominated Armenian paediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan to run for WHO director-general, succeeding Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in 2027. Tamamyan says he met President Duma Boko and ministers to discuss his vision for the agency. Trade Rules: The government has opened a temporary export window for cattle and meat. Live-cattle exports are limited to castrated males through April 2027; meat exports can continue through October 2027, with permits restricted to eligible local businesses and citizen-owned abattoirs. Diamond Diversification: De Beers has transferred BWP1 billion to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund. With its board in place, the fund is preparing investments intended to create jobs and broaden the economy beyond diamonds. Party Politics: The BCP toppled the UDC in the Sefhophe by-election, while the BDP embraced calls for opposition unity after its defeat. China Ties: During Boko’s state visit, Botswana and China elevated relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, with cooperation on mining and development among the priorities.

Economic Diversification: De Beers has transferred BWP1 billion to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund. With its independent board in place, the fund is moving toward plans to invest diamond wealth in new industries, jobs and exports. Trade Policy: Botswana has approved temporary export windows for cattle, meat and meat products, with permits and eligibility rules limiting who can participate. Global Health: Botswana has nominated Armenian paediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan to run for WHO director-general, a move he says reflects a bid to build support across regions. Diamond Diplomacy: Angola’s president has urged African producers, including Botswana, to coordinate against competition from synthetic diamonds and protect the value of natural stones. China Ties: President Duma Boko’s state visit to China elevated relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, with mining cooperation among the priorities. Local Politics: The BCP has toppled the UDC in a Sefhophe by-election, while Gaborone Mayor and WUC have clashed over the city’s sanitation crisis.

Trade Policy: Botswana has approved temporary export windows for live cattle, meat and meat products, with permits limited to eligible agents, farmers and citizen-owned abattoirs. Diamond Diversification: De Beers has transferred BWP1 billion to the Diamonds for Development Fund, which aims to channel investment into new industries, jobs and exports. Global Health Diplomacy: Botswana has nominated Armenian paediatric oncologist Gevorg Tamamyan for the WHO director-general post, due to be filled in 2027. China Relations: President Duma Boko’s state visit elevated ties with China to a comprehensive strategic partnership, with mining cooperation among the priorities. Traditional Governance: Dikgosi are seeking an earlier role in lawmaking, renewing debate over how customary leaders shape national policy.

Public Health: President Duma Boko has pledged to make Botswana malaria-free by 2029, as a new national council brings government, business and civil society together to track elimination efforts. Diamonds and Diversification: De Beers has transferred P1 billion to a fund for economic diversification and job creation. Botswana is also seeking to lift its De Beers stake to about 25% as a new ownership structure takes shape. Local Accountability: Gaborone’s mayor and the Water Utilities Corporation are clashing over the sanitation crisis, while the BCP is challenging a land-board recruitment process. Political Contest: The BCP’s Sefhophe by-election win over the UDC adds to signs of shifting opposition politics; the BDP has signalled support for opposition unity after its defeat. Fuel Costs: BERA says restored levies could rebuild the National Petroleum Fund by more than P1.5 billion over six months, after it absorbed pressure on fuel prices.

Public Health: Botswana has launched a 28-member council to coordinate malaria and neglected tropical disease elimination. President Duma Boko says he aims to secure malaria-free certification by 2029, with the council tracking progress and mobilising resources. Diamond Economy: De Beers has transferred P1 billion to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund, supporting diversification and job creation. The payment comes as Botswana seeks to raise its De Beers stake to about 25 percent amid talks over the miner’s future ownership. Gaborone Governance: A public dispute over the capital’s sanitation crisis has escalated, with Water Utilities Corporation accusing Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng of making unfounded claims about its management. Rights and Law: The High Court is due to hear a challenge to Botswana’s ban on same-sex marriage, brought by a couple who say the restriction violates their constitutional rights. Land Governance: The Botswana Congress Party has challenged PEEPA’s role in recruiting Land Board members, warning that appointments made outside the law could put land decisions at risk of court challenges.

Gaborone Sanitation: Water Utilities Corporation and Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng are trading accusations over sewage smells and sanitation failures, exposing a deepening row between the city and the utility. Rights in Court: The High Court is expected to hear a challenge to Botswana’s ban on same-sex marriage, brought by a couple who say it breaches their rights to dignity and equal protection. Land Governance: The BCP wants PEEPA’s recruitment of Land Board members suspended or legally justified, warning that appointments could face court challenges. By-election Fallout: The BCP’s Sefhophe win has fuelled UDC criticism; the BPF says it owes the ruling coalition no electoral loyalty. Foreign Policy: President Duma Boko says Botswana will pursue partnerships based on national interests, as Taiwan rebukes the country over its support for Beijing’s position.

China Ties: Beijing says it is ready to act on agreements from President Duma Boko’s state visit, which elevated relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership and set out cooperation across mining, health, education and technology. By-election: The BCP won Sefhophe with 800 votes, defeating the UDC, which took 705; the result comes amid voter frustration over service delivery, including medicine shortages. The BCP also alleged intimidation and vote-buying, claims that could not be independently confirmed. Economic Diversification: De Beers has made its first P1-billion contribution to Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund, which aims to channel diamond wealth into new industries, jobs and investment. Regional Cooperation: Minerals Minister Bogolo Kenewendo called on Botswana, Zambia and the DRC to turn commitments on infrastructure and mineral value chains into projects. Trade and Tax: Jersey officials say negotiations are under way on a double-taxation agreement with Botswana, aimed at providing greater certainty for cross-border trade and investment.

China Ties: President Duma Boko says Botswana’s upgraded partnership with China will expand cooperation in mining, trade, health, education and digital technology, with more Chinese investment encouraged. Mineral Strategy: The Okavango Circle, launched with Boko’s backing, aims to give Africa a bigger role in critical minerals and the industries built around them, rather than leaving the continent reliant on raw exports. Trade Pressures: Botswana’s exports fell P10.1 billion in the first seven months of 2026, driven largely by weaker diamond earnings; the trade deficit widened to P17.6 billion, sharpening concerns about dependence on diamonds. State Housing: Botswana Housing Corporation returned to profit, but revenue fell 42% and the recovery relied heavily on property-sale gains, raising questions about the strength of its core business.

China Partnership: President Duma Boko says Botswana and China have upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, with plans spanning trade, mining, agriculture, health, education and infrastructure. Health cooperation includes Chinese medical teams, equipment and stronger hospital links. Mineral Strategy: Boko’s backing for the Okavango Circle signals a push to move Africa beyond exporting raw minerals and toward greater influence in processing, technology and investment. Export Slump: Botswana’s exports fell P10.1 billion in the first seven months of 2026, while the trade deficit widened to P17.6 billion. A sharp drop in diamond earnings drove the decline, renewing pressure to diversify the economy.

China Partnership: President Duma Boko says Botswana and China will expand health and education cooperation, including Chinese medical teams, equipment and hospital partnerships. The new strategic partnership also aims to attract investment and help Botswana diversify beyond diamonds. Public Accountability: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee says government accounts have received qualified audit opinions for seven straight years, citing stalled projects, overpayments and weak oversight. State Oversight: Allegations that intelligence, tax and police agencies were drawn into a tobacco business dispute are raising questions about the use of state powers; claims remain contested. Mineral Policy: The Botswana National Front is proposing industrial hubs to boost local processing of diamonds, coal and copper, with a draft policy due at its conference this week. Economic Buffer: Bank of Botswana figures put foreign assets at P63.21 billion in July, up more than 32% from a year earlier.

Public Finances: Botswana’s foreign assets climbed to P63.21 billion by July, up 32% year-on-year, as the government seeks to diversify beyond diamonds. China Ties: A Botswana–China business forum is aiming to turn closer political ties into investment and jobs; agreements also promise cooperation in health and education. Mineral Policy: The BNF is proposing industrial hubs to expand local processing of diamonds, coal and copper, with its draft policy due at a party conference this week. Accountability: DCEC files allege favouritism and misuse of funds under former CEDA chief Thabo Thamane; the claims remain untested in court. Rule of Law: BOSETU is urging action against public officers it says have delayed implementing court rulings on teachers’ allowances.

Rule of Law: BOSETU has urged government to act against public officers who have failed to implement court rulings on teachers’ allowances, warning that delays undermine confidence in state institutions. Food Security: Botswana spent P1.41 billion on cereal imports in the first seven months of 2026; local production met just 44.7% of national needs, highlighting a persistent supply gap. China Partnership: Agreements from President Duma Boko’s state visit include Chinese medical teams, health supplies, university links and scholarships. The Office of the President says the broad delegation was aimed at attracting investment, creating jobs and diversifying the economy. Capital Markets: Botswana is set to serve as the Southern African venue for Dangote Refinery’s IPO, a move expected to widen local and regional access to the offer. Rights and Diplomacy: Government is developing a roadmap for restitution in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, while Boko has praised a UN resolution supporting a more accurate map of Africa.

Africa’s Place on the Map: President Duma Boko says the UN’s adoption of the Equal Earth map projection is a step toward correcting the historic diminishment of Africa and could strengthen calls for reparations. Pan-African Investment: Dangote Refinery’s IPO has drawn investors from 51 African countries. Botswana is the regional host, with about $500 million targeted through the Botswana Stock Exchange and a Gaborone investor roadshow. Diversification and China: Boko says diamonds have provided more than 80% of government revenue, making the industry’s slump a sharp warning to diversify. His China visit elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, with cooperation opportunities including technology and agriculture. De Beers Stake: Botswana’s 15% holding gives it a first right of refusal as Anglo American seeks to sell its 85% stake. A consortium is bidding for the roughly $1 billion diamond business, and Richemont is considering joining.