Energy & Environment Policy: Botswana’s BERA has temporarily shut down several non-compliant filling stations after inspections found environmental protection failures, missing/non-functional oil-water separators, weak fire protection, no leak monitoring wells, and staff training gaps—operators named include Engen (Tlokweng), TotalEnergies (Metlojane), a Cooperative Society station (Goodhope), and Shell sites in Sikwane and Lobatse. Clean Power Push: Botswana is set to build its first large-scale solar plant—the 100MW Tati Solar Project—after securing $100m financing, targeting commercial operation in 2027 and selling power into the Southern Africa Power Pool. Wildlife & Conservation: Natural Selection opened Nkasa Linyanti, an unfenced under-canvas camp in Namibia’s Zambezi wetlands within Nkasa Rupara National Park, aimed at supporting wildlife recovery and protecting an elephant corridor linking Angola, Namibia and Botswana. Climate & Land Degradation: A World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought report highlights “continental drying,” warning that freshwater losses are shrinking rivers, lakes and dams worldwide. Regional Trade & Growth: Botswana reiterated its push for greater intra-African trade at a Botswana–Lesotho business forum, stressing partnerships that can ease commodity shortages and support investment.
AGP Executive Report
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Botswana Solar Push: Botswana is set to start construction of its first large-scale solar plant, the 100MW Tati Solar Project, after securing about $100m in financing, with commercial operations targeted for 2027 and power sold into the Southern Africa Power Pool—an energy step that could cut emissions and strengthen regional supply. Trade for Resilience: Botswana also renewed focus on intra-African trade at a Botswana–Lesotho business forum, aiming to keep goods moving despite inflation and commodity shortages. Wildlife Conservation Through Tourism: A report from Zambia highlights how safari tourism can fund wildlife protection, tackle poaching and support nearby communities—relevant for Botswana’s own tourism and conservation balance. Water Loss Warning: New satellite-based reporting flags disappearing water across the globe, underscoring the drought and desertification pressures that threaten southern Africa’s ecosystems. Desertification & Drought Day: UN-linked coverage marks June 17 as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, tying land degradation to shrinking water-holding capacity. Climate Risk to Children: UNICEF warns almost all children face climate hazards, with overlapping risks like drought and extreme heat—raising the stakes for adaptation planning across the region. Wildlife Numbers Watch: Tanzania’s latest census shows big shifts in lions, buffalo and elephants, with elephant declines linked to poaching and human pressure—another reminder of how fast conservation gains can slip. Jobs and Sugar Supply Chains: South Africa’s Tongaat Hulett liquidation threat was averted via an IDC–Vision rescue deal, protecting about 250,000 jobs across the sugar value chain, including regional operations tied to Botswana.
Wildlife Census Update: Tanzania says its 2024/2025 national wildlife count puts it top for lions (about 17,200) and buffaloes (about 328,000), while elephants are down sharply to 66,714—down from 134,000 in 2005—highlighting ongoing poaching and human pressure. Conservation Policy Pressure: Botswana’s DWNP says the country holds around 300 tonnes of confiscated elephant tusks, but the stockpile can’t be sold under current ivory trade rules—despite an estimated potential value of $60m–$90m. Plastic Pollution Push: Botswana plans a full ban on single-use plastics by 2027, moving beyond the plastic levy (about P1.5m monthly) to protect ecosystems, wildlife and public health. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF warns almost all children worldwide face at least one climate hazard, with 1.8 billion at risk from drought and 1.2 billion from extreme heat, stressing adaptation and disaster readiness. Clean Energy Finance Barrier: A report flags that Africa’s “sovereign ceiling” credit rule blocks investment-grade financing for many renewables—only Botswana and Mauritius currently qualify—slowing electricity access and climate progress. Botswana in the Spotlight: De Beers’ US diamond demand surge is tied to hopes for a Botswana-linked P7 billion Diamonds for Development Fund.
Ivory Stockpile Standoff: Botswana says it holds about 300 tonnes of confiscated elephant tusks worth an estimated $60–90 million, but can’t sell them under current international trade rules—raising storage and security costs. Single-Use Plastic Ban: Government is moving toward a full ban on single-use plastics by 2027, even while the plastic levy still brings in about P1.5 million a month, aiming to protect ecosystems, wildlife and public health. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF warns almost all children worldwide face climate hazards, with 1.8 billion at risk from drought and 1.2 billion from extreme heat, and 1.1 billion exposed to multiple overlapping risks. Giraffe Numbers Flagged: Conservation groups estimate only about 117,000 giraffes remain across Africa, with habitat loss, poaching, human expansion and climate pressures driving declines. Gaborone/Okavango Tourism Angle: A fresh spotlight on Botswana’s “exclusive” safari appeal—low visitor density and deep wilderness immersion—centres the Okavango Delta as a key draw. National Fodder Strategy: Botswana launched a national fodder strategy to cut reliance on imported animal feed and boost climate-smart production, targeting higher livestock growth and dairy expansion.
Diamonds & Accountability: De Beers says US shoppers are spending more on natural diamonds, reviving hopes for Botswana’s P7 billion “Diamonds for Development” fund, as lawmakers press the Minerals and Energy ministry on unanswered questions during parliamentary scrutiny. Market Watch: The Botswana Stock Exchange reported 2025 revenue of P78.8 million and profit after tax of P20.6 million, with a push to grow revenue tenfold by 2030. Plastics Push: Botswana is moving toward a full ban on single-use plastics by 2027, even as the plastic levy still brings in about P1.5 million monthly. Wildlife & Trade Limits: Botswana holds around 300 tonnes of confiscated elephant tusks, valued in theory at tens of millions of dollars, but unsellable under current international rules. Climate for Kids: UNICEF warns almost all children worldwide face climate hazards, with drought and extreme heat among the biggest threats. Agri Resilience: Botswana launched a national fodder strategy to cut reliance on imported animal feed and boost climate-smart fodder production. Green Skills: Hwange youths are getting solar training to prepare for jobs in the photovoltaic sector.
Agriculture & Climate Resilience: Botswana has launched a National Fodder Strategy to cut reliance on imported animal feed and boost climate-smart fodder production like lablab and lucerne, aiming to lift agriculture’s GDP contribution from 2% to 6–10% in five years and grow the cattle herd to five million. The plan targets a big jump in livestock feed demand by 2030, a dairy industry expansion, and major reductions in the dairy import bill. Wildlife & Conservation: Botswana’s role in regional conservation is echoed by coverage of African cheetahs reintroduced to India’s Kuno National Park, highlighting ongoing debates over conservation choices and animal health risks. Tourism Pressure at Home: Botswana authorities say more Batswana are choosing Namibia for tourism instead of domestic trips, prompting a fact-finding push into what Namibia offers that Botswana isn’t. Digital Safety: New research puts suspected digital fraud in Botswana at 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025—lower than the global average—while warning that fraud tactics are shifting toward higher-trust scams. Energy & Jobs: A Botswana-owned company unveiled plans for a crude oil refinery and large storage facility in Chobe District, positioning the area as an “energy hub” without local oil production.
Green Skills in Hwange: Don Bosco Technical College Hwange is running a solar “train-the-trainer” programme to build photovoltaic installation skills for youth, with regional trainees from Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi—aimed at powering a green jobs pipeline. Botswana Tourism Pressure: Botswana’s environment and tourism ministry says more Batswana are choosing Namibia over local trips, and is now investigating what Namibia offers that Botswana isn’t. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: A report on India’s Kuno National Park cheetah reintroduction notes the animals are African cheetahs sourced from Namibia, South Africa and Botswana, while concerns also grow over Asiatic lions in Gujarat. KAZA Tourism Boost: KAZA TFCA ministers commend Zimbabwe’s First Lady for enabling 10,000 women to visit Victoria Falls, highlighting cross-border conservation and tourism cooperation. Digital Safety Note: TransUnion data shows suspected digital fraud in Botswana at 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025—lower than Africa’s average—though risks are shifting toward higher-trust scams. Energy & Jobs Idea: Seth Resources Petroleum says it plans a crude refinery and large storage facility in Chobe to turn Botswana into a regional petroleum supply hub without producing oil.
Botswana Tourism & Conservation: Botswana authorities are concerned that more Batswana are choosing Namibia for tourism instead of local trips, despite Namibia’s wildlife draw and the shared Okavango Delta—prompting a fact-finding mission into what Namibia offers that Botswana doesn’t. KAZA Transfrontier Update: KAZA ministers meeting in Victoria Falls praised Zimbabwe’s First Lady for helping 10,000 women visit Victoria Falls, highlighting the region’s push to grow tourism while protecting one of Africa’s most important elephant landscapes. Wildlife Coexistence: A conservation piece looks at how wildlife-human relationships are changing fast, using southern Africa examples to show why new rules and community practices matter for coexistence. Energy & Environment: Botswana’s energy regulator leadership is profiled, with focus on balancing supply security, tariffs and licensing alongside environmental oversight as markets shift. Local Energy Ambition: A Botswana-owned firm says it wants to build a crude refinery and large storage in Chobe to turn the district into an “energy hub” without producing oil itself. Aviation for Eco-Tourism: Botswana is hosting AviaDev Africa to boost air connectivity and visitor growth, positioning the country as a regional aviation and tourism hub.
Botswana Tourism Pushback: Botswana’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism says more Batswana are choosing Namibia over local trips, and it’s now investigating what Namibia offers that domestic destinations don’t. KAZA Conservation & Tourism: KAZA TFCA ministers commended Zimbabwe’s First Lady for tourism gains tied to Victoria Falls visits, highlighting the region’s role in wildlife and cross-border conservation. Wildlife Coexistence: A new conservation focus looks at how wildlife-human relationships shift fast, shaped by animal behaviour, people’s views, daily practices, and the rules communities set. Okavango Safari Challenge: Runners on the Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail report tough conditions and close wildlife encounters, underscoring the Delta’s living, moving ecosystems. Energy & Regulation: Botswana’s energy regulator leadership is navigating market shocks while balancing supply security and environmental oversight, as the country pushes energy transitions. Digital Safety: Botswana’s suspected digital fraud rate remains low in Africa, but fraudsters are shifting tactics toward higher-trust scams. Oil Without Drilling: Plans for a Chobe-area refinery and large storage facility aim to make Botswana an energy hub through imported crude and regional exports. Aviation Connectivity: Botswana’s AviaDev Africa conference spotlights expanding air routes to boost tourism and trade across the continent.
Tourism Pressure on Botswana: Botswana officials say more Batswana are choosing Namibia over local trips, even though Namibia’s draw includes the Okavango Delta and wildlife; the Ministry of Environment and Tourism is now investigating what Namibia offers that Botswana isn’t. Conservation & Coexistence: A new conservation look at wildlife-human interactions argues relationships shift fast as rules, human practices and animal behaviour change—key for managing coexistence. KAZA Tourism Boost: KAZA TFCA ministers commended Zimbabwe’s First Lady for enabling 10,000 women to visit Victoria Falls, highlighting the region’s cross-border conservation and tourism push. Energy & Environment Oversight: Botswana’s energy regulator CEO says BERA must balance supply security with energy transitions, including environmental oversight. Digital Trust: Botswana’s suspected digital fraud rate is low (0.9% of transaction attempts), but fraudsters are shifting tactics toward higher-trust scams. Aviation Connectivity: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa, pitching better air access to grow tourism and trade across the continent. Wildlife Monitoring: A Botswana-focused update highlights improved giraffe monitoring efforts.
Livestock Disease & Food Security: Zimbabwean authorities warn that tick-borne “January disease” is wiping out cattle just as dipping chemicals run short, forcing farmers to dig fields by hand and raising fears of poor harvests and hunger. Tourism Demand Shift: Botswana officials say more Batswana are choosing Namibia over local destinations, prompting a fact-finding push into what Namibia offers and what Botswana can improve. KAZA Conservation Boost: KAZA TFCA ministers commend Zimbabwe’s First Lady for enabling 10,000 women to visit Victoria Falls, highlighting the region’s role in wildlife protection across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Botswana Energy Ambition: A Botswana-owned firm plans a crude refinery and large storage facility in Chobe to turn imported oil into products for local use and SADC exports—aiming to build an “energy hub” without producing oil. Wildlife & Coexistence: A Botswana field report spotlights how lions and other wildlife respond to climate change, adding to growing conservation focus on human–wildlife relationships. Digital Safety: TransUnion data shows suspected digital fraud in Botswana at 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025, the lowest in Africa—though risks are shifting toward account creation and login. Aviation Connectivity: AviaDev Africa is underway in Botswana, bringing airlines and tourism stakeholders together to expand routes and grow the visitor economy.
Tourism Pressure in KAZA: Botswana officials say more Batswana are choosing Namibia over local trips, with a fact-finding push after 2024 figures showed 123,276 tourists from Botswana to Namibia. Regional Conservation Boost: KAZA ministers in Victoria Falls praised Zimbabwe’s First Lady for enabling 10,000 women to visit Victoria Falls, spotlighting the world’s largest transfrontier conservation area and its savanna elephant stronghold. Aviation for Eco-Tourism: Botswana is hosting AviaDev Africa, drawing about 450 delegates, as the country aims to grow air access and visitor numbers across the region. Energy and Environment Oversight: Botswana’s BERA CEO Dr Never Tshabang discusses regulating tariffs, licensing, consumer protection and environmental oversight amid shifting energy markets. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Two pangolin traffickers in South Africa were sentenced to eight years, underlining the serious environmental fallout of illegal wildlife trade. Okavango Wildlife Adventure: A runner’s account of the Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail highlights close encounters with elephants, hippos and snakes—another reminder of Botswana’s living ecosystems. Digital Fraud (Consumer Risk): TransUnion reports suspected digital fraud in Botswana at 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025, with account creation the riskiest point.
Wildlife & Conservation: Botswana’s Desert Bush Walk is set for July 23–25 in Jwaneng, with Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso joining the 10th anniversary event and President Duma Boko also expected—alongside community projects, game drives and waste-management-linked work. Digital Security: TransUnion reports suspected digital fraud in Botswana at just 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025, the lowest in Africa, though fraud risk is shifting toward higher-trust scams at account creation and login. Climate & Nature Tourism: A runner’s account of the Okavango to Tsodilo Ultra-Trail highlights the Delta’s wildlife-rich terrain—dodging elephants, hippos and snakes—showing how conservation areas are becoming active outdoor spaces. Energy & Regulation: Botswana’s energy regulator leadership is in focus as BERA’s CEO balances price regulation, licensing and environmental oversight during a period of market change. Local Industry Policy: In Selebi-Phikwe, delays in legally gazetting a 30% government off-take policy are frustrating investors and slowing local supplier growth. Regional Aviation: Botswana hosts AviaDev Africa, aiming to boost air connectivity and the visitor economy through airline and tourism partnerships.
Wildlife & Tourism Rules: Rwanda’s new cap on mountain gorilla visits to just one hour per visit spotlights a conservation-first approach that limits stress and disease risk for great apes. Human–Wildlife Coexistence: A new conservation lens explains how wildlife-human relationships shift through changes in animal behaviour, public views, everyday practices, and the rules communities set. Botswana Predator Research: University of Washington researchers are returning to northern Botswana to study how climate change is reshaping lions and African wild dogs—especially their movement, breeding, and contact with people. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Two pangolin traffickers in South Africa were sentenced to eight years, underlining the environmental damage caused by illegal wildlife trade. Aviation & Eco-Connectivity: Botswana hosted AviaDev Africa, aiming to boost air access and tourism links across the continent. Energy Regulation: Botswana’s BERA CEO update highlights the push to balance energy transitions with supply security and environmental oversight. Local Industry Policy: A delayed legal “30% off-take” framework is stalling investor confidence in Selebi-Phikwe’s industrial growth plans. Health Watch: Global disease resurges are being linked to weakened systems and funding gaps, with malaria case spikes reported in Botswana and the region.
Aviation & Tourism Push: Botswana is hosting AviaDev Africa with about 450 delegates and officials from 50+ airlines and airports, aiming to boost air connectivity and grow the visitor economy through talks on new routes and partnerships. Wildlife Research in Botswana: University of Washington researchers are returning to northern Botswana to track how climate change is shifting lion and African wild dog behaviour, including movement and breeding, as heat and drought intensify human-wildlife contact. KAZA Conservation Meetings: KAZA TFCA member states are meeting in Victoria Falls to review regional conservation progress, with a focus on elephant protection and coordinated oversight across the transfrontier landscape. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Two pangolin traffickers in South Africa were sentenced to eight years for smuggling Temminck’s pangolins, underscoring the environmental damage caused by illegal wildlife trade. Green Business Funding Call: Green entrepreneurs across Botswana and the region are invited to pitch in the 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge, targeting circular economy, waste management, renewables, sustainable farming, and water solutions. Copper Market Pressure: Absa says a widening copper supply deficit could force development of smaller deposits, as electrification and renewables keep demand ahead of new supply. Digital Maturity Warning: A Botswana digital economy piece warns that many firms confuse social media presence with real transformation, citing backend gaps and regulatory risk under the Data Protection Act.
Wildlife & Conservation: Botswana-linked KAZA TFCA meetings in Victoria Falls bring Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe together to review conservation progress, with elephant management and wildlife trade on the agenda. Climate Research: University of Washington researchers return to northern Botswana to track how lions and African wild dogs are shifting behaviour as heatwaves and droughts intensify, including changing reproduction and more human-wildlife contact. Anti-Trafficking: South Africa’s Molopo Regional Court sentenced two pangolin traffickers to eight years, underscoring the environmental damage of wildlife crime and the scale of pangolin declines driven by illegal trade. Green Business: Green entrepreneurs across the region, including Botswana, are invited to pitch for the FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge, targeting circular economy, waste management, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and water solutions. Sustainable Tourism: Cresta Riley’s highlights its role in Ngamiland’s 2026 cultural festival, positioning heritage events as a driver of local participation and sustainable tourism. Desert Bush Walk: Botswana’s 10th Desert Bush Walk in Jwaneng (July) will honour Queen ‘Masenate’ and focus on sports, tourism and community needs, including education and waste management.
KAZA Wildlife Talks: KAZA transfrontier conservation meetings opened in Victoria Falls with Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe pushing progress on regional conservation, including a shared stance on elephant management and elephant-product trade, with €5m EU support under the Natural Africa Programme. Climate Impacts on Wildlife: University of Washington researchers are returning to northern Botswana to track how lions and African wild dogs are changing behaviour as heatwaves and droughts intensify, using collars to understand movement and breeding shifts. Green Business Funding: Green entrepreneurs across Botswana are invited to pitch for the 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge, targeting circular economy, waste management, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, mobility and water solutions, with pitches in Nairobi and Cape Town. Desert Bush Walk (Botswana): The 10th Desert Bush Walk in Jwaneng is set for July, honouring Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, with a theme linking sports and tourism to health, culture and sustainable socio-economic development. Mining for Transformation: Botswana’s Future of Mining Summit 2026 (29–30 June, Gaborone) will focus on investment, beneficiation and leadership, spotlighting the Kalahari Copper Belt and the exploration funding gap. Storms and Warming: A report highlights how global warming is linked to more frequent intense downpours and heavy storms, stressing that local preparedness will shape impacts.
Wildlife & Climate Research: University of Washington researchers are returning to northern Botswana to track how lions and African wild dogs respond to hotter days, drought and heatwaves—using collars as “Fitbits” to study movement, breeding and changing predator interactions. Regional Conservation: KAZA transfrontier conservation meetings kicked off in Victoria Falls, with Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe reviewing progress and pushing a united front on wildlife conservation and elephant product trade, alongside EU-backed programme funding. Giraffe Conservation Support: Goo-Moremi Resort received donated giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now to strengthen monitoring and visitor education after a recent giraffe translocation. Green Business Funding Call: Green entrepreneurs across Botswana and the region are invited to pitch for the 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge, targeting circular economy, waste management, renewables, sustainable agriculture, mobility and water solutions. Climate Extremes Warning: A report on worsening storms and floods links more intense heavy weather to global warming, stressing that local preparedness and vulnerability shape impacts. Desert Bush Walk (Jwaneng): Botswana’s 10th Desert Bush Walk in July will honour Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, with a theme tying sports and tourism to sustainable community development.
KAZA Conservation: KAZA TFCA’s 21st Joint Management Committee has opened in Victoria Falls, with Botswana among the member states meeting to review regional conservation work and push a united front on wildlife protection and elephant trade. Wildlife & Tourism: Botswana’s waterways are being promoted for canoeing, with the Okavango Delta and Linyanti River highlighted for biodiversity, wildlife viewing and seasonal planning. Giraffe Monitoring: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now to strengthen monitoring and visitor education after a recent giraffe translocation. Green Business Funding: Green entrepreneurs across southern Africa, including Botswana, are invited to pitch in the 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge, targeting circular economy, waste, renewables, sustainable farming and water management. Climate Extremes: A report links more frequent intense storms and heavy downpours to global warming, stressing that local preparedness will shape impacts. Mining for Transformation: Botswana’s mining leaders will meet in Gaborone for the Future of Mining Summit 2026, focusing on investment, beneficiation and critical minerals value chains. Water Safety: A global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water risks as a major public health problem, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked.
KAZA Wildlife Talks: Ministers and officials from Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe met in Victoria Falls to push a united front on wildlife conservation and elephant trade, with EU Natural Africa funding of €5m earmarked to update plans, strengthen conservation and support livelihoods across the transfrontier landscape. Desert Bush Walk (Botswana): Jwaneng’s 10th anniversary Desert Bush Walk in July will honour Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, with a theme linking sports and tourism to health, culture and sustainable socio-economic development. Goo-Moremi Giraffe Monitoring: Goo-Moremi Resort received new giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now, including real-time tracking and camera systems, to boost monitoring and visitor education. Climate and Extreme Weather: Researchers warn that global warming is linked to heavier downpours and storms happening more often, but impacts will hinge on local preparedness. Water Safety Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water risks, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked. Mining for Transformation: Botswana’s Future of Mining Summit (29–30 June) will focus on investment, beneficiation and leadership, including support for early-stage exploration in the Kalahari Copper Belt.
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