French healthcare conglomerate CFAO Healthcare has received unconditional approval from Botswana’s Competition and Consumer Authority (CCA) to acquire a 75 percent controlling interest in Medswana Proprietary Limited, a leading pharmaceutical wholesaler in the country. This move marks one of the most significant transactions in Botswana’s pharmaceutical sector. The CCA granted approval on May 13, 2026, clearing the way for CFAO Healthcare to expand its footprint in Botswana’s healthcare supply chain through the acquisition of the...

The world is bracing for a weather phenomenon that meteorologists say could reshape climate patterns and intensify extreme weather events across the globe in 2026. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued an urgent warning: a strong El Niño event is developing and poised to exacerbate droughts, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves both on land and in the oceans. This climate disruption, experts warn, will pour fuel on the already blazing fire of global warming, threatening...

Tax crimes in Botswana have quietly but profoundly eroded the nation’s economic foundation, siphoning more than P1.7 billion from public coffers between 2020 and 2024, according to the latest Botswana Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (ML/TF) Risk Assessment 2025.

Tshepo Pilane, the former Acting Director General of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), has served a stunning notice of intention to sue the government. He alleges a high-level conspiracy aimed at victimizing him through unlawful demotion and a failure to investigate credible death threats against his life. The legal notice, delivered by the law firm Monthe Marumo & Co on May 5, 2026, names several top officials as respondents: the Attorney General,...

The Court of Appeal (CoA) has overturned a High Court ruling that had halted the multi-million-dollar sale of Mupane Gold Mining’s assets, paving the way for the transaction to proceed. The appellate panel, consisting of Judge President Tebogo Tau, Isaac Lesetedi, and Lot Moroka, set aside an interim interdict that had frozen the liquidation process. The court dismissed the legal challenge from rival bidder Ulsan Botswana, describing it as “drawn from the depths of emptiness.”...

The 2025 Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment paints a stark picture of Botswana’s illicit drug market. Marijuana, known locally as dagga or motekwane, claims the lion’s share, with an estimated street value of P48,765,433. Trailing behind is methcathinone, commonly called CAT, valued at P5,696,795, reflecting a worrying rise in its presence.

Before Broadhurst Regional Magistrate Mareledi Dipate, prominent businessman Bakang Seretse challenged a sweeping 63-count indictment, arguing that the state’s lead prosecutor lacks the legal authority to handle the case.  

A P1.57 billion water supply project meant to serve villages in Kgalagadi and Ghanzi has encountered another legal setback. Tawana JV, the consortium awarded the contract after a protracted court battle, has formally rejected a recent Letter of Acceptance from the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement, calling it invalid and legally non-compliant. Following a Court of Appeal ruling on March 27, 2026, which confirmed Tawana JV, a 100% citizen-owned joint venture made up of...

The Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) virus was confirmed on January 29, 2026, when veterinary officials detected an outbreak among domestic cattle at the Jakalas 1 crush in Jakalas village, situated in the Masungu area of the North-East District. By January 31, laboratory testing identified the causative strain as the SAT1 serotype, prompting the immediate suspension of Zone 6b’s prized FMD-free status. FMD remains one of Botswana’s most pressing veterinary and economic challenges. Given the country’s heavy...

Botswana’s 2025 Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing National Risk Assessment Report urges the country to stay vigilant against emerging threats and vulnerabilities.