Botswana’s ambition to cement its place in the digital age has hit a jarring roadblock. What was supposed to be a cornerstone project for the country’s digital transformation, a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) system funded with a hefty P423 million, has unravelled into a story of mismanagement, secrecy, and stalled progress. The collapse of this multi-million pula initiative, which promised to secure digital identities and enable encrypted government services, has left the nation grappling with...

The global diamond industry is on the cusp of a major shift as Anglo American prepares to sell its majority stake in De Beers, the world’s most iconic diamond company. This proposed sale marks one of the most significant transactions in the history of the diamond trade, with far-reaching implications not just for the company itself but for the entire market. At the heart of this unfolding drama is Botswana, a nation whose economic fortunes...

The Botswana government has dismissed demands for an independent audit of the disputed 2019 General Elections, quelling fresh calls for an inquiry into allegations of electoral fraud and rigging. Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa, addressed Parliament, affirming that the administration will focus on economic transformation, job creation, and electoral reforms rather than revisiting past election controversies. This stance persists despite persistent accusations from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) that the...

President Advocate Duma Boko has disclosed that his administration has spent about P3.7 billion settling unpaid government invoices inherited from previous administrations, warning that these accumulated debts have slowed progress on delivering promised economic reforms. Boko said some of the outstanding bills date back to 2018, emphasizing that the government’s initial efforts have focused on stabilizing public finances before accelerating development programs. Addressing delegates at the Botswana National Front (BNF) National Conference in Jwaneng over...

Botswana’s worsening medicine shortage has sparked a heated parliamentary showdown, with Lobatse Member of Parliament Kamal Jacobs demanding accountability from health officials over persistent drug stock-outs in public facilities. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing turned confrontational as Jacobs questioned the leadership of Acting Central Medical Stores (CMS) Director Dr. Bene Paramadhas, blaming administrative failures for putting patients’ lives at risk. The Ministry of Health, however, defended the appointment of Dr. Paramadhas and maintained that...

Botswana has unveiled a new initiative designed to transform its mining expertise into a globally marketable service by exporting skilled professionals. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs and Naledi Mining Services Company, creating pathways for qualified Batswana to access mining employment opportunities both regionally and internationally. The partnership establishes a structured system to identify, prepare, and connect mining professionals with employers abroad. It...

Botswana Housing Corporation’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Professor Selinah Busang, has come out strongly in defense of the corporation’s housing developments, dismissing recent criticism over the aesthetic appeal of its homes. Busang emphasized that BHC’s projects have significantly transformed communities, enhanced neighborhoods, and created lasting value for homeowners nationwide. Her remarks followed comments by Honourable Mabeo in parliament, who questioned the beauty of BHC homes. Busang challenged critics to visit the areas where the corporation...

Botswana Development Corporation Limited (BDC) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) have formalized a significant financing partnership through two Statements of Intent, setting the stage for funding facilities totaling €100 million – roughly BWP 1.5 billion at current exchange rates. The agreements were signed in Gaborone by BDC Managing Director Oteng Keabetswe and BADEA Board Chairman H.E. Dr. Fahad Aldossari. These proposed facilities await final approval, including the completion of term...