Botswana’s legal profession has emerged as a critical weak spot in the nation’s battle against money laundering and terrorist financing, a recent regional watchdog report reveals. The assessment highlights a glaring lack of effective oversight over lawyers and other high-risk sectors vulnerable to illicit financial activities. This exposes Botswana to reputational risks as it strives to uphold its financial integrity amid mounting international scrutiny. The Eastern and Southern Africa Anti Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) issued...

As the countdown to the 2029 General Election begins, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is orchestrating a calculated effort to reclaim its former glory after a stunning political upheaval. For the first time since Botswana’s independence in 1966, the BDP has been relegated to the opposition benches following its defeat by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in the 2024 General Election. This loss ended nearly six decades of uninterrupted rule, a legacy that had...

Botswana Accountancy College, a name synonymous with business and accounting education in Southern Africa, has entered a bold new chapter. As of February 15, 2026, the institution officially rebranded itself as the Botswana School of Business Sciences (BSBS), marking a strategic shift to reflect the evolving demands of the business world. This transition signals more than just a name change; it heralds a comprehensive transformation in the institution’s identity, academic offerings, and regional ambitions under...

The Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in the American civil rights movement and a relentless advocate for social justice, died peacefully on Tuesday at the age of 84, his family confirmed. Known for his fiery oratory and unyielding commitment to equality, Jackson’s life was a testament to the enduring struggle for civil rights in the United States. His passing marks the end of an era for a generation of activists who pushed the country...

Masisi contemplates diamonds, power, and political fallout When diamond diplomacy clashes with political survival Former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi laid bare the intricate dance of power, diamond diplomacy, and political sacrifice during a compelling lecture at the University of Namibia. Reflecting on the evolving relationship between Namibia and Botswana, Masisi charted how diamonds have not only shaped Botswana’s survival strategy but also its stance on the regional stage. He candidly linked the tough decisions he...

Suspended Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DIS) officers, led by Principal Intelligence Officer Paul Setlhabi, have launched a legal challenge seeking a 90-day jail term for Director General Peter Fana Magosi and 14 other members of the DIS Board of Inquiry. The officers accuse them of contempt of court for repeatedly defying judicial orders.  

Receiver to compensate crime victims using seized assets Botswana is on the brink of a historic shift in how it supports victims of crime, preparing for the launch of a compensation program funded directly by assets seized from criminals. This marks the first time since the country’s independence that proceeds from forfeited criminal property will be used explicitly to compensate those harmed by crime. The Office of the Receiver, which manages seized assets, has confirmed...

The Botswana Tourism Organisation, tasked with steering one of the country’s most promising sectors, has found itself mired in scandal, and the reverberations are shaking the very foundations of Botswana’s tourism industry. In a stunning exposé that unfolded in early 2026, a finance officer at BTO was compelled to resign amid allegations of swindling over P2 million through a ghost account scheme. This revelation has peeled back the curtain on systemic corruption within an institution...

Botswana reinforces its standing among Africa’s least corrupt nations Botswana has once again affirmed its reputation as one of Africa’s least corrupt nations, securing a robust position in Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), released this Tuesday. This achievement stands in stark contrast to much of the continent, where entrenched corruption and fragile accountability mechanisms continue to undermine governance. The latest CPI report casts a somber shadow over Africa’s governance landscape. The continent remains...

It is a P1.83 Billion increase compared to 1.6% drop The unveiling of Botswana’s 2025/2026 national budget by Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe has stirred a mix of intrigue and concern, revealing a shifting fiscal landscape with significant implications for the country’s economic and social priorities. At its core, the budget presents a curious imbalance: an increase in recurrent expenditure alongside a contraction in the development budget. This divergence raises pressing questions about the government’s strategic...