Botswana’s intelligence apparatus reportedly sounded the alarm years in advance of the catastrophic collapse that has since engulfed the nation’s healthcare system. A classified report, warning of looming medicine shortages and systemic failure, allegedly went ignored, paving the way for the current emergency. The Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) is said to have deployed a specialized team to scrutinize the Ministry of Health, with a particular focus on its procurement division amid escalating corruption...

This week, officers from the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) and the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) launched an unprecedented raid on immigration offices housed at Loapi House and the Block 3 immigration complex in Gaborone. The operation, which began early Thursday and extended into Friday, saw sections of these key government buildings sealed off and official documents confiscated amid a probe into alleged corruption relating to the issuance of work and...

Botswana’s public and private sectors face a ticking clock: less than two years to fully transition their services online under the Digital Services Act. This bold mandate signals a determined stride toward comprehensive digital transformation nationwide. The initiative is a core element of government efforts to modernize service delivery, boost operational efficiency, and elevate user experience. The 24-month compliance period, which commenced in November last year, is designed to give institutions sufficient time to prepare...

The 2026/2027 Botswana national budget, unveiled by Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, represents a pivotal moment in the country’s economic narrative; a shift from mere numbers on paper to a blueprint that foregrounds youth and women as central to the nation’s future. The response delivered by Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, Ms. Lesego Chombo, cuts through the usual political rhetoric with a sincerity and urgency that reflects the lived realities...

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Botswana met yesterday amid a complex global and domestic economic backdrop, delivering a decision that underscores cautious optimism but also signals the ongoing challenges facing the country’s economy. The 2026 Monetary Policy Statement (MPS) launched alongside the meeting offers a comprehensive view of how the Bank of Botswana intends to navigate a fragile growth environment, inflationary pressures, and structural economic shifts. As Botswana stands at a crossroads, the MPC’s...

Botswana’s embassies worldwide have evolved beyond traditional political roles and are now operated with a business-oriented mindset. This week, the government publicly affirmed that the substantial investments in maintaining diplomatic offices in global cities such as London, Tokyo, and New York are yielding tangible benefits for the average Motswana. Tlhabologo Furniture, Member of Parliament for Tati East, queried the Minister of International Relations about the number of Botswana embassies across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the...

Anglo American’s recent decision to slash the carrying value of its iconic diamond subsidiary, De Beers, by nearly half has sent shockwaves through the global diamond industry and raised urgent questions about the future of Botswana’s economy. The reduction from $4.1 billion to $2.3 billion, announced in Anglo American’s 2025 full-year results, marks the third significant impairment of De Beers in just three years. This staggering write-down reflects a grim reality: diamond prices, once seen...

The simmering dispute over land in Botswana’s iconic Okavango Delta has erupted into a high-stakes political clash between the government and opposition, crystallizing deep tensions over land ownership, public rights, and economic development in one of Africa’s most treasured natural landscapes. At the center of the storm is Minister of State President Moeti Mohwasa, who has publicly endorsed government plans to retain a swath of land in the Okavango Delta for the construction of a...

In a significant development that marks a turning point in Botswana’s longstanding battle against rhino poaching, law enforcement agencies have apprehended four suspects linked to the killing of a rhinoceros and the illicit harvesting of its horn at a private ranch in Gantsi. Authorities describe the operation as a meticulously planned covert mission. The horn, estimated to be worth approximately P3 million on the black market, was reportedly already destined for sale. Intelligence indicates the...

The golden era of open-air music festivals and the vibrant nightclub scene, once a haven for patrons seeking to unwind and celebrate youth, is teetering on the edge of a profound transformation, if not outright collapse. This stark warning comes from music promoters and nightclub operators, who spoke candidly with this publication following recent moves by the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship (MTE) to tighten alcohol regulations. On Monday, the Ministry circulated a survey to...