Puma Energy Botswana has unveiled Phase 2 of its ambitious Be Road Safe Africa programme, a bold educational initiative designed to shield the most vulnerable — primary school children — from the deadly hazards of the road. This launch marks more than an event; it embodies a collective urgency to confront a grim reality: in 2024 alone, Botswana recorded approximately 15,000 road accidents, resulting in 336 fatalities, many involving children who spend a large part...

The High Court of Botswana is poised to deliver a landmark ruling on June 27, 2025, in a defamation case that has captured the attention of legal experts, diplomats, and Pan-African advocates alike. At the heart of this legal battle is Ambassador Bridgette Motsepe, a prominent African businesswoman and diplomat, who is seeking justice after years of unsubstantiated allegations that implicated her in an elaborate P100 billion money-laundering conspiracy. This case, heard by Justice Kebonang,...

In many parts of Africa, struggling to have children isn’t just a private heartbreak—it’s a heavy social burden that cuts deep into families and communities. Infertility carries a weight far beyond biology; it’s tangled up with harsh judgment, isolation, and even economic hardship. At a recent media health training hosted by the Merck Foundation, Dr. David Mwesigye, a specialist in women’s health and fertility from Rwanda, spoke with urgency about the need to change how...

In a landmark community empowerment event held in the northwestern village of Shakawe, the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, officially launched a joint agricultural support initiative aimed at boosting small-scale horticulture through climate-resilient practices and modern farming equipment. The ceremony was graced by the Vice Chancellor of BUAN, Professor Ketlhatlogile Mosepele, and His Excellency Ahmet Idem Akay, the Ambassador of Türkiye to...

Botswana is facing a grim and escalating crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) that has reached a breaking point, with the Alliance for Progressives (AP) Women’s League declaring it a national emergency in a recent press statement. The statistics paint a harrowing picture: nearly 70% of women in Botswana have experienced some form of GBV during their lifetime, a figure more than double the global average. Yet only a tiny fraction—about 1.2%—of these cases are reported...

Dr Rasha speaks on “Africa First Ladies Initiative,” The story of healthcare transformation in Africa is often told through statistics and grim headlines: a continent burdened with 24% of the global disease load yet staffed by a mere fraction of the world’s healthcare workers. But behind the numbers lies a narrative of hope and relentless commitment, shaped by visionary leadership and bold partnerships. At the heart of this movement stands Dr. Rasha Kelej, Chairperson of...

Dubai, UAE — The Merck Foundation, led by CEO Dr. Rasha Kelej, marked 13 years of service in advancing healthcare, education, and women’s empowerment. The event gathered First Ladies, dignitaries, healthcare professionals, and media representatives from Africa, Asia, and other regions, underscoring a global commitment to equitable healthcare and social development. In her opening remarks, Dr. Rasha Kelej acknowledged the contributions of the First Ladies in attendance, highlighting their dedication to the Foundation’s objectives. Some...

Why the war may land a hammer on Botswana The first explosions were heard just before dawn. By midday, the world’s oil markets were in turmoil, shipping insurance rates had doubled, and an anxious hum ran through global trading floors from Hong Kong to London. The Israel-Iran war, dragging into its fifth punishing day, has already sent shockwaves through the arteries of international commerce, threatening not just the price of a barrel of crude, but...