AGP Executive Report

New Botswana City Launch: Albaddad Holding, in partnership with Botswana Development Corporation, has unveiled “New Botswana City” in Gaborone— a $1.9bn, three-phase mixed-use development across 1.24 million sq m, anchored by a $292m global exhibition and convention centre, with construction already started on phase one. Sports Philanthropy: Botswana athletics legend Isaac Makwala will launch the Isaac Makwala Foundation on 19 June at Gaborone International Convention Centre, using sport, education and mentorship to back young people nationwide. Creative Sector Policy: Botswana is urged to fast-track tobacco control regulations and warned that unregulated AI and piracy could threaten the creative sector and cultural identity. Local Cricket Milestone: Motlhanka marks a major career moment by scoring his maiden T20I hundred (112*), hitting a century during ICC qualifiers. Cultural Revival: Ghanzi leaders are calling for the return of the Kuru Dance Festival, saying it’s key for San heritage, tourism and local jobs. Pageantry Spotlight: Zimbabwe’s Miss Universe 2026 finalists (including regional delegates from Botswana) toured Baradzanwa Cultural Village, blending glamour with cultural exchange. Media Governance Debate: Botswana’s draft Media Bill 2025 faces scrutiny over how media funding would work and who controls it.

Media Policy: Botswana’s proposed Draft Media Bill 2025 is pushing a Media Development Fund, fed by parliamentary appropriations and fines, to bankroll media development via a Media Council—aimed at easing pressure on a struggling industry. Creative Economy: Botswana warns that piracy and unregulated AI could erode cultural identity and livelihoods, urging stronger IP protections so local film, music and storytelling can keep earning and growing. Arts & Culture: Ghanzi leaders want the Kuru Dance Festival revived to protect San heritage and boost tourism and local income after funding and admin hurdles kept it away since 2023. Music Spotlight: South African rapper Kwesta says he still “owes” Botswana comedian William Last KRM a collaboration, calling it unfinished business after talks over the years. Pageantry Buzz: Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 crowned seven finalists, but the finale also drew criticism over hosting and organisation. Sports-Entertainment Link: A Botswana-hosted Final Stroke artworks auction is set to turn live painting from the Debswana World Athletics Relays into a public engagement and empowerment platform.

Stadium Readiness: Botswana’s National Sports Stadium is reportedly close to getting Caf/Fifa clearance ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Zimbabwe’s supporters’ association saying most key areas are in excellent condition. Music & Culture: South African rapper Kwesta says his long-discussed collaboration with Botswana’s William Last KRM is still “unfinished business,” promising to follow up after his Thamaga performance. Local Creative Protection: Botswana warns that piracy and unregulated AI could damage the creative sector and cultural identity, urging stronger intellectual property protections. Gaborone Politics: Gaborone City Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng says he will address allegations of locking out senior council officials over a disputed furniture bill at a press briefing. Arts & Community: CityFan Live and the Museum Café announce a “Final Stroke” live-painting auction, linking sport, visual art, and social impact. Sports (Regional): Botswana is among eight nations set for Kenya’s Davis Cup Africa Group IV in Nairobi, with promotion at stake. Cultural Revival: Ghanzi leaders call for the return of the Kuru Dance Festival to preserve San heritage and boost tourism.

Botswana creative sector warning: A Gaborone workshop heard Deputy Permanent Secretary Tshireletso Motlogelwa warn that piracy and unregulated AI could erode Botswana’s cultural identity and livelihoods, urging stronger intellectual property protections for film, music and storytelling. Local arts auction: CityFan Live and the National Museum’s Museum Café are set to host a premium auction featuring paintings created live during the “Final Stroke” campaign, which grew out of the Debswana World Athletics Relays to give visual artists more visibility and public support. Gaborone City Council drama: Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng says he will address allegations of locking out senior council officials over a disputed near-P1 million furniture bill, after councillors criticised the move. Sport meets culture: Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalists and regional delegates from Botswana, Eswatini and South Africa visited Zimbabwe’s Baradzanwa Cultural Village for cultural exchange and local gastronomy. Regional tennis: Botswana is among eight nations set for the Davis Cup Africa Group IV in Nairobi (June 17–20), with promotion at stake. Global screen buzz: Apple TV’s “Cape Fear” thriller reboot is reported to be a major streaming hit, ranking highly across many countries including Botswana.

Botswana Creative Sector: A Gaborone media workshop heard a warning that piracy and unregulated AI could erode Botswana’s cultural identity and future jobs, as officials urged stronger protections for creators and intellectual property. Gaborone City Council Drama: Gaborone Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng says he will address allegations of a lockout of senior council officials tied to a disputed furniture bill, after councillors criticised the move. Music & Entertainment: Tellaman and Nasty C are set to release a long-awaited joint album, “T’s and C’s Apply,” bringing together two major South African hip-hop/R&B careers. Film/TV Buzz: Apple TV’s Cape Fear reboot is already a major streaming hit, ranking highly across multiple countries including Botswana. Sports Spotlight: Botswana is among the teams set for the Davis Cup Africa Group IV in Nairobi, with promotion at stake. International Culture: Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalists and regional delegates including Botswana visited Zimbabwe’s Baradzanwa Cultural Village, highlighting cross-border cultural exchange.

Creative Sector Watch: Botswana warns that piracy and unregulated AI could erode the creative economy and cultural identity, urging stronger intellectual property protections. Local Arts & Auctions: “Final Stroke” artworks from the Debswana World Athletics Relays are set for a premium auction at the National Museum, blending live painting with social impact. Media & Inclusion: Media practitioners are urged to humanise LGBTQI+ stories, with sensitisation training highlighting how coverage can challenge stereotypes. Sports Meets Culture: Botswana’s Final Stroke campaign turns public voting into a platform for visual artists, linking sport, art, culture and tourism. Music Spotlight: South African duo Tellaman and Nasty C announce a long-awaited joint album, with Botswana shows mentioned as part of their momentum. City Governance: Gaborone Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng faces controversy over an alleged lockout tied to a furniture bill, with a press briefing promised. Regional Sports Forum: ZOC hosts ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, focusing on women’s leadership, safe sport and digital safety.

Arts & Sport Crossover: Botswana’s Final Stroke art auction is set for today at 3pm at the National Museum (via CityFan Live and Museum Café), featuring paintings created live during the Debswana World Athletics Relays campaign, with organisers calling for corporate support to keep the sport–art–social impact link growing. Media & Rights: A Botswana workshop on humanising LGBTQI+ stories trained media practitioners on sensitisation, arguing that stronger coverage can challenge stereotypes and strengthen democracy. Music Spotlight: South African duo Jusca n Plee (TikTok sensations) turn addiction recovery into music and hope, with their viral hit “Empa Nna” already reaching Botswana. Local Arts/Entertainment: Tellaman and Nasty C are releasing a long-awaited joint album, “T’s and C’s Apply,” bringing together two Durban-grown hip-hop and R&B styles. Culture in Sport: ANOCA Zone VI’s Gender Equality and Diversity Forum kicks off in Victoria Falls, with Botswana represented and a focus on women’s leadership, safeguarding and safer sport systems.

Gaborone City Council Fallout: Mayor Oarabile Motlaleng says he’ll address allegations of a Town Clerk and senior official lockout tied to a disputed furniture bill nearing P1 million, after councillors condemned the move. Music Spotlight: South African hip-hop stars Nasty C and Tellaman announce a long-awaited joint album, “T’s and C’s Apply,” with Botswana and Johannesburg shows on the run-up. Sport & Talent: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo and other stars headline the Rome Diamond League, while Zimbabwe Olympic Committee’s ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls spotlights women’s leadership, safe sport and athlete welfare across Southern Africa. Arts & Culture: A look at Miriam Makeba’s liberatory music and activism, including “A Luta Continua,” ties art to African independence struggles. Public Safety Online: Botswana Police warn against fake news and misinformation on social media, warning offenders could face criminal prosecution.

Regional Sports & Gender: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, bringing together 10 National Olympic Committees to push safer sport, women’s leadership, safeguarding, funding and digital protection. Athletics Spotlight: Julius Yego and Ferdinand Omanyala headline Kenya’s charge at the Rome Diamond League, with Yego chasing a stronger outing after a modest start. Botswana–Korea Business Pitch: Botswana’s foreign minister says the country is open for Korean investment in critical minerals, battery supply chains and K-construction, pointing to a pipeline of priority projects under BETP. Local Governance & Sport: Government distances itself from reports about Botswana joining an Afcon 2028 hosting bid, saying no authorisation or budget commitments were made. Botswana Newsroom Alert: Botswana Police warn the public against fake news after false social media claims caused fear and confusion, stressing potential criminal penalties. Mining Update: Leviathan Metals begins a diamond core drilling programme at its Central Project in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt, targeting sediment-hosted copper. Craft & Legacy Feature: KGK Group highlights its 120+ year heritage in gems and jewellery, framing its “mines to brands” model as a legacy built for global markets.

Sports Spotlight: Julius Yego and Ferdinand Omanyala headline Kenya’s charge at the Rome Diamond League, with Yego chasing a stronger showing after a modest Rabat opener. Regional Sports & Inclusion: The ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, bringing together 10 National Olympic Committees to push safer sport, women’s leadership, safeguarding, financing, and action plans. Botswana’s Global Business Pitch: Botswana’s Foreign Minister Phenyo Butale tells Korea Herald that the country can supply critical minerals for batteries and green energy, urging Korean firms to invest in local manufacturing and value-added projects, while also inviting K-construction companies for infrastructure upgrades. Public Safety Online: Botswana Police warn against fake news and misinformation on social media, citing a false murder claim that spread widely and warning offenders could face criminal prosecution. International Conflict Watch (Botswana-linked): US-Iran tensions flare in the Gulf as Kuwait’s airport is hit and the US disables a Botswana-flagged tanker, with strikes and counterstrikes threatening fragile ceasefire talks.

Arts & Youth Spotlight: Hermitage High School Grade 10 learner Ms. Likeleli Binyane won first place at the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) public speaking competition in Maseru, earning a spot on Team Lesotho for a regional event in August 2026 that will include learners from Botswana and South Africa, with categories spanning debate, public speaking, poetry, essay writing and quiz. Regional Arts/Entertainment Note: A separate culture piece highlights how Gqom’s community roots helped it surge globally, pointing to township-led networks and DJs as key drivers of its international reach. Botswana Link in Global News: US Central Command reported disabling a Botswana-flagged oil tanker (M/T Lexie) near Iran’s Kharg Island during enforcement of a Strait of Hormuz blockade, while wider US-Iran strikes also hit Kuwait’s airport and Bahrain amid stalled ceasefire talks.

Maritime Security & Diplomacy: The U.S. disabled a Botswana-flagged tanker, M/T Lexie, with a Hellfire missile after the crew ignored warnings while heading toward Iran’s Kharg Island, as Washington keeps enforcing its Iran port blockade amid fragile ceasefire talks. Regional Tensions: Iran reportedly halted communications with mediators about extending a U.S.-Israel ceasefire, though Trump said talks are continuing; meanwhile, U.S. “self-defence” strikes hit Qeshm Island after attacks across the Gulf. Botswana Tech & Phones: Huawei launched the HUAWEI nova 15 Max in Gaborone, pushing practical app experiences and reaffirming its distribution partnership with Cell City. Sports & Community: IrunWithThemba’s end-of-month community run in Gaborone highlighted running as a social networking space, not just fitness. Local Football: Jwaneng Galaxy’s Thabang Sesinyi won another Golden Boot, firing four goals on the final day to secure top scorer honours. Arts & Culture: RMB Latitudes Art Fair spotlighted Nigeria in its 2026 edition, continuing its African country focus through curated art and cultural exchange.

Athletics Development: Nigel Amos launches the TATAMILAWOLOTO Track Klub and United Youth Athletics League to rebuild youth athletics pathways across Botswana and Southern Africa. Doping Accountability: Botswana’s BNOC/NADO doping row deepens after a court order forced athletes’ access to their WADA ADAMS login details, with a status hearing later postponed to August 10. Football Glory: Jwaneng Galaxy’s Thabang Sesinyi wins a fourth Golden Boot in five seasons, firing four goals on the final day to secure the award. Community Running: IrunWithThemba’s end-of-month community run at Kwabhekilanga Sports Ground turns training into networking and social bonding across ages. Tech & Lifestyle: Huawei Botswana unveils the nova 15 Max in Gaborone, pitching practical app experiences and a stronger push back into the local handset market. Sports Business: First Capital Bank and Hashtag Fitness back padel with the FCB Padel Cup, feeding a Botswana finale. Arts & Culture: Latitudes Art Fair spotlights African identity and visibility, with Botswana’s partnership noted as a sold-out highlight. Music Spotlight: Makhadzi returns to Botswana for a one-woman show, with organisers promising a bigger, better experience. Regulation Watch: Government deregisters 5,796 societies, hitting churches, clubs, sporting groups and cultural bodies.

Sports & Youth Development: First Capital Bank (FCB) has teamed up with Hashtag Fitness to back padel in Malawi, launching the FCB Padel Cup with K40 million invested and a regional pathway that includes Botswana, with a grand finale planned in Botswana. Arts & Culture: Makhadzi is set to return to Botswana for a one-woman show, with promoter Gilbert “PP wa Pimp” Seagile saying demand from fans is pushing the event bigger than before. Community & Lifestyle: Gaborone families are turning “fruit picking” into a weekend trend, swapping mall runs for countryside orange-picking outings that are now heavily shared on social media. Local Events & Tourism: Botswana’s Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo is expected to draw more SMEs next year, after organisers and exhibitors said interest—especially in art and crafts—was strong. Media Policy Watch: Botswana’s Draft Media Bill 2025 is back in focus, with debate centring on whether it truly reforms media freedom or tightens control. Civic Space: Botswana has deregistered more than 5,700 societies, affecting churches, clubs, cultural groups, music and entertainment bodies, and other associations.

Arts & Culture Spotlight: Gaborone’s Sanitas Tea Garden hosts “Where Stories Meet,” a new exhibition linking Kuru Art Project artists from D’Kar with local creatives, using paintings and storytelling to keep San histories alive. Live Entertainment: Ugandan comic Dr. Hilary Okello brings his “Jokes From Far Away” tour to Botswana this June, with stops in Gaborone and Francistown and local comedians sharing the bill. Fashion & Pop Culture: Sports Illustrated’s Swim Week runway in Miami featured Botswana landscapes in swimsuit cover shoots, while the magazine’s show also brought a high-profile Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy reunion. Music: Makhadzi is set to return to Botswana for a one-woman show, with organisers promising a bigger, crowd-loved experience. Media Policy: Botswana’s Draft Media Bill 2025 is stirring debate over whether it will protect media freedom or tighten control. Sports: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo and other athletes are being celebrated for global track dominance, as World Athletics unveils tougher 2027 Beijing qualification standards. Community & Civic Space: Government deregistered more than 5,700 societies, hitting churches, clubs, music and entertainment groups, and other civic organisations.

Equestrian Luxury: High-end travellers are chasing immersive equine escapes, from polo lessons in Sotogrande to safari rides in the Okavango Delta, with bespoke “discovery weeks” built for newcomers. Swimwear & Pop Culture: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and Dancing With the Stars collided at Swim Week in Miami, where Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy reunited on the runway. Botswana Civic Space: Botswana’s Registrar of Societies has struck off thousands of groups—churches, clubs, music and entertainment bodies, and more—after a sweeping deregistration exercise. Gaborone Staycation Buzz: Kasimba Boutique Hotel in Mokolodi is drawing attention for its safari-chic interiors and Instagram-ready calm. Local Arts & Culture: “Where Stories Meet” brings San heritage and contemporary creativity together in a Gaborone exhibition. Comedy on Tour: Ugandan comic Dr. Hilary Okello’s “Jokes From Far Away” lands in Botswana this June, with stops in Gaborone and Francistown. Music Milestone: Shanti Lo marks 25 years with a celebration at Botswana Craft, featuring local acts. Tech for Culture: Sample Botswana launches an indigenous audio sample library to help local sounds reach music, film and education. Sport & Community: Botswana hockey and Olympic circles mourn Unaswi Matebu, remembered for sustainability work and women’s sport advocacy.