𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃
Botswana’s economic resilience is being tested as the global diamond market faces a prolonged and painful downturn that has unsettled the country’s finances and exposed its reliance on a single commodity.
In a move viewed as a significant warning signal, S&P Global Ratings downgraded Botswana’s longterm sovereign credit rating from ‘BBB+’ to ‘BBB’, citing falling diamond revenues and a rapidly deteriorating fiscal position. The outlook was set to negative, reflecting deep concerns that weak external demand and fiscal pressures could persist.
For Botswana, often praised for careful financial stewardship, the downgrade signals a turning point with serious consequences.The diamond industry has long stood as the backbone of Botswana’s economy, historically contributing around seventy percent of export earnings, a third of fiscal revenue, and roughly a quarter of gross domestic product.
Since late 2023, the sector has been in steep decline, battered by sluggish demand from China and the United States, growing competition from synthetic diamonds, and a broader pullback in luxury spending. The combination of falling prices and volumes has left producers struggling. What once looked like a stable pillar of prosperity now appears increasingly fragile and dangerously exposed to global volatility.
#botswana #china

BOTSWANA RECEIVES CRITICAL MEDICAL SUPPLIES UNDER UNITY HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIP

Gaborone, Botswana – Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), in partnership with the Unity Healthcare Fund, marked the arrival of a critical consignment of medical supplies from Dubai under the Unity Healthcare Botswana Partnership I (UHBP I).

The shipment, comprising 36 tonnes of essential medicines covering more than 85 life-saving treatments, will immediately help stabilise supply in hospitals and clinics across Botswana, easing pressure on frontline staff and providing relief to patients and families.
BDC Managing Director, Oteng Keabetswe, underlined that the Unity Healthcare Fund is not a stop-gap measure but a long-term solution to strengthen resilience in the health sector.

He highlighted BDC’s P100 million anchor investment, explaining that it reflects the Corporation’s strategic repositioning towards being a partner of choice for projects that generate both economic returns and lasting social impact. He stressed that this milestone demonstrates BDC’s role in pioneering industries, unlocking opportunities, and ensuring that investments leave a lasting mark on the social and economic fabric of Botswana.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Nelson Ramaotwana, said the delivery represents a vital turning point for the health sector.

Closing the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade & Entrepreneurship, Joel Ramaphoi, highlighted that this initiative is also an investment into Botswana’s economic future. He reminded the audience that a healthy nation underpins productivity, innovation, and competitiveness, noting that healthcare must be seen not as a cost but as a driver of prosperity.
#botswana #africa #health

📍 Live from the Meet the CEO – September Edition at Protea Hotel Gaborone!

✨ In the room with:

Mr. Zwelibanzi Sapula – CEO, SADC Development Finance Resource Centre - Sadc dfrc

Mr. Randall Newman – CEO, Verbosec

From coding to corner office, tonight’s conversation is all about how tech, innovation, and leadership collide to shape the next generation of trailblazers. 💡💻

#meettheceo #leadership #innovation #verbosec #sadc #sadcdfrc #africa #botswana #proteahotel

𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐄𝐎 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐁𝐎𝐀𝐑𝐃

Acting CEO of the Botswana Gambling Authority (GA), Moruntshi Kemorwale, is facing accusations of attempting to discredit former board members as their possible reinstatement looms.

The board was dissolved earlier this month without explanation, but sources indicate it could be reinstated soon. The Tuesday Grill has seen internal communication in which Kemorwale urges executive management to provide any information that could incriminate former board members.

In one message, he wrote:
“Evening colleagues. We continue to receive reports from employees about some past Gambling Authority Board members who made sexual advances and possible sexual harassment postures towards staff members. We will compile a list for possible enquiry. I have already alerted relevant authorities about such incidents. It is unfortunate that our female staff had to undergo such trauma.”

He further added:
“Team, in light of the serious nature of matters of sexual harassment levelled against some former Board members, I have taken the liberty to invite forensic psychologist, Dr Selemogwe, to address staff on the subject matter on Monday at 09h00, after which staff members will be encouraged to speak out to her privately. She will then compile a report for assessment for possible action, including counselling of victims.”

However, insiders at GA claim some of the allegations are false and part of a campaign to discredit the former board, which is expected to return next month. The same sources allege Kemorwale played a role in the suspension of CEO Peter Kesitilwe and has had strained relations with the previous board, though this has not been independently verified.

When approached for comment, Kemorwale said only: “I cannot confirm nor deny.”

Some predict that the return of the previous led by Marvin Torto might see Kemorwale return to his position or Chief of Staff with Kesitilwe returning to work.
#botswana

BSE/GCC wants to turn Gaborone into an Investment
Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) and Gaborone City Council (GCC) want to let ordinary Batswana buy into the city’s future through bonds.
The two organizations recently signed an agreement, which will see Botswana’s first municipal bond.
What is a Municipal Bond?
✅ A municipal bond is a way for GCC to borrow money from the market, including from ordinary people.
If you buy a bond:
✅You give money to the city for some years.
✅The city pays you extra money called interest.
✅At the end, you get back the money you gave.
👉 You become part-owner of the city’s projects, roads, schools, water pipes, and even solar panels.
“As we think about this municipal bond, at the center of it is the participation of the retail investor in helping transform the economic landscape of our municipalities," BSE CEO Aupa Monyatsi said during the signing ceremony.
“So it is important that we not only look at it as a way of transforming the landscape but creating and democratizing wealth for Batswana to participate in this journey.”
GCC wants to use the money to:
✅Improve public services.
✅Upgrade city facilities.
Examples How Retail Investors Were Included Around the World
Cambridge, USA
In 2017, minimum investment was $1,000 for Cambridge mini-bonds.
Money was used for:
✅Fixing school roofs.
✅Putting solar panels on the library.
✅Improving roads.
The bonds sold out quickly and even won an award.
Madison, USA
✅Madison sold “community bonds” in 2018.
✅First chance went to Madison people, before large investors like institutional investors.
Photo: BSE
#botswana #botswanastockexchange #gaboronecitycouncil