AGP Executive Report

New Botswana City in Gaborone: UAE’s Albaddad has launched its $1.9bn, three-phase mixed-use “New Botswana City” project with 1.24 million sq m planned, including 5 international hotels, 51 residential towers and major retail and entertainment space—aimed at boosting trade, tourism and business events. Solar jobs push in Tlokweng: Sunlux Solar broke ground on a P14m manufacturing plant, targeting about 160 jobs (80% for women and young people) and shifting from importing solar lighting to local production. KAZA conservation coordination: KAZA TFCA meetings opened in Victoria Falls (June 8–12) with Botswana, Angola, Namibia and Zambia delegates reviewing regional conservation progress under Zimbabwe’s rotating chair. Canoeing in Botswana: A practical guide highlights canoeing options like the Okavango Delta and Linyanti River, with tips on gear, wildlife safety and best seasons. Giraffe monitoring upgrade: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now to strengthen conservation monitoring and visitor education. Desert Bush Walk 10th anniversary: Jwaneng’s July charity walk marks Queen ‘Masenate’s Golden Jubilee, with a theme linking sports and tourism to health and sustainable development. Safari planning basics: A how-to piece covers choosing a destination (including Botswana), then planning the trip to avoid common mistakes.

Jobs & Livelihoods: A year after retrenchments at Debswana contractor Enabler Hires left Orapa workers without warning, Al Jazeera reports miners still battling debt and scarce alternatives. New Developments in Gaborone: Albaddad has unveiled “New Botswana City,” a $1.9bn mixed-use project with hotels, offices, residences and retail, aimed at boosting trade and tourism. Eco-Tourism & Conservation: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now to improve monitoring and visitor education, building on last year’s giraffe translocation. Community Culture & Tourism: Ghanzi leaders are pushing to revive the Kuru Dance Festival, saying it’s vital for San heritage and local tourism income. Events in Botswana: The 10th Desert Bush Walk in Jwaneng returns in July, honouring Queen ‘Masenate and linking sports and tourism to community development. Wildlife Travel Inspiration: Gordon Buchanan’s “Lions and Tigers and Bears” tour is set to return to the UK in 2027, spotlighting his wildlife encounters.

New Development in Gaborone: Albaddad has launched its $1.9bn “New Botswana City” project in Gaborone, a 1.24 million sq m mixed-use hub planned in three phases with 51 residential towers, commercial blocks, and five international hotels—positioning the capital for trade, business events, and tourism. Safari Conservation Upgrade: Goo-Moremi Resort received advanced giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now, including real-time tracking and camera systems, to strengthen monitoring and visitor education after a giraffe translocation. Culture & Tourism Push: Ghanzi leaders are calling for the return of the Kuru Dance Festival, saying funding and administration issues have kept the San heritage event away since 2023, despite its past tourism and local income impact. Tourism Planning Guide: A practical “How to Organize a Safari Trip” piece highlights choosing the right destination—spotlighting Botswana among top safari options—and warns that planning mistakes can derail the experience. Air Connectivity for Visitors: Airlink has taken over slots left by Compair on Zimbabwe routes, adding daily Johannesburg–Harare flights and linking to Botswana destinations like Gaborone, Maun and Kasane. Creative Sector Protection: Botswana’s broadcasting officials warn that piracy and unregulated AI could harm the creative economy, urging stronger protections for local artists and intellectual property.

Air travel & tourism links: Airlink has taken over slots left by British Airways Compair on Zimbabwe routes, adding daily Johannesburg–Harare flights and boosting connections to regional leisure hubs including Gaborone, Maun and Kasane in Botswana—good news for travellers watching for a tourism recovery. Wildlife conservation stay: Goo-Moremi Resort received new giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now, including real-time tracking and camera systems, strengthening monitoring and visitor education tied to conservation tourism. Culture & community tourism: Ghanzi leaders are pushing to revive the Kuru Dance Festival in D’Kar, saying the event is a proven draw for international visitors and a boost for local livelihoods. Botswana creative economy: A senior official warned that piracy and unregulated AI could erode Botswana’s cultural identity and creative-sector jobs, urging stronger protections for local creators. Regional travel access: More African nations are easing visa rules for fellow Africans, with momentum building for easier movement that supports tourism and trade across the continent.

Conservation & Eco-Tourism: Goo-Moremi Resort in Botswana received giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now, including quad bikes, real-time tracking and camera systems, to boost monitoring and visitor education after a September giraffe translocation. Cultural Tourism: Ghanzi leaders are pushing to revive the Kuru Dance Festival, last held in 2023, saying it’s vital for San cultural preservation and a tourism boost for the local economy. Travel Policy & Access: More African countries are easing travel barriers under AfCFTA momentum—Congo announced visa-free entry for African passport holders from Jan 1, 2027, while Togo and Ghana have also moved to reduce visa friction for business and tourism. Creative Economy Protection: Botswana’s broadcasting officials warned that piracy and unregulated AI could erode the creative sector’s income and cultural identity, urging stronger intellectual property protections. Botswana in the News: Botswana is in talks with the UAE and Oman to buy a strategic De Beers stake, aiming for more control over pricing and marketing as diamond revenues face pressure.

Botswana Tourism & Eco-Travel: Botswana’s Tourism Revival is being framed as a jobs-and-growth push through eco-tourism, with the focus on turning conservation into real livelihoods. Adventure & Nature Tips: A guide to biking across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans highlights the best season (April–October), what bike setup to use, and how to plan for wildlife encounters. Cultural Economy & IP: Botswana warns that unregulated AI and piracy could erode the creative sector, urging stronger protections so local film, music and storytelling can keep earning and employing Batswana. Regional Travel Access: More African nations are lowering visa barriers for African passport holders, with policies rolling out across the continent that could make cross-border travel and tourism easier. Luxury Safari Trend: A roundup of Africa’s newest luxury safari lodges points to more design-led, immersive stays—useful inspiration for Botswana travellers planning their next trip.

Botswana–Zimbabwe cultural tourism tie-up: Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalists hosted regional delegates including Botswana’s representative at Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central—spotlighting Zimbabwean traditions, food and hospitality in a cross-border cultural exchange. Miss Universe regional support: Botswana’s Miss Universe 2026, Dabilo Debbie Moses, urged African nations to back each other’s pageant quests as the continent looks to reclaim the Miss Universe crown. Botswana creative sector warning: A Gaborone workshop heard that piracy and unregulated AI could erode Botswana’s cultural identity and creative jobs unless stronger protections for artists and intellectual property are put in place. Makgadikgadi cycling guide: A practical travel piece shares tips for exploring Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans by bike—choosing the right bike, planning for dry-season conditions, and preparing for wildlife encounters. De Beers stake talks: President Duma Boko said Botswana is in discussions with the UAE and Oman to secure a “strategic” stake in De Beers, aiming for more control over pricing and marketing as diamond prices pressure the economy. Regional travel access trend: Across Africa, more countries are easing visa rules for African passport holders, with Ghana and others moving toward simpler entry systems that could boost tourism and movement.

Botswana Tourism & Culture: Botswana’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for Broadcasting and Information Services Tshireletso Motlogelwa warned that piracy and unregulated AI could erode Botswana’s cultural identity and damage the creative economy, urging stronger protections for local creators. Regional Travel Policy: More African countries are lowering travel barriers under AfCFTA momentum, with visa-free moves for African passport holders gaining traction (including Ghana’s e-visa and fee waivers, and Congo’s visa-free entry from Jan 1, 2027). Luxury Safari & Botswana Links: A new ultra-luxury private jet concept, “Pan Am Journeys,” launches with a 19-day “Reimagine Africa” itinerary that includes Botswana alongside South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, featuring private safari time and a guided Victoria Falls visit. Active Adventure in Botswana: A travel guide spotlights cycling across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, focusing on bike choice, dry-season timing, and wildlife-safety tips for riders. Botswana in International Business: Botswana is in talks with the UAE and Oman to secure a “strategic” De Beers stake, aiming for more control over diamond pricing and marketing as rough diamond prices pressure the economy.

De Beers Deal Talks: Botswana is in talks with the UAE and Oman to secure a “strategic” stake in De Beers, aiming for more control over pricing and marketing as rough diamond prices hit the economy. Cross-Border Drug Bust: Police in Zimbabwe arrested five suspects and seized 360kg of dagga worth about ZiG10.8 million after intercepting a consignment allegedly smuggled from South Africa via Botswana. Luxury Safari Buzz: A new wave of design-led, immersive luxury safari lodges across Africa is reshaping how travellers experience the wild, with fresh openings highlighted for travellers planning 2026 trips. Visa-Easing Momentum in Africa: More African countries are lowering travel barriers for fellow Africans, including visa-free moves that could boost tourism and business travel under AfCFTA. Botswana on the Map for Ultra-Luxury Air Travel: Pan Am’s new ultra-luxury private jet collection includes Botswana as part of a 19-day “Reimagine Africa” itinerary. Adventure for Visitors: A guide to cycling the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana focuses on bike choice, dry-season timing, and wildlife safety for travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. LGBTQ Travel Warnings: A new LGBTQ Risk Map 2026 flags rising risks in several countries, with implications for travellers planning international trips.

Visa-Free Momentum Across Africa: Congo joins the trend, announcing visa-free entry for African passport holders from Jan 1, 2027, following similar moves by Togo and Ghana that are easing travel for business and tourism. Botswana Tourism & Eco-Tourism Jobs: Botswana’s tourism revival is being framed as a jobs-and-growth engine, with eco-tourism highlighted as a key driver. Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Cycling Tips: A practical guide for riding the surreal Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, covering bike choice, dry-season timing (Apr–Oct), weather changes, and wildlife safety. Luxury Safari Air Travel to Botswana: Pan Am’s new ultra-luxury “Pan Am Journeys” includes a 19-day “Journey to Reimagine Africa” itinerary featuring Botswana, alongside Tanzania and Victoria Falls. LGBTQ Travel Risk Map 2026: A new global risk map warns that legal and social conditions for LGBTQ travellers have worsened in many countries, with Sub-Saharan Africa facing especially high risk levels. Botswana in the Spotlight via Shipping Crisis: US action against a Botswana-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz underlines how regional tensions can ripple into travel and logistics planning. Botswana Diamond Industry Push: Botswana’s diamond sector is urged to shift from traditional selling to AI, traceability, and digital trading narratives as lab-grown competition rises. Regional Health Note for Travellers: Bulawayo launches a four-day polio vaccination drive for under-fives, synchronized with nearby countries including Botswana.

Botswana Tourism Revival: Botswana is leaning harder into eco-tourism, with tourism now estimated at 12–15% of GDP and a push for community-led conservation and higher-value, low-impact stays, including new funding for areas like Ngamiland and Makgadikgadi. Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Cycling Tips: Adventure guides share practical advice for biking across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans—choosing a sturdy bike, planning around the dry season (April–October), and preparing for wildlife encounters. Gulf Travel Disruption Risk: Middle East tensions are flaring again after Iran–US exchanges, with Kuwait reporting damage and injuries at Kuwait International Airport and the US disabling a Botswana-flagged tanker (M/T Lexie) near the Strait of Hormuz—an ongoing reminder that regional security can quickly affect travel and shipping routes. Regional Border/Travel Rules: South Africa has introduced a new SARS requirement for travellers entering or leaving in foreign-registered vehicles to declare details online or via apps/QR codes before crossing. Household Costs in Botswana: In Gaborone, beef prices have jumped sharply amid inflation and supply limits linked to Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions, pushing travellers and locals alike to rethink budgets.

Botswana Tourism Revival: Botswana is pushing a stronger eco-tourism push, betting on community-led conservation and higher-value, low-impact travel to create jobs and diversify beyond diamonds; Eco-Tourism & Communities: funding for community-based tourism enterprises (including P72m for areas like Ngamiland and Makgadikgadi) is meant to strengthen local ownership and stewardship; Diamond Industry Shift: at the World Federation of Diamond Bourses Botswana Summit, leaders warned that selling natural diamonds now needs better traceability, storytelling, and digital trading as AI and blockchain reshape how buyers value stones; Border & Travel Rules: South Africa’s SARS now requires foreign-registered vehicles to be declared before crossing (effective 1 June), with travellers encouraged to use online portals to avoid delays; Health on the Road: Bulawayo launched a four-day polio vaccination drive for children under five, with clinics, schools, markets, churches, bus termini and outreach points involved.

Eco-Tourism Push: Botswana is leaning harder into community-led conservation and low-impact, high-value eco-tourism as tourism grows into a jobs and foreign-exchange engine beyond diamonds. Tourism Integration: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for a single visa process to make regional travel easier for tourists. Border Travel Update: South Africa’s SARS now requires travellers in foreign-registered vehicles (including from Botswana) to declare vehicle details online or at the border before crossing, with VIN and trip details needed to speed up processing. Wildlife Health Support: Chobe Holdings donates 300 rabies vaccines to North West District Council in Maun as the area battles a rabies outbreak and shortages. Food Prices Hit: In Gaborone, beef prices have jumped amid inflation and local supply limits, forcing households to rethink weekly spending. Regional Travel Disruption (Context): Middle East tensions escalated after attacks involving Kuwait and Bahrain, with flight disruptions reported—worth noting for travellers with onward connections.

Eco-Tourism Push: Botswana is leaning harder into eco-tourism as a jobs and growth engine, with community-led conservation and new funding (including about P72m for areas like Ngamiland and Makgadikgadi) aimed at boosting local ownership and high-value, low-impact travel. Regional Travel Facilitation: SADC justice ministers meeting in Victoria Falls are set to put the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, a plan for a unified visa for transit or tourism stays across participating member states. Border Rules for Crossers: South Africa’s SARS has launched a Foreign Vehicle Declaration System at the Botswana border, requiring foreign-registered vehicle travellers to declare online or via apps/QR codes and carry details like passport info, registration and VIN to get a temporary import permit. New Staycation Spot: Kasimba Boutique Hotel in Gaborone’s Mokolodi Hills is opening as a safari-styled, city-close luxury escape designed for calm, curated experiences. Health & Travel Safety: Chobe Holdings donated 300 rabies vaccines to the North West District Council as Maun/Ngamiland faces a deadly outbreak and shortages. Tourism Trade & Events: Bulawayo SMEs say they’ll push for more local exhibitors at Sanganai/Hlanganani next year after a strong return for the tourism expo.

Cross-Border Travel Rules: South Africa has launched a Foreign Vehicle Declaration System at the North West border, requiring travellers with foreign-registered vehicles (including Botswana) to declare vehicle details to SARS before crossing, with a temporary import permit generated for up to six months. Regional Tourism Push: Justice ministers and attorneys general from SADC meet in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across participating states. Health & Travel Safety: Bulawayo has started a four-day polio vaccination drive for children under five, with outreach at clinics, schools, markets, churches, bus termini and house-to-house—timed to coordinate with neighbouring countries including Botswana. Botswana Travel Economy: Botswana households are recalculating spending as inflation bites, with beef prices rising sharply amid supply limits linked to Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions. Tourism & Community: Chobe Holdings donates 300 rabies vaccines to North West District Council in Maun as the region battles a deadly rabies outbreak. New Stays in Gaborone: Kasimba Boutique Hotel in Mokolodi is drawing attention for a modern safari-style city escape. Wildlife Crime: North West wildlife enforcement reports pangolin traffickers sentenced to eight years after a sting operation.

SADC Tourism UNIVISA Talks: Justice ministers and attorneys general meet in Victoria Falls to push a Draft Agreement for a unified SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming to make transit and tourism stays easier across member states. Border Tech for Travellers: South Africa’s SARS has launched a Foreign Vehicle Declaration System at the North West border, requiring foreign-registered drivers (including from Botswana) to declare vehicle details digitally and receive a Temporary Import Permit valid for six months. Botswana Travel & Culture: A new Gaborone exhibition, “Where Stories Meet,” spotlights San heritage through art in a city tea-garden setting, while Major Moves Comedy brings Dr. Hilary Okello’s “Jokes From Far Away” to Gaborone and Francistown this week. Gaborone Staycation Spot: Kasimba Boutique Hotel opens in Mokolodi, pitching a modern safari-style escape for locals who want a break without leaving town. Health Screening Update: Botswana’s Ministry of Health announces Ebola-related entry screening for incoming travellers, including symptom checks and travel-history declarations. Local Lifestyle Trend: Gaborone families are turning to fruit picking as a weekend outing, with orange orchards becoming the latest “simple but wholesome” activity.