AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather: Zimbabwe’s hailstorm linked to intense heat and a surge of moisture moving in from Botswana, with MSD warning similar violent convective storms could hit other parts of the country. Waste & Circular Economy: Kasane hosts the 3rd Sustainable Recycling and Waste Management Summit (Oct 7–8), pushing “turning ideas into action” on recycling, resource recovery and financing. Wildlife Conservation: Botswana’s elephant hunt for 60th Independence celebrations sparks backlash, with critics questioning conservation messaging, meat distribution fairness and public health. Cheetah Conservation Link: Five cheetah cubs born at Kuno National Park in India (population now 60) mark the start of a Botswana lineage in India, after a Botswana male fathered the litter. Labour & Skills: Botswana’s HRDC warns prolonged unemployment is making graduate skills outdated, as automation and digitalisation shift demand toward specialised and climate-resilient roles. Transport Emissions: SMSA Africa expands with Hino 300 diesel-electric hybrid trucks, citing fuel savings and lower emissions (Euro 6) as it serves routes including Botswana.

Cheetah Conservation in Focus: Five cheetah cubs were born at Kuno National Park in India to KJP21, taking India’s cheetah population to 60 and marking the start of a Botswana lineage in India, with the cubs’ father traced to Botswana. Wildlife Policy Tension: Botswana’s government authorised the killing of 23 elephants for 60th Independence celebrations, triggering backlash over conservation messaging, meat distribution and public health concerns, with former president Ian Khama and conservationists criticising the move. Waste to Value: Kasane hosts the 3rd Sustainable Recycling and Waste Management Summit (Oct 7–8), pushing a shift from dumping to recovery, recycling and practical funding for circular-economy projects. Labour Market Pressure on Skills: Botswana’s HRDC warns prolonged unemployment is making graduates’ skills go stale, while automation and digitalisation are also reshaping which jobs grow and which shrink. Tourism Development Signals: Botswana is ranked 84th in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, while Namibia slips to 90th, highlighting the need for more resilient, sustainable tourism planning.

Elephant row heats up: Botswana’s government has authorised the killing of 23 elephants for 60th Independence Day celebrations, with licences issued across eight districts for meat distribution—prompting backlash from conservationists and former president Ian Khama, who says wildlife should not be “normalised” for consumption during national festivities. Khama vs government: In a sharp exchange, Environment and Tourism Minister Wynter Mmolotsi told Khama he has no authority to reverse the offer, while Khama’s Bangwato leadership in Serowe reportedly rejected the government plan. Wildlife science in focus: GPS tracking across Namibia and Botswana suggests hyenas don’t follow lions the way people long believed, reshaping how researchers understand predator interactions. Skills and jobs pressure: A Botswana HRDC report warns prolonged unemployment is leaving graduates with outdated skills, as automation and digitalisation shift demand toward specialised, climate- and tech-ready roles. Investment push: BITC says it wants to mobilise P30bn annual investment by 2029/30, aiming to boost exports and jobs as Botswana looks to diversify beyond diamonds. Water and resilience: Namibia is urged to prioritise energy security and sustainable development, while Africa-wide calls stress turning water investment commitments into bankable projects.

Elephant Conservation Clash: Botswana authorised the killing of 23 elephants for 60th Independence Day celebrations, issuing licences across eight districts and saying meat would go to rural communities—prompting backlash over conservation risks, crowding and public health concerns, and renewed criticism from conservationists and former president Khama. Wildlife Governance Debate: The dispute deepened as Environment and Tourism Minister Wynter Mmolotsi told Khama he cannot interfere with government wildlife decisions, keeping the elephant offer “valid and stands as communicated.” Community Livelihoods & Skills: A Botswana labour-market warning says automation and digitalisation are displacing routine work, with HRDC flagging growing demand for AI, climate-resilient project roles and digital/analytical skills. Local Democracy in Action: A report from southern Botswana highlights how kgotla meetings blend traditional consultation with modern governance—showing how local decision-making still shapes services and dispute resolution. Water Investment Push: Namibia’s energy-security conference and Africa’s water-investment push both underline the need to turn political commitments into bankable projects for resilience and sustainable development.

Elephant Conservation Clash: Botswana authorised the killing of 23 elephants for 60th Independence celebrations, issuing licences across eight districts and saying the meat will support rural communities—prompting backlash from conservationists and former leaders who warn it could undermine conservation and increase human-elephant conflict. Water Investment Push: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged stronger, bankable investment in Africa’s water sector at the UN General Assembly, linking water funding to food security, poverty reduction, climate resilience and sustainable development. Skills Shift Under Automation: Botswana’s HRDC warned that automation and digitalisation are displacing routine work, while demand is rising for roles tied to AI, climate-resilient project management, urban planning and climate-risk assessment. Livestock & Waste-to-Value Farming: A Botswana pig farming entrepreneur, Wendy Piggery, is turning manure into fertiliser to cut costs and add income—showing how livestock waste can feed crop production. Wildlife & Heritage Tourism: Botswana’s independence week also featured wildlife-focused safari experiences and cultural tourism angles, including Chobe river travel that highlights elephants, hippos and birdlife.

Elephant Conservation Clash: Botswana has authorised the killing of 23 elephants for 60th Independence Day celebrations, issuing licences across eight districts and saying the meat will go to rural communities—sparking backlash from conservationists and former leaders who warn it could undermine conservation and encourage poaching. Wildlife Policy Debate: The dispute also highlights a wider fight over “sustainable use” versus stronger protection, with Environment and Tourism Minister Wynter Mmolotsi telling Kgosi Khama he cannot interfere with the government’s elephant offer. Agriculture Trade Tension: Nigeria’s Oyo State says it withdrew from a Botswana maize export plan because feasibility studies showed maize exports weren’t viable at the scale and price needed, shifting focus to cassava value chains. Regional Conservation & Tourism: KAZA has launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative aimed at boosting conservation, local enterprises and livelihoods across member states. Health Supply Cooperation: Libya has joined the Africa Pooled Procurement Mechanism via Africa CDC to improve access and affordability of essential medicines. Wildlife & Nature Culture: Botswana marked 60 years of independence with events celebrating wildlife, the Okavango Delta and national symbols.

Elephant Conservation Clash: Botswana authorised the killing of 23 elephants across eight districts for 60th Independence celebrations, saying the meat will go to rural communities—prompting sharp backlash from conservationists and former leaders who warn it could undermine wildlife protection and encourage poaching, with added concerns raised over foot-and-mouth disease and meat handling. Wildlife Governance Tension: The dispute is also spilling into politics, with Environment and Tourism Minister Wynter Mmolotsi telling Kgosi Khama he cannot overturn government decisions on the elephant offer, deepening the fight over whether wildlife should be used for public events. Regional Wildlife Tourism Push: KAZA has launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative aimed at boosting conservation, local enterprise and sustainable livelihoods across the Kavango-Zambezi landscape, with support for women, youth and community businesses near protected areas. Agriculture Policy Spillover: Separate reporting from Nigeria’s Oyo State links its pullback from a Botswana maize export plan to feasibility findings, saying large-scale maize exports weren’t viable—while pivoting toward cassava value chains. Botswana in the Spotlight: Botswana marked 60 years of independence with national celebrations in Gaborone, highlighting resilience and prosperity alongside cultural displays tied to wildlife and natural heritage.

Elephants & Independence backlash: Botswana authorised the killing of 23 elephants across eight districts for 60th Independence Day celebrations, triggering sharp criticism from animal rights groups over conservation risks and fears it could fuel poaching; concerns were also raised about foot-and-mouth disease and how meat was distributed. Conservation governance clash: A public fight is brewing between conservationist Kgosi Khama and the environment ministry after licences were issued for the elephant cull, with the minister insisting Khama has no authority to interfere and that the offer remains valid. Wildlife policy vs livelihoods: The government’s stance is that wildlife use can support communities, but critics argue the move could shift public attitudes toward hunting. KAZA conservation push: KAZA launched a regenerative nature-based tourism initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity while boosting local enterprises and livelihoods, with support for women, youth and community businesses near protected areas. Water & ecosystems: Namibia’s Kavango water link to Windhoek is still in the Environmental Impact Assessment stage, with transboundary allocation decisions pending outcomes. Safari wellness trend: Great Plains promotes “Wellness in the Wild” experiences in Botswana and across the region, tying restorative activities to time outdoors and nature connection. Regional conservation science: A world-leading ecologist, Stuart Pimm, is set to speak on biodiversity in peril and practical action at an Oppenheimer Research Conference in South Africa. Botswana in the news beyond wildlife: Oyo State (Nigeria) clarified it pulled back from a Botswana maize export plan, citing data showing maize export economics weren’t viable and pivoting to cassava value chains.

Elephant conservation under pressure: Botswana is facing backlash after authorising the killing of 23 elephants for Independence Day celebrations, with activists warning it could undermine conservation and encourage poaching; concerns also include hygiene and food safety amid a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Independence milestone in focus: Botswana marked 60 years of independence in Gaborone with a “Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity” theme, spotlighting culture, wildlife and national symbols. KAZA tourism push: The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area launched a Regenerative Nature-Based Tourism initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity while boosting local enterprises and livelihoods, including women- and youth-led businesses near protected areas. Wildlife-health outreach: In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, vets treated a stallion after a crocodile attack, highlighting the close ties between domestic animals and wildlife in the region. Water security watch: Namibia’s Kavango water link to Windhoek is still at the Environmental Impact Assessment stage, with next steps dependent on results and transboundary allocation decisions involving Botswana.

Elephant Conservation Clash: Botswana is facing fresh backlash after authorities authorised the killing of 23 elephants for Independence Day feasts, with animal rights groups warning it could weaken conservation messaging and fuel poaching—especially as foot-and-mouth disease concerns also raise questions about game meat safety. Independence Spotlight: Botswana marked 60 years of independence with national celebrations in Gaborone and across the country, highlighting culture, wildlife and resilience under the theme “Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity.” KAZA Tourism Push: The Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) launched a Regenerative Nature-Based Tourism initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity while boosting local enterprises and livelihoods, with support for women, youth and community businesses near protected areas. Water Link Update: Namibia’s Kavango water link to Windhoek project is still at the Environmental Impact Assessment stage, with transboundary water allocation decisions to follow once consultations and assessments conclude. Wildlife Care in the Delta: In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a stallion survived a crocodile attack after veterinary outreach and follow-up treatment by local animal welfare volunteers. Mining & Environment Watch: Capricorn Group reported weaker Botswana-linked profits, while One Bullion advanced drilling at its Vumba Gold Project—both underscoring how economic activity and environmental oversight remain tightly linked.

Wildlife & Conservation Backlash: Botswana is facing mounting criticism after authorities authorised the killing of 23 elephants for Independence celebrations, with animal rights groups warning it could weaken conservation messaging and even fuel poaching, while concerns also surfaced about hygiene and fairness amid a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. Transboundary Water Watch: Namibia’s Kavango water link to Windhoek is still at the Environmental Impact Assessment stage, with consultations underway and next steps depending on the EIA outcome and cross-border water allocation decisions involving Namibia, Angola and Botswana. Tourism & Nature-Based Livelihoods: KAZA has launched a Regenerative Nature-Based Tourism initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity while boosting local enterprise and sustainable livelihoods, with support for micro, small and medium tourism businesses—especially women, youth and communities near protected areas. Botswana at 60: Botswana marked its 60th independence anniversary with national celebrations in Gaborone, spotlighting resilience and prosperity alongside cultural displays tied to the country’s identity, including the Okavango Delta and wildlife. Local Animal Care in the Delta: In the Okavango Delta, a stallion named Hunter survived a crocodile attack after outreach vets treated a serious wound, highlighting how closely domestic animals and wildlife share space. Mining & Investment Signals: Botswana improved its standing in the Fraser Institute’s Investment Attractiveness Index, moving into the top 10 as a leading mining jurisdiction—an indicator that policy perceptions and mineral potential are drawing more exploration interest. Agriculture & Food Security: Botswana Development Corporation continued its dairy push with another batch of Girolando cattle arriving from Brazil, aiming to scale Milk Valley Farm and reduce reliance on imported milk.

Elephant Conservation Backlash: Botswana is facing sharp criticism after its Ministry of Environment and Tourism authorised the killing of 23 elephants for Independence celebrations, with activists warning it could weaken anti-poaching messages and even fuel poaching by normalising elephant slaughter. Foot-and-Mouth Concerns: Critics also raised worries about eating game meat during a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, while MPs questioned how carcasses are distributed and suggested better packaging for hygiene and fair access. KAZA Regenerative Tourism: In a more positive conservation push, KAZA launched a Regenerative Nature-Based Tourism initiative with EU and German support, aiming to protect biodiversity while boosting local enterprise and livelihoods, especially for women, youth and communities near protected areas. Okavango Basin Cooperation: Botswana, Namibia and Angola reaffirmed cross-border protection for the Okavango River Basin through the Okavango Eternal partnership, focusing on coordinated conservation that matches the basin’s natural water flows. Wildlife Health in the Delta: A Botswana outreach effort helped a stallion survive a crocodile attack in the Okavango Delta, highlighting the need for veterinary support in remote communities where people and wildlife share the same spaces. Agricultural Heritage Skills: Botswana joined a regional FAO workshop building capacity for Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, supporting communities to prepare nominations and dynamic conservation action plans.

Elephant Conservation Backlash: Botswana’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism has allocated 25 elephants for Independence celebrations, drawing sharp criticism from conservationists who warn it could weaken anti-poaching messaging and fuel poaching by normalising elephant killing. Okavango Basin Cooperation: Botswana, Namibia and Angola reaffirmed cross-border protection for the Okavango River Basin under the Okavango Eternal partnership, aiming for better coordination so conservation matches the basin’s natural water flows. Climate Resilience for Zambezi: Zambezi Basin states agreed on priority actions for a proposed US$130m regional climate-resilience programme focused on food security, livelihoods and ecosystems amid rising drought and climate variability. Wildlife & Community Learning: Botswana conservation education highlights how local knowledge—from guides and herders to community storytelling and upcycling—can strengthen Delta ecology and sustainable development. Tourism, Sustainability Pressure: Prince Harry urged the travel industry to protect destination health, pointing to Botswana as an example where tourism gains are not always flowing to local businesses. Mining & Policy Signals: Botswana moved into the top 10 of a global mining investment attractiveness ranking, reflecting improved perceptions of policy and mineral potential. Food Security & Health Funding: African leaders at UNGA pushed for stronger domestic financing to prevent malaria setbacks, warning funding cuts could drive major case and death increases.

Mining & policy: Botswana climbed to 7th in the Fraser Institute’s Investment Attractiveness Index for mining, with gains driven by better perceptions of policy and mineral potential. Wildlife governance: A trophy hunting review found conservation land increased in most cases and income/employment/food security often improved, but animal impacts were mixed and depended heavily on who controls land and wildlife and who receives revenues. Food & livelihoods under climate pressure: Zambezi Basin states agreed on priority climate-resilience actions for food security, livelihoods and ecosystems under a planned US$130m programme. Tourism & environment: Botswana marked World Tourism Day alongside its 60th anniversary, with the environment and tourism ministry stressing tourism’s role in jobs, enterprise and community support. Community conservation: Okavango Delta learning visits highlighted how local knowledge and community participation can strengthen conservation and environmental education. Dairy push: Botswana Development Corporation received another batch of Girolando cattle to scale Milk Valley Farm, aiming to cut reliance on imported milk. Health financing: African leaders urged stronger domestic funding to protect malaria gains, warning a 30% funding cut could trigger major case increases by 2030. Human-wildlife conflict: Reports from the Okavango Delta describe how cattle protection measures can reduce lion-related losses and shift conflict dynamics.

Wildlife & Coexistence: In Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a new report highlights how cattle herders are seeing fewer lion attacks after years of escalating human-wildlife conflict, with community-led boma practices helping reduce retaliatory killings. Conservation & Tourism: KAZA TFCA has launched a regenerative nature-based tourism push across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, backing local tourism businesses—especially women, youth and communities near protected areas—with training and access to finance. Health & Climate Resilience: African leaders, including Botswana’s ALMA chair Duma Boko, warn that a 30% cut in malaria funding could trigger 146 million more cases by 2030, as extreme weather and drug resistance threaten progress. Culture & Knowledge: Deputy Minister Moses //Khumub says San language and heritage preservation is key to identity and future knowledge, urging documentation and everyday use—while linking culture to tourism and livelihoods. Energy & Development: Botswana’s Botala Energy remains in focus as investors watch gas exploration momentum around its Serowe coal-seam gas project.

Wildlife & Livelihoods: In Botswana’s Okavango Delta floodplain, herders describe how a safer night-time cattle routine is replacing years of lion-linked livestock losses—after earlier retaliatory poisoning killed many lions and harmed wider ecosystems. Malaria Funding: At UNGA81, Botswana’s President Duma Boko (ALMA chair) backed calls for stronger domestic financing and multisectoral action, warning a 30% cut could mean 146 million more malaria cases and nearly 400,000 extra deaths by 2030. Conservation Tourism: KAZA TFCA launched a regenerative nature-based tourism push in Maun, aiming to back women, youth and community tourism businesses while boosting biodiversity protection across Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Biodiversity Boost: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife translocated 20 black rhinos to Botswana’s Deception Valley Private Reserve to expand the critically endangered species’ population. Diamonds & Value Addition: Botswana is seeking to use a 0% US import-tariff to grow exports of locally made jewelry, while a Beijing Declaration deal aims to deepen African diamond links with China’s jewellery market.