Latest news in Botswana? September 4th, 2026

Recent key news developments in Botswana around September 4, 2026:

• Mining and Resource Exploration: Botswana Minerals announced the identification of nine prospective copper targets using artificial intelligence across eastern Ngamiland, with field sampling operations beginning at high-priority sites in the northwest.
• Diplomacy and Trade: Preparations are underway for the inaugural Angola-Botswana Business Forum scheduled for September 8 in Luanda. The forum coincides with an upcoming presidential state visit and aims to expand bilateral trade in agriculture, livestock, tourism, and industry.
• Legislative and Regulatory Reforms: Parliament recently passed the Gambling (Amendment) Bill, lowering the legal gambling age from 21 to 18 while introducing stricter penalties and regulatory oversight to curb black-market betting and align national laws with international financial intelligence standards.
• Regional Defence Cooperation: Botswana Defence Force (BDF) leadership met with the Rwanda Defence Force in Kigali to deepen bilateral security ties, focusing on officer exchange programs and military training opportunities.
• Economic and Energy Developments: The economy continues a modest recovery path with GDP growth around 3.5%. Concurrently, infrastructure projects like the Lobatse Solar Photovoltaic Plant have reached advanced stages, supporting national renewable energy diversification efforts.