Latest news in Botswana? October 1st, 2026
01-10-2026
The primary news developments centered around Botswana on October 1st, 2026:
Diamond Jubilee Independence Celebrations: Botswana marked its 60th Independence Anniversary (held September 30 – October 1), commemorating six decades since gaining independence in 1966. President Duma Boko hosted official nationwide festivities and cultural ceremonies in Gaborone alongside regional dignitaries, including Mozambican President Daniel Chapo.
XinhuaElephant Culling Controversy: The independence celebrations sparked international and regional animal rights criticism after authorities authorized the slaughter of over 20 elephants to provide meat for community feasts during the jubilee events.
Graphic OnlineWithdrawal from 2028 AFCON Bid: Botswana officially pulled out of the joint trilateral bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), leaving South Africa and Zimbabwe to continue with a bilateral submission.
Financial and Economic Sector: Financial group Capricorn reported downward pressure on its annual profit margins due to weaker performance within its Botswana operations, mirroring ongoing broader macroeconomic challenges related to subdued diamond market revenues.