Vantage

27/08/2026

THE PULA’S REAL TEST IS BOTSWANA’S ABILITY TO PRODUCE

Bank of Botswana Governor Lesego Caster Moseki says currency resilience ultimately depends on a stronger productive base and Botswana’s ability to generate foreign exchange through exports.

Botswana’s debate over the p**a may need to move beyond the question of whether the currency is too strong or too weak. Speaking at the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) media briefing, Bank of Botswana Governor Lesego Caster Moseki said the more fundamental issue is the country’s ability to produce competitively, export and generate the foreign exchange needed to support the economy.

His remarks came as the central bank kept the policy rate at 5.5%, with inflation still well above its medium-term target and economic growth remaining subdued.

Botswana’s real GDP grew by just 0.2% in the 12 months to March 2026, an improvement from the 1.6% contraction recorded over the previous year. The recovery was supported by a slower contraction in mining and some improvement in non-mining sectors, including manufacturing and agriculture.

However, Moseki said the economy remains constrained by weak global conditions, structural changes in international diamond markets, slow economic transformation and low productivity.

The pressure is particularly significant for Botswana because of its dependence on imports and the concentration of its export earnings.

“The strength of the p**a is anchored on capability to earn foreign exchange through exports by local producers,” Moseki said.

The comment shifts the currency debate towards a broader question of competitiveness. While businesses continue to identify the exchange rate as a challenge, particularly given Botswana’s high import dependence, the Governor said exchange-rate policy must also support domestic production and exports.

“In an economy that needs to increase production, diversify, and generate employment opportunities,” he said, a framework that promotes the international price competitiveness of local producers is desirable.

For Botswana, that means the long-term currency question is inseparable from the country’s ability to build a broader export base.

The challenge is becoming more pressing as the diamond industry faces structural changes in international markets. The government’s 2026 growth projection of 3.1% assumes a recovery in mining and sustained growth in non-mining sectors, supported by economic diversification initiatives under National Development Plan 12 and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme.

Moseki cautioned that delays in implementing the transformation programme could slow the recovery and leave actual growth below projections.

Inflation remains another constraint.

Headline inflation declined from 10.7% in June to 9.4% in July 2026, helped by the downward adjustment in domestic fuel prices. It nevertheless remains substantially above the Bank’s 3% to 6% medium-term objective.

The MPC expects inflation to remain above the target range into the first quarter of 2027, with fuel prices, higher electricity tariffs and related cost pressures among the key domestic risks. Food prices could also face pressure from livestock movement restrictions and disease-related disruptions, while elevated international energy and fertiliser prices remain a concern.

Against that backdrop, the MPC unanimously maintained the Bank Rate at 5.5%.

The decision reflects the central bank’s balancing act: supporting an economy that remains weak without allowing inflationary pressures to become entrenched.

But monetary policy has limits.

Interest rates and exchange-rate management can influence economic conditions, but they cannot by themselves create factories, competitive farms, export businesses or new sources of foreign exchange.

That is where the Governor’s message becomes more consequential for the private sector.

Botswana needs to produce more of what it consumes, develop industries capable of competing in regional and international markets and extract greater value from its natural and human resources.

Moseki also pointed to the role of consumption choices. The balance between imported and locally produced goods and services, he said, is critical to the viability of domestic producers and service providers.

The objective is not simply to reduce imports. It is to build an economy capable of earning enough foreign exchange to finance necessary imports while expanding domestic production and employment.

For businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, technology, financial services and mining-related value chains all have potential to contribute to a more diversified export base if supported by investment, productivity improvements and a competitive operating environment.

Botswana’s economic resilience will therefore depend on what happens beyond the MPC meeting room.

The central bank can manage monetary conditions. Government can set the policy framework. But businesses ultimately have to produce and compete.

As Moseki put it, the strength of the p**a is anchored in Botswana’s ability to earn foreign exchange through its own producers.

The currency debate, therefore, may be less about how Botswana manages the p**a and more about what Botswana produces for the world.

25/08/2026

25 August 2026

HOTWIRE ADDS THREE NEW GLOBAL AWARDS TO GROWING INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

Best Strategic Communications Consultancy 2026
Reputation Advisory Excellence Award 2026
Best Communications & Advisory Firm 2026


GABORONE – Hotwire has received three new international awards across two 2026 awards programmes, recognising the consultancy’s work across strategic communications, reputation and advisory. Hotwire has been named Best Strategic Communications Consultancy 2026 - Botswana and received the Reputation Advisory Excellence Award 2026 - Botswana at the MEA Markets African Excellence Awards 2026. The consultancy has also been named Best Communications & Advisory Firm 2026 - Botswana in Corporate Vision Magazine’s 2026 Corporate Excellence Awards.

The triple win continues a strong run of international recognition for Hotwire. In 2025, the consultancy was named Public Affairs & Communications Firm of the Year - Botswana at the Corporate Vision Global Business Awards for the second consecutive year. Together, the accolades point to something bigger than an awards tally: Hotwire’s continued evolution from a traditional communications business into a consultancy increasingly trusted for strategic counsel, reputation and navigating complex stakeholder environments.

Kabelo Binns, Managing Director of Hotwire, said the latest wins reflect the business Hotwire has deliberately grown to become. “We are proud to have started and built Hotwire here in Botswana. Over the past 21 years, we have grown alongside our clients, our team and the market, and each chapter has taught us something about the kind of consultancy we want to be.

That is why these particular awards mean a lot to us. Strategy, reputation and advisory are increasingly where our clients ask us to show up, think with them and add value. To have that recognised internationally, across three different categories, tells us we are building in the right direction. And, importantly, we are having a lot of fun building it with an exceptional team and clients who trust us to do brave, intelligent work.”

Established in 2005, Hotwire works across sectors and markets, with experience spanning financial services, tourism, energy, mining and resources, consumer, development and social impact. Its offer today brings together strategic communications, reputation advisory, stakeholder engagement and creative communications, with an increasing focus on helping organisations make sense of complexity, strengthen relationships and build reputational value.

Now in its ninth year, the MEA Markets African Excellence Awards recognise businesses and professionals demonstrating innovation and best practice across Africa. Awards Coordinator Melissa Bramall said the 2026 winners continue to “redefine the business landscape in Africa and much further afield”. The Corporate Vision Corporate Excellence Awards similarly recognise businesses across sectors and markets, with Hotwire’s latest win adding to its previous recognition through the publication.

“There is something special about building this from Botswana and seeing it travel,” continued Binns. “We are ambitious about the kind of consultancy Hotwire can be, the markets we can work in and the company we keep. Botswana will always be home. The opportunity, however, is much bigger. But none of this happens without the people of Hotwire and the friends of Hotwire: our team, our clients, our partners and everyone who has chosen to be part of this journey. So, while these awards may carry the Hotwire name, they really belong to all of them. That is who we celebrate.”

25/08/2026

Orange Botswana brings For Good Connections to Francistown
Creating a safer digital environment is a shared responsibility
Orange Botswana has expanded its digital safety campaign to northern Botswana after successfully hosting the For Good Connections event at John Mackenzie School in Francistown on Saturday, bringing together children from schools across the city for a day of learning, sport and interactive activities focused on responsible internet use.
The initiative, which promotes safe and responsible internet use among children and families, featured educational workshops led by digital safety experts and facilitators covering cyberbullying, digital wellbeing and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities. The day also included team-building exercises and sporting activities designed to encourage collaboration and healthy lifestyles.
Orange Botswana Communications and Public Relations Manager Tebogo Nadisah said the event demonstrates the company's commitment to equipping children with the skills they need to thrive safely in today's digital world.
"The internet offers tremendous opportunities for learning and growth, but it is equally important that children understand how to use it responsibly. Through For Good Connections, we are creating a platform where young people can learn practical digital safety skills in an engaging and enjoyable environment."
Nadisah said the programme is becoming a national initiative, with Orange Botswana committed to reaching more communities across the country.
"Last year we hosted the inaugural For Good Connections event in Gaborone, and this year we are proud to bring it to Francistown. As the programme continues to grow, our intention is to take it to different parts of Botswana so that more children, parents and communities can benefit from these important conversations around digital safety."
She said Orange Botswana believes protecting children online requires collective action from all sectors of society.
"Creating a safer digital environment is a shared responsibility. By working closely with schools, parents and community partners, we can empower young people to enjoy the benefits of technology while developing healthy online habits and recognising potential risks."
The Francistown edition attracted strong participation from learners representing different schools, who engaged in interactive discussions, practical learning sessions and recreational activities throughout the day.
The For Good Connections programme is an Orange initiative aimed at promoting safe and responsible internet use for children and families by addressing issues such as cyberbullying, screen time balance and digital wellbeing. Orange Botswana says the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to digital inclusion and will continue to be rolled out to different regions as the company extends its reach across Botswana.use the headline only and the image to develop a good page graphic JPEG. Use orange color sparingly. Vantage at the bottom.

24/08/2026

MOBILIST, BSE Join Forces to Unlock More Capital for Botswana’s Growth l

Gaborone/London | 20 August 2026
The UK government’s MOBILIST programme will partner with the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) to help drive greater investment through the country’s listed market, supporting sustainable development and job creation.
The partnership was announced at a signing ceremony hosted by the British High Commissioner to Botswana at his Residence in Gaborone, bringing together representatives from the BSE, the British High Commission and Botswana’s financial sector.
Through supporting the development of new listed products in Botswana, MOBILIST is supporting the creation of new opportunities for local institutional investors such as pension funds and asset managers, while driving the country’s economic growth and sustainable development.
According to the Bank of Botswana, Botswana’s listed equity market is home to 33 listed companies, while local equities make up around 17% of the assets held by the country’s pension funds. Increasing the number and breadth of locally listed products could therefore play an important role in unlocking more domestic capital for investment in Botswana’s own growth.
Earlier in the day, MOBILIST introduced the programme to local brokers, investment entities and other capital markets participants at the BSE’s annual Listings Requirements Refresher Workshop.
MOBILIST provides investment capital, technical assistance and support to enable SDG-focused projects to overcome barriers that prevent them from listing on a stock exchange. By expanding the universe of listed instruments available to institutional investors in emerging markets such as Botswana, MOBILIST intends to unlock new sources of capital to fund sustainable growth and development.
British High Commissioner to Botswana Giles Enticknap said liquid and well-regulated capital markets are a critical enabler of economic growth, giving companies a route to raise funding to expand and create jobs. He said the partnership would support the continued development of Botswana’s capital markets and enable more domestic and international capital to flow into the country’s real economy.
Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Stock Exchange, Aobakwe Monyatsi, said Botswana’s capital market has significant depth to unlock and that the partnership with MOBILIST would help achieve this by supporting the development of new listed products.
He said this would create fresh opportunities for local institutional investors, pension funds and asset managers to deploy more capital at home while advancing Botswana’s economic growth and sustainable development agenda.
The BSE said it looks forward to working with MOBILIST to broaden the range of investment options available on the market.

24/08/2026

UK-Based Motswana Gospel Artist Releases Winner EP

UK-based Motswana gospel artist Mally has released a new EP, Winner, a faith-inspired project that showcases her musical growth while reinforcing her rising profile on the international gospel music scene.

Released this year, Winner features tracks including Hold On, Favor, I Got Joy and Higher Be Lifted. The EP blends gospel with elements of Amapiano, Afro-pop, soul and adult contemporary to create an uplifting body of work centred on faith, hope and perseverance. The polished instrumentation, live worship feel and mature vocal delivery reflect an artist who has steadily refined her craft over the past six years.

"The message behind Winner is simple through God and Jesus Christ we are more than conquerors. I wanted to create music that people can worship with, listen to while driving, working or simply seeking encouragement. Every song is meant to take listeners on a spiritual journey," Mally said.

The EP has already received positive reviews from international music publications, with Album Talks praising its vibrant atmosphere of praise and Culture Custodian describing it as a project that successfully balances celebration with sincere worship.

Born in Botswana and now based in England, Mally has been building her music career internationally since 2021. She has released a consistent catalogue of original singles and EPs distributed across major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Audiomack and Pandora, giving her music reach across the United Kingdom, North America, Africa and other markets.

The singer-songwriter began her musical journey in church as a praise and worship leader at the age of 13 before launching her professional recording career. Today, she writes and composes all of her original music, blending jazz harmony with gospel to create a distinctive sound while performing in English, Setswana and Nigerian Pidgin English.

"I have been following the music coming out of Botswana and I am excited by the quality of talent emerging across different genres. There is so much creativity, and I would love the opportunity to collaborate with local artists because I believe we can create music that resonates both locally and internationally," she said.

Alongside her music career, Mally independently manages her releases through HOS PR and combines her creative work with business expertise gained through a Master's degree in Business Management from the University of Hull.

As she continues to gain international exposure through overseas performances, streaming platforms and growing media recognition, Mally hopes Winner will introduce her music to more listeners in the world while opening the door to future collaborations with artists back home.

22/08/2026

22/08/2026

Absa Deepens Its Investment in Botswana’s Cultural Heritage
The bank renews its title sponsorship of the Dithubaruba Cultural Festival with a P1.5 million, three-year commitment, linking culture with financial inclusion, enterprise development and community empowerment.
Botswana’s cultural heritage is increasingly being recognised not only as something to preserve, but as a resource capable of creating opportunity. Absa Bank Botswana is reinforcing that idea through the renewal of its title sponsorship of the annual Absa Dithubaruba Cultural Festival, scheduled for 5 September 2026 in Molepolole.
The renewed partnership with the Dithubaruba Trust represents a total investment of P1.5 million over three years. The commitment is intended to support the continued growth and sustainability of a festival that has become an important platform for showcasing Botswana’s traditions, customs and heritage.
For Absa, however, the partnership goes beyond putting its name behind a cultural event. It reflects the bank’s broader citizenship and sustainability agenda, with culture providing a meeting point between community identity, economic participation and nation building.
“Our partnership with the Dithubaruba Cultural Festival aligns strongly with our citizenship and sustainability strategy,” said Dennis Mambure, Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Absa Bank Botswana. “This initiative is far more than financial support; it represents our active participation in preserving Botswana’s cultural heritage while empowering local communities.”
Mambure pointed to the wider economic potential of arts and culture, noting that they can help create powerful narratives around the country while supporting tourism, stimulating local economic growth and strengthening social cohesion.
That economic dimension is central to Absa’s participation in the festival. Alongside its sponsorship, the bank will use the event as a platform to advance financial literacy and financial inclusion. Festival attendees will have access to educational programmes aimed at promoting sound financial management, while entrepreneurs and small business owners will be exposed to practical tools, insights and solutions, including Absa Mobitap, to help them grow and sustain their businesses.
The approach reflects a growing understanding that cultural events can serve as more than moments of celebration. They can create marketplaces for small businesses, provide visibility for entrepreneurs and connect communities with institutions that can support their economic ambitions.
For Dithubaruba, that connection between culture and enterprise has already become visible. Mambure said the growth of small enterprises alongside the festival’s celebration of Botswana’s traditions had been particularly rewarding to witness.
“The Dithubaruba Cultural Festival has become a powerful platform for economic inclusion, enabling Batswana to create sustainable livelihoods rooted in their cultural identity,” he said.
The festival brings together communities, businesses, traditional leadership and visitors from across Botswana and beyond. In doing so, it creates a space where heritage and commerce can coexist, while strengthening participation in the local economy.
Absa’s renewed commitment therefore positions the festival as more than an annual cultural gathering. It is part of a longer-term effort to connect heritage with opportunity, giving communities a platform through which culture can support enterprise, tourism and social cohesion.
As Botswana continues to explore ways of translating its cultural assets into sustainable economic opportunities, partnerships such as this demonstrate how the private sector can play a role. For Absa, the three-year commitment is presented as the beginning of a lasting relationship with initiatives that preserve shared heritage while empowering communities for the future.
Source: Absa Bank Botswana press release, 2026.