AGP Executive Report

Botswana Travel & Tourism: Makgadikgadi Softball Grand Slam: Sowa Town hosts the inaugural Makgadikgadi Softball Grand Slam from 29 September to 3 October, with 16 teams (men and women), matches at Sowa Town Council Stadium and Lapa, plus cultural activities tied to Botswana’s 60th Independence anniversary—aimed at boosting sport, community development and tourism in the region. Travel Planning & Entry Rules: UK transit visa for Botswana travellers: The UK lists Botswana among countries whose citizens need an airport transit visa to pass through UK airports in 2026, warning travellers they could be denied boarding without the right visa. Payments & Convenience: Absa Botswana goes Google Pay: Absa Botswana partners with Google and Visa to digitise debit and credit cards in Google Wallet, pushing contactless phone payments for Android users. Aviation Links: Oman–Botswana air connectivity: Oman and Botswana sign agreements to expand direct flights, codesharing and air cargo opportunities, with further Oman–Africa aviation deals also reported. Wildlife & Community: Walk for Giants 2026: A conservation walk in Gaborone brings wildlife protection into communities, building on the Race for Rhinos momentum.

Sports & Tourism Boost: Sowa Town is set for the inaugural Makgadikgadi Softball Grand Slam (Sept 29–Oct 3), with 16 teams (men and women) competing alongside cultural activities aimed at developing talent and drawing visitors to the Makgadikgadi region. Team Botswana Funding: BNOC has unveiled a long-term Nike technical partnership worth P104.5 million through 2036, promising medal bonuses for Olympics and Commonwealth Games—on top of existing government and corporate incentives. Payments for Travellers: Absa Botswana is rolling out Google Pay with Visa, pushing contactless phone payments to make everyday spending easier for locals and visitors. Travel Rules Watch: South Korea’s K-ETA list grants Botswana nationals a 90-day stay, while the UK has published airport transit visa requirements that include Botswana—important for anyone connecting via UK airports. Roads & Access: Mukwe residents are demanding action on stalled border and district road works, including the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road, warning delays hurt tourism and trade. Environment & Cooling: Botswana reaffirmed its ozone-layer and sustainable cooling commitments under the Kigali Amendment, linking policy to safer, energy-efficient cooling.

Botswana Travel & Policy: Botswana reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the ozone layer and accelerating a transition to safe, energy-efficient cooling under the Kigali Amendment, with officials urging stronger policies and partnerships. Travel Disruption Watch: The Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road is deteriorating fast, and chiefs say some tourists are switching to flights—hurting the chance to stop at attractions along the route while rehabilitation struggles with funding. Getting There (Visa/Transit): The UK published its 2026 airport transit visa lists, including Botswana—meaning travellers may be denied boarding if they transit without the required visa. Tourism & Community Infrastructure: In Mukwe, residents issued an urgent petition over stalled road projects, including the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road and delays affecting access to Andara District Hospital. Wildlife & Conservation: A new study highlights African wild dogs’ long-distance dispersal across Zambia, with three males travelling 4,126 km to connect with new breeding opportunities—good news for an endangered species. Botswana in the Spotlight: House of Botswana hosted “Diamonds & The Delta” in New York, celebrating Botswana’s culture and global rise.

Road & Tourism Disruption: Botswana-linked travellers may feel the knock-on effects of Zimbabwe’s deteriorating Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road, with chiefs warning some tourists are switching to flights to reach the tourism hub. Environment & Cooling Policy: Botswana reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the ozone layer and accelerating a safer, energy-efficient cooling transition under the Kigali Amendment. Travel Rules (UK Transit Visas): The UK published its 2026 airport transit visa list, which includes Botswana among dozens of African countries—meaning travellers may be denied boarding if they transit without the right visa. Regional Partnerships: Oman and Botswana signed multiple agreements during Sultan Haitham’s visit, spanning energy, mining, aviation, investment, pharmaceuticals and logistics, with tourism and transport also flagged for deeper cooperation. Okavango Delta Planning: A practical guide highlights Maun as the main gateway and explains what first-time visitors should expect—water, sand, remote camps, and getting around by air, boat or road. Community & Infrastructure: Mukwe residents petitioned authorities over stalled road projects, including the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road and other neglected links affecting trade and access to services.

Border & Visa Update: A new Bermuda immigration and protection order is now in effect, adding visa-control requirements for nationals of Botswana (among others), with entry tied to a multi-re-entry visa issued by the US, UK or Canada—travellers are urged to check requirements before booking. Tourism Experience Boost (Chobe): Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa has launched Ku Muzi Boma, a cultural dining and entertainment night designed to keep visitors in Kasane longer and add a fresh evening draw beyond game drives and cruises. Okavango Delta First-Timer Guide: A practical explainer breaks down getting to Maun (the main gateway) and then continuing into the Delta by light aircraft, boat or road, plus what to expect from the wetlands-and-sand safari setup. Conservation on the Ground (Gaborone): Walk for Giants 2026 at Westwood International School brought wildlife conservation into the city, building on the Race for Rhinos momentum and reminding communities what’s at stake. Botswana–Oman Deals: Oman and Botswana signed multiple agreements and MoUs during Sultan Haitham’s state visit, covering air services, investment promotion, medicines security, energy cooperation and more—areas that can support future travel and tourism links. Local Infrastructure Pressure: Mukwe residents have petitioned authorities over stalled road projects, including the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road, warning delays could hurt tourism and cross-border trade.

Tourism & Culture: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa in Kasane has launched “Ku Muzi Boma,” a new cultural dining and entertainment night designed to keep visitors in the Chobe area longer, with Botswana cuisine, music, dance and storytelling. Conservation & Wildlife: Gaborone’s “Walk for Giants 2026” brought wildlife conservation into the city, building on the Race for Rhinos push and reminding residents why protecting species matters. Travel Planning: A guide for first-timers explains how to reach the Okavango Delta via Maun, then continue by light aircraft, boat or road depending on camp location. Border & Visas: New Bermuda visa-control rules now apply to nationals of Botswana (among others), requiring a multi-re-entry visa issued by the US, UK or Canada. Botswana–Oman Links: Oman and Botswana signed multiple agreements during Sultan Haitham’s visit, including air services, investment promotion, medicines security and energy cooperation—areas that can support travel and tourism growth. Roads & Access: Mukwe residents demand action on stalled road projects, including the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road through Mahango National Park, warning delays could hurt tourism and trade.

Tourism & Access: Botswana’s Okavango Delta travel guide spotlights Maun as the main gateway, with onward travel by light aircraft, boat or road, and reminds first-timers to expect sandy tracks and water-based safari days. New Visitor Experience in Chobe: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa has opened Ku Muzi Boma at its boma, adding Botswana cuisine plus music, dance and storytelling to encourage longer stays in Kasane. Wildlife & Conservation: A study on African wild dogs reports three male brothers covering 4,126km across Zambia to reach new breeding grounds—useful context for safari-goers who care about endangered species. Community Road Pressure: Mukwe residents demand action on stalled road works, especially the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road through Mahango National Park, saying it affects tourism and trade. Botswana–Oman Deals: Oman and Botswana signed multiple agreements including visa-free diplomatic/special passports, air services, investment promotion and medicines security—good news for business travel links. Travel Records: A Volkswagen ID. Buzz world tour earned a Guinness record, with the electric van making a stop in Botswana during its 99,767km run.

Road & Access Pressure: Mukwe residents have petitioned Botswana’s Ministry of Works and Transport and the Roads Authority over stalled projects, especially the Divundu–Muhembo Border Post Road where 5km of bitumen is done but the remaining 13km through Mahango National Park has stopped, plus worsening conditions on the Andara–Shamaturu Road and calls to budget for the Divundu–Mbambi upgrade. Tourism Experience Boost in Chobe: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa has opened Ku Muzi Boma, a new cultural dinner show with Botswana cuisine, music, dance and storytelling aimed at keeping visitors in Kasane longer. Delta Planning for First-Timers: A practical guide highlights Maun as the main gateway to the Okavango Delta, with onward travel by light aircraft, boat or road depending on camp location, and what to expect from wetlands, sand tracks and mokoro trips. Wildlife & Conservation Notes: Chobe River safari coverage spotlights elephant-rich wetlands, while separate reports track long-distance African wild dog and vulture movements across southern Africa, underlining the need for cross-border conservation. Botswana–Oman Deal Flow: Oman and Botswana signed multiple agreements during Sultan Haitham’s visit, including air services, investment promotion, energy cooperation and visa waivers for diplomatic/special passports. Travel Tech/Record: A Volkswagen ID. Buzz world tour set a Guinness record and included a stop in Botswana.

Road & Access: Bulawayo–Victoria Falls road repairs are falling behind, and chiefs say more tourists are choosing to fly to Zimbabwe’s tourism hub instead of stopping along the route. Okavango Delta Planning: A first-timer guide highlights Maun as the main gateway and explains what to expect—wetlands, sandy tracks, and getting into remote camps by air, boat or road. Chobe Tourism Experience: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa has opened Ku Muzi Boma, adding cultural dinner entertainment to encourage longer stays in Kasane. Oman–Botswana Ties: Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Botswana President Duma Boko signed multiple agreements, including cooperation, air services, investment promotion, and visa-free diplomatic/special passports. Sports Tourism & Travel: Botswana-linked sports travel pops up from regional events—Botswana’s Okavare Legends hosting Epukiro Masters, and Botswana bowlers heading to Zambia and Australia for tournaments. Safety & Borders: A Zimbabwean spiritual healer was remanded in Botswana over alleged illegal entry and suspected human remains, with forensic testing pending. Wildlife Corridors: Satellite-tracked vultures from Chizarira have covered 19,000km across southern Africa, underscoring cross-border conservation needs.

Oman–Botswana Diplomacy: Sultan Haitham bin Tarik met President Duma Gideon Boko in Gaborone, agreeing to deepen political, economic and cultural cooperation. New Tourism Add-On in Chobe: Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa launched Ku Muzi Boma, a Botswana-cuisine dinner with music, dance and storytelling aimed at keeping visitors in the region longer. Visa-Free Travel Deal-Maker: Oman and Botswana signed nine agreements and MoUs covering visa abolition for diplomatic/special passports, air services, investment promotion, medicines security and energy cooperation. Investment-Grade Watch: S&P Global kept Botswana’s investment-grade rating (BBB-/A-3) but maintained a negative outlook, warning diamonds and fiscal pressures could trigger a downgrade. Sports Tourism Push: Absa Bank Zambia backed the Absa Marathon in Lusaka, with international runners including Botswana, and winners set to receive trips and accommodation for races across Africa. Wildlife Tracking Across Borders: Two satellite-tagged white-backed vultures from Zimbabwe’s Chizarira National Park covered 19,000km across southern Africa, underlining the need for cross-border conservation. Border Case With Tourism Implications: A Zimbabwean spiritual healer was remanded in Botswana over alleged illegal entry and suspected human remains possession, with forensic testing pending.

Olympic Football Prep: COSAFA champions Brave Gladiators begin Olympic qualifier preparations this weekend as coach Lucky Kakuva names a squad for a busy run, including two friendlies in Gaborone against Namibia on 26 and 30 September, before the qualifiers in Luanda on 9 and 12 October. Wildlife Tracking for Conservation: Two white-backed vultures fitted with satellite transmitters in Chizarira National Park have covered a combined 19,000km across Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola and Zambia, underlining the need for cross-border protection of species that move beyond parks. Tourism & Culture in Gaborone: Kenneth Bale’s Blue Tapestry—Chapter III arrives at Alliance Française de Gaborone on 18 September, using blue art and storytelling to spark a conversation on Botswana’s identity during Independence Month. Travel Safety/Border Watch: A Zimbabwean man, Nyasha Mudzongeri, was remanded in custody in Francistown after Botswana police alleged illegal entry and possession of suspected human remains; forensic testing is pending. Air Connectivity: Proflight Zambia expands its fleet with three additional BAE Jetstream 41 aircraft, boosting domestic capacity and supporting growth in regional tourism. Visa Planning for Europe: The EU has published a Schengen visa list that includes Botswana, meaning travellers must secure visas in advance for Schengen travel.

Botswana–Nigeria Tourism Links: Botswana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Philda Nani Kereng, says she wants to visit Ekiti State to explore tourism potential after Ekiti won Nigeria’s “Most Active Tourism State” award for a third straight year at Akwaaba 2026, with Ekiti pitching its tourism-agriculture-aviation ecosystem. Border & Travel Safety: A 28-year-old Zimbabwean man, Nyasha Mudzongeri, was remanded in Botswana after police arrested him near Shashe-Mooke Village over suspected human remains and an alleged ungazetted entry. Regional Sports Travel: Botswana lawn bowlers head to Lusaka for the African States Tournament (Sept 21–26) and two players also qualify for the 2026 World Singles Championships in Australia (Oct 6–10). Tourism Policy Scrutiny: Botswana’s BETP mid-year review lists land and other reforms but offers limited proof of completed delivery, jobs, or livelihood gains—an issue for investors watching tourism-linked projects. Travel Planning Note (Europe): The EU published a Schengen visa list that includes Botswana, meaning travellers should check visa requirements before planning Europe trips.

Tourism & Travel Policy: South Africans planning road trips should note a rule change: South African Revenue Service’s Traveller Management System (TMS) now requires travellers and goods/currency declarations up to 24 hours before departure at land, air, sea and rail crossings—SACU countries like Botswana are not exempt. Visas for Botswana travellers: The EU has published a mandatory Schengen visa list covering 51 African countries, including Botswana—visa required in advance for travel to any of the 29 Schengen states. Regional travel logistics: A Zimbabwean man appeared in a Botswana court in Francistown charged after allegedly entering via an ungazetted point of entry and unlawfully possessing human remains; exhibits were sent for forensic testing. Bilateral ties with travel implications: Oman’s Sultan Haitham’s Botswana state visit is framed as a boost for investment and cooperation, building on earlier energy, mining and visa-exemption moves for Omani passport holders. Local travel-adjacent finance: Absa Botswana is rolling out a multi-currency virtual card aimed at simplifying digital spending for travellers. Sports tourism hook: South African golf professionals are in Botswana’s region for the Pearl of Africa Golf Series, with Botswana among the participating countries.

Land-Travel Rule Change for South Africans: SARS’s Traveller Management System (TMS) now requires travellers and foreign-registered vehicles to declare goods and currency online (up to 24 hours before departure) for crossings by air, land, sea and rail—SACU countries are not exempt, so it applies when driving into Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini. EU Schengen Visa Update: The EU published a list of 51 African countries whose citizens need a Schengen visa in advance, including Botswana (and others like Kenya and South Africa), affecting travel plans to all 29 Schengen states. Oman–Botswana Ties: Sultan Haitham’s Botswana visit is framed as a boost for investment and cooperation in energy, mining, petroleum storage and solar, with earlier visa easing for Omani passport holders (up to 90 days). Botswana in the Visa/E-visa Mix: eVisa access lists include Botswana among destinations offering online visa routes for Nigerians, useful for regional travellers planning multi-country trips. Regional Costs at the Pump: A Southern Africa petrol comparison shows Botswana at about 46.1 litres per R1 000, helping road-trippers budget across borders. Botswana Tourism & Culture: Botswana’s Vee Mampeezy is set to perform at Zimbabwe’s Munhumutapa Day Musical Gala, highlighting cross-border arts and visitor draw.

Munhumutapa Day Gala: Zimbabwe’s new public holiday, Munhumutapa Day (Sept 15), kicks off with a star-studded musical gala at Mvurwi Stadium tonight (6pm), featuring Zimbabwean acts plus Botswana’s Vee Mampeezy, as the region marks a historic first holiday. Botswana–Oman Business Ties: Oman’s Sultan Haitham’s state visit to Botswana highlights fresh momentum for economic partnerships and investment links, with talks aimed at expanding cooperation between the two countries’ private sectors. Nightlife Pushback: Botswana’s entertainment promoters and bar industry groups have rejected a proposed 24-hour economy, warning that longer liquor trading hours could bring major social and regulatory risks without stronger safeguards. Travel Tech for Health: South Africa’s Vula referral app has passed 3 million referrals, including users in Botswana, helping rural patients get specialist input faster without long, costly trips. Digital Travel Access: South Korea’s K-ETA rules now include Botswana for visa-free entry (up to 90 days), making it easier for travellers to plan trips without traditional visa processing. FNB Profit Update: FNB Botswana reports a 12% profit rise to P2.117 billion for FY ending June 2026, a sign of resilience despite credit challenges—useful context for travellers watching costs and banking services.

Botswana Tourism & Travel: A Texas-based firm says it will build a P2 billion, 130-bed specialist hospital near Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, pitching it as an “ecosystem” that could also boost medical tourism and specialist care access. Visa & Mobility Watch: South Korea’s K-ETA list includes Botswana, letting eligible travellers apply online instead of a traditional visa (reported stay up to 90 days). Regional Travel Context: A global eVisa roundup lists Botswana among destinations offering eVisa access for Nigerian passport holders. On-the-ground Culture: Gaborone’s Maitisong Theatre hosts “Kgololo: The Way Out Is Inward”, a Botswana premiere turning grief into performance. Nightlife Policy: Botswana’s entertainment promoters push back on a proposed 24-hour economy, warning about risks tied to longer liquor trading hours. Finance & Spending: Absa Botswana launches a multi-currency virtual card aimed at simplifying digital spending for travellers.