Botswana Energy Regulation: Botswana’s Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority (BERA) has appointed a new Board to strengthen licensing, tariff-setting, compliance enforcement and consumer protection as the energy sector shifts toward renewables and more private participation. Mining Diversification Push: At the Future of Mining Summit, Botswana’s leadership outlined plans to boost non-diamond mineral exploration spending to P150 million by 2029, aiming to reduce reliance on diamonds and attract new investment. Parliament Builds Lawmaking Capacity: Botswana Parliament launched a week-long seminar with SADC Parliamentary Forum support, focusing on evidence-based lawmaking and topics including AI, climate change, gender equality and SRHR. Agribusiness Investment: BITC-backed Matopinion Farming (Pty) Ltd signed a P200m deal to create 183 jobs and expand irrigated fodder production, targeting reduced imports and support for the National Fodder Strategy 2026–2035. Digital Connectivity (Regional): Powertel and Paratus Zimbabwe switched on a cross-border fibre “digital highway,” with the first live traffic section linking Plumtree to Bulawayo to improve Southern Africa connectivity. GBV Awareness Drive: In South Africa, a Durban father-and-son team is set to drive over 10,000km across Southern and East Africa to back the TEARS Foundation and push men to act as allies against gender-based violence. Ebola Drug Trial Plans: South African firm Xylomed Pharmaceuticals says it is preparing a Phase 3B double-blind trial for a potential Ebola treatment in DRC, Uganda and South Sudan.