AGP Executive Report

AI Quality Assurance: African universities are being urged to build systems that support AI use without turning quality checks into “policing,” with guidance on assessment, integrity and responsible use discussed at a regional symposium. Digital Fraud Watch (Botswana): TransUnion reports suspected digital fraud in Botswana at just 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025—lowest in Africa—while warning fraudsters are shifting to higher-trust scams, especially during account creation. AI Browser Rollout: Google is expanding “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Botswana and other African markets, aiming to make AI help users find and understand information more easily. Energy Regulation Spotlight (Botswana): Botswana’s BERA CEO Dr Never Tshabang discusses steering energy pricing, licensing and compliance amid Middle East-driven oil market shocks and the push for energy transition. De Beers Stake Talks (Botswana): Botswana is exploring partners in the UAE and Oman to help fund a bigger stake in De Beers as diamond prices soften and synthetic competition rises. Mining Tech (Botswana): North Arrow reports gold drilling results at its Kraaipan project in Botswana, including 9m at 1.23 g/t and 7m at 1.99 g/t at target A. Health Research (Botswana): CHOP researchers report a youth-led mental health model (“Safe Haven”) showing promise for Botswana teens and young adults, including underserved groups. Regional Data Sovereignty: UN-linked discussions highlight “sovereign data” as key to Africa’s digital independence and economic security. Finance Systems Upgrade (Namibia/SADC): Alexforbes begins consolidating fund administration platforms across Namibia, South Africa and Botswana into a single system to cut costs and improve service.

Digital Fraud Watch (Botswana): TransUnion reports suspected digital fraud in Botswana at just 0.9% of transaction attempts in 2025, the lowest across Africa in its H1 2026 update—though fraudsters are shifting to higher-trust scams, with the biggest risk during account creation (2.6%). Cybersecurity & Enforcement: Botswana’s government says it can’t fully unmask fake Facebook accounts, citing limits in tracing anonymous activity and delays in fully operationalising the Cybersecurity Act, 2025. AI for Everyday Browsing: Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Botswana included in a wider rollout across 55 African locales. Botswana Research & Health: CHOP researchers report a youth-led mental health intervention model (“Safe Haven”) shows promise for adolescents and young adults in Botswana, including underserved groups living with HIV. Energy Sector Leadership: A profile of Dr Never Tshabang at Botswana’s BERA highlights how he’s steering energy regulation amid global market shocks and the transition to cleaner power. Mining Tech & Data: Seequent discusses turning old mining data into new subsurface insights, pointing to growing demand for modern modelling tools across West Africa. De Beers Stake Talks (Botswana): Botswana explores partners in the UAE and Oman to acquire more of De Beers as diamond demand shifts and synthetic stones rise. Wildlife Monitoring (Botswana): University of Washington researchers return to northern Botswana to study how climate change is reshaping predator behaviour and human-wildlife contact.

Digital Sovereignty: African leaders are pushing for “sovereign data” — storing and governing data within the continent — warning that digital independence is now tied to economic security. AI in Browsers: Google expands Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search help to more users across the region. Botswana Cybersecurity: Botswana’s government says it can’t fully unmask fake Facebook accounts yet, citing gaps in cybercrime enforcement and the slow rollout of stronger legal mechanisms. Botswana Health Research: CHOP researchers report a youth-led mental health model (Safe Haven) showing promise for Botswana adolescents and young adults, especially underserved groups. Botswana Environment & Public Health: Birdlife Botswana links lead poisoning to collapsing vulture populations and warns it may also threaten people via contaminated meat, cookware and water. Energy Leadership (Botswana): Dr Never Tshabang discusses steering BERA through energy transition pressures while balancing supply security and regulation. Mining & Infrastructure: Daewoo E&C completes a $265m fertilizer plant in Nigeria, boosting ammonia and urea output for agriculture. Botswana De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana explores funding partners in the UAE and Oman to acquire more of De Beers amid diamond demand shifts. Global Peace Context: The Global Peace Index 2026 flags worsening peacefulness worldwide, with the UK dropping further down the ranking.

Botswana De Beers Deal Watch: Botswana is reportedly seeking funding partners in the UAE and Oman to acquire more of its remaining De Beers stake, as Gulf-backed talks move amid falling diamond demand and synthetic-stone pressure. AI & Cybersecurity in Botswana: Government officials say they can’t reliably unmask fake Facebook accounts, pointing to enforcement gaps and delays in fully operationalising the Cybersecurity Act framework. Health Research (Botswana): CHOP researchers report a youth-led mental health intervention model (“Safe Haven”) showing promise for Botswana’s adolescents and young adults, including underserved groups living with HIV. Wildlife Science (Botswana): University of Washington teams are returning to northern Botswana to study how lions and African wild dogs are changing behaviour under heat and climate stress, including impacts on human-wildlife contact. Mining Tech (Botswana): North Arrow Minerals updates Kraaipan Gold Project drilling results, confirming gold mineralisation along a mapped corridor and completing additional RC drilling at targets AE and AF. Digital Tools (Africa): Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa—and includes Botswana—pushing built-in AI search and understanding across more African markets. Digital Economy (Botswana): A local analysis warns Botswana’s digital growth is uneven, with many firms still relying on manual back-office processes and facing rising regulatory risk. Finance Outlook (Botswana): BMI flags mounting challenges for Botswana’s banking sector, citing weak macro growth and ongoing uncertainty in the diamond market.

AI in Browsers: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Botswana included in a wider Africa expansion—desktop and iOS first, Android via a power-button shortcut. Mining Tech & Supply: Absa says copper markets may stay in deficit, pushing projects toward slower, costly “brownfield” expansions; meanwhile North Arrow reports new gold hits at Kraaipan in southern Botswana, including bedrock intercepts over ~700m strike. Botswana Diamonds & Investment: Botswana is reportedly seeking UAE and Oman partners to help buy more of De Beers, as synthetic stones and price pressure reshape the diamond outlook. Cybercrime Reality Check: Botswana’s government concedes it can’t fully unmask fake Facebook accounts yet, citing gaps in cyber enforcement capacity and pending stronger act implementation. Youth Mental Health Research: CHOP researchers report a promising youth-led mental health model for Botswana adolescents and young adults, using trained youth facilitators for mild-to-moderate depression, anxiety and substance use. Wildlife Conservation Policy: KAZA states meet in Victoria Falls to align on elephant conservation and potential CITES trade positions, with EU funding support for regional plans.

De Beers Stake Talks: Botswana is seeking “reliable, trusted partners” in the UAE and Oman to help fund acquiring a larger stake in De Beers, as diamond demand softens and synthetic stones rise. Youth Mental Health Research: CHOP researchers report a youth-led “Safe Haven” intervention in Botswana shows promise for teens and young adults, especially underserved groups including youth living with HIV. Cybercrime Limits: Botswana’s government says it can’t unmask fake Facebook accounts, citing gaps in digital enforcement and delays in fully operationalising the Cybersecurity Act, 2025. Wildlife Under Climate Pressure: University of Washington researchers are returning to northern Botswana to study how lions and African wild dogs shift behaviour during heatwaves and droughts. Mining Tech in Botswana: North Arrow Minerals released new Kraaipan Gold Project drilling results, confirming gold mineralisation along a 700-metre strike corridor under shallow Kalahari cover. Conservation Diplomacy (KAZA): KAZA states meeting in Victoria Falls pushes a united front on elephant conservation and potential trade in elephant products, with EU funding support. Banking Watch: BMI warns Botswana’s banking sector may stay stable but face limits on growth and profitability amid weak macro conditions and diamond-sector uncertainty.

Cybersecurity & Digital Rights: Botswana’s government admits it can’t unmask fake Facebook accounts, citing limits in tracing anonymous users and delays in fully operationalising the Cybersecurity Act, 2025—leaving citizens exposed while investigators wait for stronger enforcement. Wildlife Science: University of Washington researchers return to northern Botswana to study how climate change shifts the behaviour of lions and African wild dogs, using tracking collars as “Fitbits” for wildlife and focusing on heatwaves and drought impacts. Digital Economy: A new look at Botswana’s digital transformation warns that many firms confuse social media with real systems change, pointing to manual back-end processes and growing regulatory risk under the Data Protection Act. Banking Outlook: BMI flags mounting pressure on Botswana’s banking sector from weak macro growth, tighter monetary policy, and diamond-sector uncertainty, even as capital buffers keep the industry broadly stable. Mining Tech & Equipment: Sandvik lands a major underground mining equipment order for the Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana, including remote monitoring and automation—supporting expansion in the Kalahari Copper Belt. Conservation Policy: KAZA states meet in Victoria Falls to push a united stance on wildlife conservation and elephant trade, with EU funding earmarked for conservation planning and livelihoods. Gold Exploration: North Arrow reports new reverse-circulation drilling results at the Kraaipan Gold Project, confirming gold mineralisation along a broad strike corridor under shallow Kalahari sand. AI & Piracy Warning: Botswana cautions that unregulated AI and piracy could threaten the creative sector and cultural identity.

Banking Outlook: Business Monitor International warns Botswana’s banking sector will stay broadly stable in 2026 but face tighter growth, liquidity and profitability pressures as weak macro conditions and diamond-sector uncertainty weigh on credit demand. Digital Economy: A local analysis argues Botswana’s digital growth is masking “digital immaturity,” with many firms still running manual back-end processes and facing rising regulatory risk under data protection rules. Mining & Equipment: Sandvik secured a major order to supply underground mining equipment and remote monitoring systems for the Khoemacau Copper Mine expansion in Botswana, with deliveries starting Q3 2026. Exploration Update: North Arrow Minerals reports new gold intercepts from Kraaipan’s RC drilling, confirming mineralisation along a ~700m corridor and extending the exploration push under its 2026 program. Conservation & Wildlife Trade: KAZA states meet in Victoria Falls to align on wildlife conservation and elephant product trade, with EU funding earmarked to update plans, strengthen conservation and support livelihoods. Tech & Skills in Education: The University of Botswana Alumni Symposium 2026 highlights how higher education networks are being used to drive transformation and knowledge partnerships. AI & Piracy Warning: Botswana is urged to regulate unprotected AI and piracy risks to protect the creative sector and cultural identity.

Botswana’s Digital Economy: A new local analysis warns that many firms confuse social media visibility with real digital transformation, pointing to manual back-office workflows, unmanaged spreadsheets, and rising regulatory risk under the Botswana Data Protection Act. Mining Tech & Jobs: Botswana’s mining workforce is under pressure as a diamond slump leaves some workers “living on the edge,” while separate reporting highlights retrenchments at a northern Debswana contractor. KAZA Wildlife Policy: KAZA states meet in Victoria Falls to align on elephant conservation and potential trade in elephant products, with EU funding earmarked to update plans, strengthen conservation, and support livelihoods. Critical Minerals Supply Chain: Sandvik lands a major order to expand underground mining at Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana, including remote monitoring and automation. AI & Creative Sector: Botswana is urged to fast-track rules on unregulated AI and piracy to protect the creative sector and cultural identity. Conservation Tech for Tourism: Goo-Moremi Resort receives giraffe tracking equipment to improve monitoring and visitor education. Future of Mining Summit 2026: Botswana’s mining leaders plan a late-June summit in Gaborone focused on investment, beneficiation, and transformation.

Wildlife & Conservation Diplomacy: KAZA TFCA’s 21st Joint Management Committee opened in Victoria Falls with Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe pushing a united position on elephant conservation and potential CITES trade in elephant products, alongside EU Natural Africa funding of €5m to update plans and support livelihoods. Climate & Weather Risk: Researchers warn that global warming is driving more frequent intense downpours and storms, while preparedness and local conditions decide how badly communities are hit. Botswana Tech Policy: Botswana’s broadcasting ministry warns that piracy and unregulated AI could erode the creative sector, urging stronger intellectual property protections to keep African stories and value in local hands. Mining & Critical Minerals: Botswana’s Future of Mining Summit 2026 (29–30 June, Gaborone) will focus on investment, beneficiation and exploration financing gaps, with the Kalahari Copper Belt highlighted as a key frontier. Conservation Tech in Botswana: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment (including real-time tracking and camera systems) to improve monitoring and visitor education. Energy & Industry: JCHX booked a Sandvik order for 45 underground mining machines for MMG’s Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana, with deliveries starting August 2026.

Botswana AI & IP Warning: Botswana’s broadcasting officials warn that piracy and unregulated AI could erode the creative sector and cultural identity, urging stronger intellectual property protections. Mining Tech in Botswana: JCHX has ordered a 45-unit underground mining equipment fleet from Sandvik for MMG’s Khoemacau Copper Mine (KCM), with deliveries starting August 2026 and running to 2030, including loaders, trucks, drill rigs and digital monitoring tools. Data Centre Services Expansion: Smart Hands Africa is now an authorised Services Partner for Supermicro, offering installation, configuration, break-fix support and maintenance across multiple African markets including Botswana. Conservation Tech in Botswana: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now—quad bikes, real-time tracking and camera systems—to improve monitoring, data collection and visitor education. Regional Tech & Skills: Armscor hosts 21 African scientists for an analytical chemistry course under the Chemical Weapons Convention, building lab capacity across member states. Robotics Funding (Africa tech): Genrobotics led a Rs 1 crore seed round into Kerala’s Estro Tech Robotics to accelerate AIoT and robotics for urban infrastructure.

Mining Transformation: Botswana’s Future of Mining Summit 2026 (29–30 June, Gaborone) will focus on investment, beneficiation and exploration financing gaps, with attention on the Kalahari Copper Belt and the role of the Exploration Investment Company Botswana (EICB). Digital Inclusion: A media brief highlights how telecoms like Kenya’s Safaricom and South Africa’s Vodacom have pushed accessibility for persons with disabilities, using assistive tech to narrow the digital divide. Wildlife Tech for Tourism: Goo-Moremi Resort received giraffe tracking equipment from Save Giraffes Now, including real-time tracking and camera systems to improve monitoring and visitor education. AI & Piracy Risks: Botswana warns that unregulated AI and piracy could erode the creative sector and cultural identity, urging stronger intellectual property protections. Botswana in Global Tech Services: Smart Hands Africa expands its Supermicro services partnership, covering installation, break-fix support and maintenance across multiple African territories including Botswana. Critical Minerals Supply Chain: JCHX booked a Sandvik order for 45 underground mining machines for MMG’s Khoemacau Copper Mine (KCM) in Botswana, with deliveries starting August 2026.

Wildlife Tech in Botswana: Goo-Moremi Resort received advanced giraffe tracking gear from Save Giraffes Now, including real-time tracking and camera systems, to help monitor movements, collect conservation data and improve animal health and safety—building on last year’s giraffe translocation. AI & Piracy Warning: Botswana’s broadcasting officials cautioned that unregulated AI and piracy could erode the creative sector, stressing stronger intellectual property protections to safeguard local creators and jobs. Mining Tech for KCM: JCHX booked a Sandvik order for 45 underground equipment units for MMG’s Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana, with deliveries starting August 2026 and running to April 2030, plus digital training and remote monitoring support. Battery Materials Update: Giyani Metals published a definitive feasibility study for its K.Hill battery-grade manganese project in Botswana, reporting post-tax NPV of US$481.5m (8% discount) and IRR of 20.3%, with plans to produce HPMSM and HPMO. Local Tech Business: Smart Hands Africa was named an authorised services partner for Supermicro, expanding installation, break-fix, maintenance and consulting services across multiple African territories including Botswana. Policy & Governance Context: Botswana Minerals appointed David Cockbill as a nonexecutive director, adding capital markets experience focused on natural resources and technology sectors.

Botswana AI & piracy warning: Botswana’s broadcasting officials say unregulated AI and piracy could erode the creative sector, urging stronger intellectual property protections to safeguard local film, music and storytelling. Mining tech in Botswana: JCHX has ordered a 45-unit underground equipment fleet from Sandvik for MMG’s Khoemacau Copper Mine, with deliveries starting Aug 2026 and running to 2030, including automation and remote monitoring tools. Battery materials push: Giyani Metals’ K.Hill battery-grade manganese project in Botswana has released a definitive feasibility study showing strong economics for producing high-purity manganese products, alongside plans to cut costs and lower carbon inputs. Regional tech services expansion: Smart Hands Africa is adding Supermicro to its portfolio as an authorised services partner, offering installation, break-fix support and maintenance across multiple African markets including Botswana. Science education in the region: Merck and the University of Zambia are running the Curiosity Cube mobile lab in Zambia, using hands-on synthetic biology activities to spark STEM interest. Wildlife conservation leadership: Tanzania’s wildlife biomass leadership is linked to its 2024/2025 national wildlife census and conservation planning, funded fully from domestic sources. World Cup health concern: US public health officials warn that major cuts and reduced global health capacity could raise infectious disease risks as teams and fans travel to World Cup host cities.

Public Health & Travel Risk: With the 2026 World Cup bringing millions of fans to US host cities, experts warn that weakened public health capacity could raise vulnerability to outbreaks like Ebola and measles. Media & Community Tech: Nwanyi FM marked its commemoration day, highlighting how multi-language broadcasting and faster tech-enabled information sharing help unite communities across Botswana and neighbouring countries. Culture & Learning Exchange: Botswana hosted the “Chinese Bridge” primary school finals in Gaborone, featuring language tests, speeches and performances run with the University of Botswana’s Confucius Institute. Digital Rights & Creative Economy: Botswana’s broadcasting officials warned that piracy and unregulated AI could erode creators’ income and cultural identity, urging stronger intellectual property protections. Botswana Minerals & Battery Supply Chain: Giyani Metals’ K.Hill battery-grade manganese project in Botswana received positive definitive feasibility study results, pointing to strong economics for HPMSM and HPMO production. Mining Tech in Botswana: JCHX booked a Sandvik order for 45 underground equipment units for MMG’s Khoemacau Copper Mine, with deliveries planned from August 2026. AI, Piracy & Policy: The same Botswana workshop stressed that protecting local stories and languages must be paired with enforceable rules for the digital ecosystem.

AI & IP Protection: Botswana’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for Broadcasting and Information Services Tshireletso Motlogelwa warned that piracy and unregulated AI could erode the creative sector and cultural identity, urging stronger intellectual property protections. Mining Tech in Botswana: JCHX booked a Sandvik order for a 45-unit underground equipment fleet for MMG’s Khoemacau Copper Mine (KCM), with deliveries starting Aug 2026 and running to Apr 2030, including loaders, trucks, drill rigs, raiseboring and monitoring tools. Data/Robotics Funding: Estro Tech Robotics raised a ₹1 crore seed round led by Genrobotics Innovations to accelerate robotics and AIoT solutions for utility and urban infrastructure management. Tech Services Expansion: Smart Hands Africa was appointed an authorised Supermicro services partner, offering installation, break-fix, maintenance, consulting and project-based infrastructure support across multiple African territories including Botswana. Energy Grid Hardware (Regional): South Africa-focused coverage highlights NECRT grid-connection units as key for renewable projects, underscoring the engineering demand behind cleaner-energy rollouts. Policy & Governance: Botswana Minerals appointed David Cockbill as a nonexecutive director, while broader regional reporting also spotlights constitutional and governance debates elsewhere in Africa.