Botswana aims for large-scale electric vehicle production by next month
via Mmegi3 min read
Botswana is preparing for large-scale Electric Vehicle EV production, targeting next month for the scale-up. This development was announced at the Second Metallurgy Hub Consultative Forum in Selebi-Phikwe. Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Baratiwa Mathoothe, stated that the country has moved beyond planning and is now in the operational execution phase of its electric mobility sector. The government has already installed a Semi Knocked Down assembly plant for electric vehicles, following the launch of pilot vehicles in 2024.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Mmegi.
The Court of Appeal CoA in Botswana has ruled in favor of Nova Africa in the legal dispute over the sale of Mupane Gold Mine, setting aside a High Court interdict previously secured by Ulsan Botswana. The CoA judges criticized Ulsan Botswana, referring to them as a "grumpy loser intent on frustrating the liquidation process." The legal battle began last year after creditors approved the sale of the mine to Nova Africa for $21 million. Ulsan Botswana, a rival bidder, had offered an upfront $500,000 and up to P10 million pending further assessment. Ulsan had secured an interdict in October, citing technical irregularities in the award to Nova. The CoA bench upheld the appeal filed by the liquidator, Kopanang Thekiso, and Nova Africa, and set aside the interim interdict with costs.
Attorney General Dick Bayford has highlighted the increasing financial burden of government litigation, advocating for a shift from reactive dispute management to proactive prevention. Speaking at a workshop on the Public Service Act No. 5 of 2026 and conditions of service, organized by the Directorate of Public Service Management DPSM, Bayford emphasized that the current method of addressing legal issues only after they emerge is unsustainable. He stated that an effective government lawyer is one who prevents disputes from arising, rather than merely winning cases in court, stressing the need to prevent governance failures before they lead to litigation.
The spread of Foot and Mouth Disease FMD in southern Botswana highlights a critical need for increased public cooperation, according to an editorial. The situation has reached a point where prisoners are being asked to assist in building fences, signaling a strain on government resources and a lack of public adherence to preventative measures. This echoes the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where non-compliance led to significant economic and social costs. Acting Minister of Agriculture Dr. Edwin Dikoloti has appealed to farmers to implement basic measures, such as using tree branches to close border gaps, allowing veterinary officers onto their land for inspections, and reporting suspicious animal movements. However, some farmers have reportedly chased away officers or moved their cattle out of containment zones before restrictions are enforced. The editorial emphasizes that such actions are not only foolish but also a betrayal of farmers who are diligently following protocols, as a single infected animal can spread poverty nationwide.
Acting Minister of Agriculture Dr Edwin Dikoloti announced plans to involve prisoners in building a new containment fence to combat Foot and Mouth Disease in Southern Botswana. This initiative addresses the government's resource shortages in fighting the disease. Dr Kefentse Motshegwa, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Livestock Farming, has begun discussions with prison officials to utilize skilled prisoners for this construction project. The announcement was made during a Kgotla meeting in Otse.