Botswana launches oil and gas training program for youth and women
via Mmegi2 min read
More than 400 participants from all 61 constituencies gathered at BA ISAGO University on Monday, June 1, 2026, for the launch of the Botswana Youth, Women and Citizen BYWC Oil & Gas Training Programme. This national initiative aims to prepare citizens for opportunities in Botswana鈥檚 emerging energy sector while accelerating economic diversification, entrepreneurship, and citizen participation. The program is a partnership between Seth Resources Petroleum, BA ISAGO University, eMangweni Business Solutions, Botswana Oil Limited, and the Presidential Youth Empowerment Campaign PYEC. It seeks to equip youth, women, and citizen-owned enterprises with practical knowledge, technical skills, and business opportunities across the oil and gas value chain. Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs Lesego Chombo officially launched the program, describing it as a national mission to position Batswana at the center of future economic opportunities. Chombo stated that the project is a covenant between the state and citizens, designed to capacitate people to take ownership of emerging industries, create jobs, drive innovation, and ensure national wealth benefits all. She noted that while Botswana's development has relied on diamonds for six decades, the country cannot depend on the same economic model for the next 60 years. Chombo emphasized the government's vision to build a diversified, export-driven, and people-centered economy where every citizen participates meaningfully in national develop
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Former Botswana Democratic Party BDP secretary-general Kavis Kario is reportedly being considered by party structures in Maun West as a potential parliamentary candidate for the 2029 General Election. This development comes as the BDP aims to regain constituencies lost in the 2024 polls, with some party members advocating for early campaign preparations. BDP president Mpho Balopi previously suggested holding primary elections two years before the general election to allow candidates more time to establish themselves. Sources indicate Kario has been meeting with local party structures after transferring his membership to Maun West from Ngami. While no official endorsement has been made, influential members are reportedly supporting him. Proponents of this early engagement believe it allows candidates to familiarize themselves with the constituency and build relationships with residents. However, some BDP members express concern that openly lobbying for one candidate years before the primaries could create an uneven playing field and discourage other aspiring contestants, potentially impacting internal democracy. Kario declined to comment on the speculation, calling it an internal party matter.
A group of 168 residents from Bodungwane, led by Ompegile Ratsie, Gofaone Leburu, Lorato Leburu, and Bonolo Modise, has filed an urgent application with the High Court to prevent their eviction from land they claim their families have occupied for over a century. The residents, represented by Ndzinge Makhamisa Law Group, are challenging the Kgatleng Land Board, the Bodungwane Farmlands Borehole Syndicate, seven members of the syndicate, and Deputy Sheriff Lotty Manyepetsa. In an affidavit before Justice Ranier Busang of the Lobatse High Court, Ratsie states that the threatened eviction violates their constitutional rights and disregards legal procedures requiring a hearing before removal from occupied land. The residents assert that their homes, livestock, fields, and graves are in Bodungwane and they have no alternative place to go. They trace their occupation back to approximately 1901 when Kgosi Isang Pilane reportedly allocated the land to their ancestors under customary law. Ratsie argues that the applicants are descendants of Basarwa families who have continuously occupied the area since before the modern land administration system was established, and the lack of formal Land Board allocation certificates does not render them illegal occupiers.
The Botswana Congress Party BCP is experiencing significant internal divisions as it prepares for its elective conference. Once known for calm internal contests, the main opposition party is now marked by open factional battles and public campaigning by rival teams, raising concerns about unity before the 2029 General Election. The conference will elect new national leadership, with members appearing more divided than in the past. The BCP's tradition of avoiding personal attacks during internal elections has eroded due to open rivalry, with competing camps mobilizing support through organized teams, public meetings, and media engagements. Appeals from senior party leaders for issue-based campaigns have had little impact, as campaign rhetoric has intensified. A key contest is for the vice president position, where incumbent Taolo Lucas is defending his role against Member of Parliament Unity Dow. Dow's supporters, campaigning under the slogan "Re Motia," advocate for fresh leadership to reposition the BCP for the 2029 national polls, believing new faces will attract voters and strengthen electoral prospects.