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’s 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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Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana LEGABIBO recently hosted a media sensitisation workshop in Gaborone as part of its 'Lorato ke Lorato' campaign. The event gathered journalists and other media practitioners to discuss marriage equality, constitutional rights, ethical reporting, and the media's role in shaping public discourse on LGBTI+ issues. This initiative reflects Botswana’s evolving stance on LGBTI+ rights, following the 2019 High Court ruling decriminalising consensual same-sex acts, which was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2021 and led to the repeal of colonial-era penal code provisions. LEGABIBO’s CEO, Nozizwe Ntesang, underscored the workshop's aim to provide media sensitisation training, stating that “Every democracy is only as strong as the freedom of its media... media helps to bridge the gap between the perceptions of people,” highlighting the media's crucial role in democracy.
Legendary South African kwaito group Bongo Maffin will headline the 70s & 80s Disco Party this Saturday at the GICC. They replace Brothers of Peace BOP, who withdrew due to unforeseen travel documentation issues affecting some members. Promoter Bambi-elle Creations and The Grand Palm Resort stated they fulfilled all logistical, contractual, and administrative obligations for the artists' participation. Bongo Maffin is expected to bring electrifying performances and timeless hits to the event. This year's party will celebrate 70s and 80s music and culture, with a special 90s element to commemorate The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort's 30-year milestone. The lineup also includes local DJs such as DJ Lefatshe, DJ Mimi, DJ Bat’s Matash, DJ Frostbite, and DJ Jam-N-l.
Botswana is mourning the death of Simon Adolf Hirschfeld, the nation's first Motswana Police Commissioner. Hirschfeld, who served the Botswana Police Service for 39 years, passed away earlier this week. The Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa, released a statement expressing the government's deep sadness and described Hirschfeld as a distinguished son of Botswana whose legacy in shaping the country's policing system and security institutions will be remembered.
Must ReadBotswana's economy is projected to experience job losses, leading to historically high unemployment. Researchers at the Bank of Botswana indicate that modest employment gains in the public sector during early 2024 are likely to be reversed by job cuts in the private sector. This warning, detailed in the central bank's latest Monetary Policy Report, highlights an economy grappling with both cyclical decline and structural weaknesses. A key factor contributing to this crisis is the prolonged downturn in the diamond industry, which is a foundational sector of Botswana's economy and whose struggles are increasingly impacting the broader labor market.