🇧🇼BotswanaSouthern Africa
Business Botswana proposes solutions to fuel price crisis, engages government
via Mmegi1 min read
Business Botswana, the country's largest private sector lobby group, is engaging the government on the ongoing fuel price crisis, which has been exacerbated by the Middle East conflict. The organization is proposing several solutions, including a review of the exchange rate, temporary suspension of certain levies and subsidies, and a review of import restrictions. Business Botswana officials met with Trade and Entrepreneurship permanent secretary, Joel Ramaphoi, to discuss interventions aimed at reducing the impact of fuel price increases. Mpaphi Tsholofelo, Business Botswana's head of policy and research, stated that many businesses are already facing cost pressures, particularly from high importation expenses from suppliers and manufacturers.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Mmegi.
Four men, including a Zimbabwean national, were arrested in Flower Town ward in Mahalapye for illegally slaughtering a cow. The individuals, aged 33, 34, 36, and 53, were caught in the act on the outskirts of Flower Town. Their arrest comes amidst national restrictions prohibiting the slaughter of cloven-hoofed animals due to an ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak.
President Duma Boko, who is also the leader of the Botswana National Front, has strongly refuted claims that individuals must pay to gain access to him. Speaking at the party’s 60th-anniversary gala dinner in Tlokweng, Boko stated that such practices are corrupt and will not be tolerated. He encouraged anyone who has been asked for payment to report the incident to the Botswana Police. These remarks follow complaints from the public that some individuals close to the President have been demanding money from business people in exchange for access to him.
Between 2020 and 2024, Botswana recorded 1,003 cases of employee theft, predominantly during the COVID-19 period. Out of a total of P380,457,720 stolen, only P5,041,007.24 was restrained, and P887,000 was confiscated. Of the 1,003 reported cases, 168 were prosecuted, leading to 130 convictions out of 148 suspected individuals. These figures are detailed in the Botswana National Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment Report, the country's second national assessment, which utilized the World Bank Risk Assessment Tool to evaluate national threats, illicit proceeds, terrorist financing, and vulnerabilities.
Turmeric production in Botswana faces significant challenges due to high costs, limiting the participation of small farmers. Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship Baratiwa Mathoothe stated that a hectare of turmeric seeds costs about P64,000, with total input costs reaching approximately P300,000 per season. These costs include certification, traceability, production, and processing for the German export market. Access to finance is also a major obstacle, as many farmers struggle to secure loans for the required start-up capital. Despite these challenges, the Ministry has facilitated 160 farmers in turmeric production for the German export market through a partnership with a German company. However, only 24 farmers have successfully planted for the 2025-2026 season. Crops are currently at various growth stages, with harvesting anticipated between May and June, and export to Germany expected around August to September 2026.